I've noticed that my key is getting weaker and weaker. I have to be progressively closer to the car to get the doors to unlock. I think my battery is going dead. I have a mid-03 Cooper so I'm not sure if the "ignition recharging" applies to my keys. I have used up both keys to about the same point.

I have to point the key at the car from no more than 15 feet with no obstructions between. Even if I'm 3 feet away with the key in my pocket, the key must be on the side of my body closest to the car to work.

Does anyone know if this indicates a dying battery? Can I change it myself without taking it to the dealer? What battery does it take?

 

The battery is in your key. Probably needs to be replaced.

 

The key takes a standard CR2032 calculator battery. Just pry off the back and the battery change is a snap. To pry the back off, hold the metal part in your hand and look down to the plastic of the key, there is a groove between the 2 pieces of the shell that allows you to pry it off, you can use your fingernail, but you might need a pocketknife or flat screwdriver the first couple of times.

Here is a camera phone picture of mine open.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...3&d=1118752532

 

Awesome LeeL. I bet there's several of us that have the 1st gen key and need to do this pretty soon.

 

Thanks for the info on the battery. I didn't want to crack one open and find out I have to have my key reprogrammed at the dealer after switching the battery. That would really torque me off!

I just used a metal ruler to open mine... what is the little black do-hickey in the cap? Looks like some sort of chip but has no connection to the board on the key. Just curious

 

That's the security chip which gets interrogated when you
try to start the car.

 

If your battery dies on your 04-05 keys, there a procedure on reprogramming the remote function without having to go to the dealer.

YOU HAVE TO DO THIS PRETTY QUICK

1, Get IN the car and shut all doors and make sure the locks are in the unlocked postion.

2, Put the key in the ignition and turn it till the IDIOT lights come on ( DO NOT START ) and take it right back out.

3, While holding the UNLOCK button press the LOCK button THREE times and then relase the UNLOCK button....The door locks should lock n then unlock to know you got it right.

4, If you have more than one remote, just follow step 3 only. You only need to cycle the key once ( STEP 2 ) in the ignition the first time.

 

Great tip! Thanks! I replaced my 2003 battery and signal is back to normal! I only had a slight hesitation the first time I hit the button.

Thanks again!
-J