Central locking/ car starting problem in cold/ wet weather

[C & C mini]

Hi,

This is my first post on this website but I can't find a solution for this problem.

I have a 51 plate Mini Cooper, last winter I was experiencing problems where when it was a really cold day the car wouldn't unlock using the central locking so I would use the key to open the car.

When I would unlock the car in this way I would place the key in the ignition turn it over as you normally would, the car wouldn't do anything for about 10 seconds then would start up.

When it starts the car lights come on even though they are not switched on, the heaters won't work, the windscreen wipers won't work and the passenger door won't unlock. After approximately 30 secs of the car runnin these subside the lights go off, heaters work, wipers work and passenger door unlocks.

This year it is even worse..!!

Any suggestions will be grateful, I just don't know what to do with it?

Many thanks

[The Nun]

Battery low voltage gives problems like you are experiencing, maybe time for a new one?

[C & C mini]

Hi thank you for you reply. I had a replacement battery last year but following your suggestion I thought I may have had a dud, however I have checked this today and battery is ok and is holding a charge. Any other suggestions?

[AdrianS]

Damp in the body control module - dry it with a hair dryer carefully.

Early ones prone to getting wet/damp and will give all sorts of weird symptoms.