I have an 03 S that just developed a very strange problem. Regardless of the status of the car (running, off, off and key removed) the pasenger side running lights front and back remain on. Nothing I have been able to do will allow me to turn off these lights. I have not even been able to find the proper fuse to remove power to the parking lights. Has anyone else had a similar problem or know of a fix short of pulling the battery and running to Mini for an over priced diagnosis?

 

I would suspect a faulty light / turn signal switch...

 

you are in the 07 area.

 

Could it be the feature that leaves the parking lights on on one side if you flick the turn signal lever for that side with the engine off but the key still in? I read that in Europe, that feature is mandatory for parking on the narrow streets. Check your owner's manual but don't discount that it could be a bad turn signal switch as BlimeyCabrio said. Good luck!

 

Thanks Warped1966,
Already checked that I can turn on that option on the driverside but the passenger side remains on. I addition to the first problem now I have the driver side brake light on all of the time. I just think i picked up a gremlin somewhere. The problem is now, How do I get rid of it?

 

Wow - could be two separate problems... if they're related it would have to be the Body Control Module perhaps... ? MINI Mechanic time...

 

Blimey,
Discovered cause of the problem but not specific problem. The sun roof drain holes are draining into the car via the passenger a pillar and into the passenger floor board. There is a junction box or electronic module or something just under where the bonnet release sits behind the plastic panel. I'm not sure what its function is but it looks to have every wire in the entire car going into it. Anyhow that appears to have gotten soaked and may have been dammaged. I am bringing it to mini in the morning.

BTW the brake light symptom went away

Thanks
Paul

 

I have the EXACT SAME PROBLEM happening right now to my MINI, and it is really frustrating. I have to disconnect the battery after every use, or it'll drain, because the lights are constantly on, and really bright, even with the key completely removed from the ignition!

My problem first started after I went through a car wash. I think somehow some water got to the body control module and there's a short. Unfortunately, I live 2.5 hours from my dealership, so it'll be hard to get it in there anytime soon.

Can anyone tell me how to access the body control module? Any how-to's out there that have pictures, describing how to get to it?

Maybe I can put a hair dryer on the thing, and dry it out...

Any other suggestions?

PC, is there any update on your situation since your last post on this subject?