MINI2

mini2max3 · Nov 15th, 2003, 07:50 PM

Really enjoying my new '04 Cooper S...awesome car!

One really annoying item, wondering if any one knows how to disable...is the noise/alarm that is made when the key is left in the ignition and the driver door is open. I know this a typical item on cars but for some reason on this car it's really annoying and loud. I'm not sure the point of this feature is anyway, I don't lock the car without the keys in my hand.

I seems the alarm/speaker is behind the stereo area, or somewhere under the driver side dash.

Anyone know how/where to kill this thing?

Thanks!

tip · Nov 15th, 2003, 09:30 PM

Easy, Don't leave the key in the ignition. Mine will usually stop if you pull the key hlf way out. it is the chip in the key fob that is doing it. If you place the black part of the key against the key hole it will start to ping even if the key is not inserted.

Charles

markjenn · Nov 15th, 2003, 10:20 PM

The alarm function is simply to warn you that you're getting out of the car with the key left in it which, of course, is a situation where you could lock the keys in the car and is an invitation to theft.

There may be a way to disable it, but it seems like the easiest solution is to simply remove the key when you leave the car - it's really a pretty good habit anyway.

- Mark

mini2max3 · Nov 16th, 2003, 10:21 AM

Stupid question I guess...I understand the point of the alert and that removing the key stops it.

I just like leaving the keys in my cars when they're parked in the garage. Also when I'm cleaning the interior, or taking stuff out of the car, need to remove the key to shut up the car, etc. I just keep finding myself in situations where I need to remove the key but don't want to.

Guess I'm used to my older sports cars that don't have all the electronic crap. Will just change my habits...nevermind and thanks!

ALD0 · Nov 16th, 2003, 01:01 PM

Mine hasn't got this Bing Bing Bing

Goonery · Nov 16th, 2003, 01:12 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by mini2max3

Really enjoying my new '04 Cooper S...awesome car!

One really annoying item, wondering if any one knows how to disable...is the noise/alarm that is made when the key is left in the ignition and the driver door is open. I know this a typical item on cars but for some reason on this car it's really annoying and loud. I'm not sure the point of this feature is anyway, I don't lock the car without the keys in my hand.

I seems the alarm/speaker is behind the stereo area, or somewhere under the driver side dash.

Anyone know how/where to kill this thing?

Thanks!

Try leaving the key in position 1, that should stop it, alternatively the 'gong show' can be disabled by your dealer. I would advise against disconnecting it, as it has other functions which might be disrupted if the circuit is broken

GMINI · Nov 16th, 2003, 01:57 PM

I've been closing the driver door and working from other angles just to avoid the noise. Why do I have to have my keys in my pocket all the time? I agree. The noise has got to go. I have absolutely NO chance of locking the key in the car. The frickin dealer has to do a song and dance just to lock it in there.

Lucebel · Nov 17th, 2003, 11:46 AM

I thought the 2004 models auto-lock after two minutes of no activity? Or does that only happen when the keys are not in the ignition? (pulling it halfway out should not stop it from locking though..)

GMINI · Nov 17th, 2003, 02:07 PM

Don't know about that...

mini2max3 · Nov 17th, 2003, 05:22 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Lucebel

I thought the 2004 models auto-lock after two minutes of no activity? Or does that only happen when the keys are not in the ignition? (pulling it halfway out should not stop it from locking though..)

No...the autolock doesn't work exactly like that. Two scenarios:

1. Leave key in ignition after driving, leave the car. Car *does not* autolock.

2. Leave the car with the key, lock the doors with the remote, then unlock the doors again with the remote. If you do not open the doors within 2 minutes the doors *do* autolock.

Not sure what the point is of that but that is what I've observed. I guess maybe when walking away from the car you could accidentally hit unlock instead of lock, then when the doors are not opened it does the 2 minute lock to be safe.

So pulling the key halfway out or leaving it in doesn't matter. Also regarding pulling they key halfway out to stop the noise, doesn't work well for me...I have to have the key out about 9/10th's out to get out of range of the sensor...so far that it almost falls out.

GMINI - we're on the same page here...I can't stand the noise and like to leave my key in the car.

Goonery's suggestion about having the dealer disable it may be best if they can actually do it through the computer...I wonder if that is actually possible...if I don't find a solution before the first trip back to the dealer I'll ask them about it.

stryder · Nov 17th, 2003, 05:30 PM

You basically said the point of autolocking. You lock the car, then accidently unlock it. It locks for you. Also useful if you have the key in the house and hit unlock accidently (or someone else does), you don't need to go running to the garage or street and check that its locked.

mini2max3 · Nov 17th, 2003, 05:38 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by stryder

You basically said the point of autolocking. You lock the car, then accidently unlock it. It locks for you. Also useful if you have the key in the house and hit unlock accidently (or someone else does), you don't need to go running to the garage or street and check that its locked.

Yeah...I guess I don't care much for all these features that assume I'm a moron. Lock the doors for me in case I screw up, sound an alarm when I leave the key in the car, etc...

stryder · Nov 17th, 2003, 05:46 PM

It doesn't imply you're a moron, more of implies someone might be. Like if you have kids and they play with your keys. Or something hits your keys in your pocket, etc. But I get your point. I think autolocking can be unprogrammed, and hopefully (not that I mind it, but choice is good) key in ingition warning can be as well. I think of the nice features of the MINI is its programming. Most cars in the price range and below would just subject you to whatever they decided was best without any choice.

gtshnzr · Nov 17th, 2003, 07:09 PM

I seem to recall that the key alarm noise was programmable on the 2003's. Maybe the dealer can disable it for you. This is the "option" the dealer gave me on the pre-delivery checklist:
"-Leaving key in ignition will cause speakers to ding"

NEMINI · Nov 17th, 2003, 07:21 PM

I don't see any purpose to leaving the key in the ignition ... in the old days I always removed the door dinger because I liked to listen to the radio while cleaning and vacuuming the car out, but the MINI doesn't require a key for radio usage (though I wish I could disable to auto off after 20 minutes)

mini2max3 · Nov 17th, 2003, 07:37 PM

stryder - you're right...it is very cool that we have choice to configure these kinds of items on our cars...wish I could do it myself though without having to go to the dealer...but then again for most of us it's probably a set once and never change again kind of thing. Makes me wonder if anyone has figured out how to hack these configuration changes with a laptop and some home brew configuration software.

Based off "gtshnzr's" comments regarding him having that as a checklist item from his dealer...that pretty much confirms it for me it must be configurable without clipping wires and such...very cool.

GMINI03, there are scenarios where one may want to leave the key in the ignition, we all use our cars differently.

NEMINI · Nov 17th, 2003, 07:39 PM

mini2max3 - fair enough I am just curious what those might be, I thought about it and didn't come up with anything for myself

mini2max3 · Nov 17th, 2003, 07:57 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI03

mini2max3 - fair enough I am just curious what those might be, I thought about it and didn't come up with anything for myself

I leave the keys in my car when parked in my garage. My garage is a locked closed garage, not an outdoor open carport or parking lot. I'm not worried about theft. I see no point in taking the keys out, putting them in my pocket or hanging them on a key ring inside the house when later I have to figure out what pant pocket I left the key in, or walk back into the house to get the key off the ring, etc. And when I get in and out of the car each time hearing DING!!, DING!!, DING!!, DING!!everytime gets really annoying.

Maybe that sounds petty but that's my preference. The ding must die.

NEMINI · Nov 17th, 2003, 08:02 PM

fair enough, thought about just dropping then in one of the cup holders? no ding and they are still in the car ... just trying to help if there is no joy in unprogramming it.

mini2max3 · Nov 17th, 2003, 08:15 PM

GMINI03 you're a funny dude. Relentless. I'll have it reprogrammed now that I know that is an option...fair enough.

Nov 15th, 2003, 07:50 PM	#1
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	Key in ignition, ding!ding!ding! make it stop! Really enjoying my new '04 Cooper S...awesome car! One really annoying item, wondering if any one knows how to disable...is the noise/alarm that is made when the key is left in the ignition and the driver door is open. I know this a typical item on cars but for some reason on this car it's really annoying and loud. I'm not sure the point of this feature is anyway, I don't lock the car without the keys in my hand. I seems the alarm/speaker is behind the stereo area, or somewhere under the driver side dash. Anyone know how/where to kill this thing? Thanks!

Nov 15th, 2003, 09:30 PM	#2 (permalink)
tip Motor On! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Toronto Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 830 Offline	Easy, Don't leave the key in the ignition. Mine will usually stop if you pull the key hlf way out. it is the chip in the key fob that is doing it. If you place the black part of the key against the key hole it will start to ping even if the key is not inserted. Charles BRG/W MCS

Nov 16th, 2003, 01:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
ALD0 Hacked the IBUS Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cheshire Local Time: 12:50 AM Posts: 9,202 Offline	Mine hasn't got this Bing Bing Bing http://www.becardsmart.org.uk/

Nov 16th, 2003, 01:57 PM	#7 (permalink)
GMINI MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Western Connecticut Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 7,162 Offline	I've been closing the driver door and working from other angles just to avoid the noise. Why do I have to have my keys in my pocket all the time? I agree. The noise has got to go. I have absolutely NO chance of locking the key in the car. The frickin dealer has to do a song and dance just to lock it in there. NY/NE Mod

Nov 17th, 2003, 05:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	You basically said the point of autolocking. You lock the car, then accidently unlock it. It locks for you. Also useful if you have the key in the house and hit unlock accidently (or someone else does), you don't need to go running to the garage or street and check that its locked. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

MINI2

Fuel for your MINI obsession

Use this forum to discuss MINI topics which are not related to other forums. Posts may be moved from here to alternative forums by the moderators without notice

Today
Sponsors	Sponsored Links Registered members do not see Google Ads posts, they can also post messages, pictures, and classified adverts. Register your free account today and become a member of MINI2 - MINI Forum

Nov 15th, 2003, 10:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
markjenn MINI2 Regular Join Date: Oct 2003 Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 260 Offline	The alarm function is simply to warn you that you're getting out of the car with the key left in it which, of course, is a situation where you could lock the keys in the car and is an invitation to theft. There may be a way to disable it, but it seems like the easiest solution is to simply remove the key when you leave the car - it's really a pretty good habit anyway. - Mark

Nov 16th, 2003, 10:21 AM	#4 (permalink)
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	Stupid question I guess...I understand the point of the alert and that removing the key stops it. I just like leaving the keys in my cars when they're parked in the garage. Also when I'm cleaning the interior, or taking stuff out of the car, need to remove the key to shut up the car, etc. I just keep finding myself in situations where I need to remove the key but don't want to. Guess I'm used to my older sports cars that don't have all the electronic crap. Will just change my habits...nevermind and thanks!

Nov 16th, 2003, 01:12 PM	#6 (permalink)
Goonery 6X therapist My Classifieds Join Date: Aug 2003 Local Time: 12:50 AM Posts: 13,658 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by mini2max3 Really enjoying my new '04 Cooper S...awesome car! One really annoying item, wondering if any one knows how to disable...is the noise/alarm that is made when the key is left in the ignition and the driver door is open. I know this a typical item on cars but for some reason on this car it's really annoying and loud. I'm not sure the point of this feature is anyway, I don't lock the car without the keys in my hand. I seems the alarm/speaker is behind the stereo area, or somewhere under the driver side dash. Anyone know how/where to kill this thing? Thanks! Try leaving the key in position 1, that should stop it, alternatively the 'gong show' can be disabled by your dealer. I would advise against disconnecting it, as it has other functions which might be disrupted if the circuit is broken

Nov 17th, 2003, 11:46 AM	#8 (permalink)
Lucebel involuntary workaholic Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: working, to pay mini Local Time: 02:50 AM Posts: 695 Offline	I thought the 2004 models auto-lock after two minutes of no activity? Or does that only happen when the keys are not in the ignition? (pulling it halfway out should not stop it from locking though..)

Nov 17th, 2003, 02:07 PM	#9 (permalink)
GMINI MINI2 Global Moderator Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Western Connecticut Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 7,162 Offline	Don't know about that...

Nov 17th, 2003, 05:22 PM	#10 (permalink)
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by Lucebel I thought the 2004 models auto-lock after two minutes of no activity? Or does that only happen when the keys are not in the ignition? (pulling it halfway out should not stop it from locking though..) No...the autolock doesn't work exactly like that. Two scenarios: 1. Leave key in ignition after driving, leave the car. Car does not autolock. 2. Leave the car with the key, lock the doors with the remote, then unlock the doors again with the remote. If you do not open the doors within 2 minutes the doors do autolock. Not sure what the point is of that but that is what I've observed. I guess maybe when walking away from the car you could accidentally hit unlock instead of lock, then when the doors are not opened it does the 2 minute lock to be safe. So pulling the key halfway out or leaving it in doesn't matter. Also regarding pulling they key halfway out to stop the noise, doesn't work well for me...I have to have the key out about 9/10th's out to get out of range of the sensor...so far that it almost falls out. GMINI - we're on the same page here...I can't stand the noise and like to leave my key in the car. Goonery's suggestion about having the dealer disable it may be best if they can actually do it through the computer...I wonder if that is actually possible...if I don't find a solution before the first trip back to the dealer I'll ask them about it.

Nov 17th, 2003, 05:38 PM	#12 (permalink)
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by stryder You basically said the point of autolocking. You lock the car, then accidently unlock it. It locks for you. Also useful if you have the key in the house and hit unlock accidently (or someone else does), you don't need to go running to the garage or street and check that its locked. Yeah...I guess I don't care much for all these features that assume I'm a moron. Lock the doors for me in case I screw up, sound an alarm when I leave the key in the car, etc...

Nov 17th, 2003, 05:46 PM	#13 (permalink)
stryder Sponsor/Moderator/Other Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Cleveland Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 3,267 Offline	It doesn't imply you're a moron, more of implies someone might be. Like if you have kids and they play with your keys. Or something hits your keys in your pocket, etc. But I get your point. I think autolocking can be unprogrammed, and hopefully (not that I mind it, but choice is good) key in ingition warning can be as well. I think of the nice features of the MINI is its programming. Most cars in the price range and below would just subject you to whatever they decided was best without any choice. Magic 8-ball was correct. All be in awe of Magic 8 ball.

Nov 17th, 2003, 07:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
gtshnzr MINI2 Senior Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: green oaks Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 509 Offline	I seem to recall that the key alarm noise was programmable on the 2003's. Maybe the dealer can disable it for you. This is the "option" the dealer gave me on the pre-delivery checklist: "-Leaving key in ignition will cause speakers to ding" Early is on time; On time is late.

Nov 17th, 2003, 07:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
NEMINI NEMINI.org Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 7,866 Offline	I don't see any purpose to leaving the key in the ignition ... in the old days I always removed the door dinger because I liked to listen to the radio while cleaning and vacuuming the car out, but the MINI doesn't require a key for radio usage (though I wish I could disable to auto off after 20 minutes) NEMINI.org, NEMINI.us, NEMINI.info, NYMINI.org

Nov 17th, 2003, 07:37 PM	#16 (permalink)
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	stryder - you're right...it is very cool that we have choice to configure these kinds of items on our cars...wish I could do it myself though without having to go to the dealer...but then again for most of us it's probably a set once and never change again kind of thing. Makes me wonder if anyone has figured out how to hack these configuration changes with a laptop and some home brew configuration software. Based off "gtshnzr's" comments regarding him having that as a checklist item from his dealer...that pretty much confirms it for me it must be configurable without clipping wires and such...very cool. GMINI03, there are scenarios where one may want to leave the key in the ignition, we all use our cars differently.

Nov 17th, 2003, 07:39 PM	#17 (permalink)
NEMINI NEMINI.org Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 7,866 Offline	mini2max3 - fair enough I am just curious what those might be, I thought about it and didn't come up with anything for myself NEMINI.org, NEMINI.us, NEMINI.info, NYMINI.org

Nov 17th, 2003, 07:57 PM	#18 (permalink)
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by GMINI03 mini2max3 - fair enough I am just curious what those might be, I thought about it and didn't come up with anything for myself I leave the keys in my car when parked in my garage. My garage is a locked closed garage, not an outdoor open carport or parking lot. I'm not worried about theft. I see no point in taking the keys out, putting them in my pocket or hanging them on a key ring inside the house when later I have to figure out what pant pocket I left the key in, or walk back into the house to get the key off the ring, etc. And when I get in and out of the car each time hearing DING!!, DING!!, DING!!, DING!!everytime gets really annoying. Maybe that sounds petty but that's my preference. The ding must die.

Nov 17th, 2003, 08:02 PM	#19 (permalink)
NEMINI NEMINI.org Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 07:50 PM Posts: 7,866 Offline	fair enough, thought about just dropping then in one of the cup holders? no ding and they are still in the car ... just trying to help if there is no joy in unprogramming it. NEMINI.org, NEMINI.us, NEMINI.info, NYMINI.org

Nov 17th, 2003, 08:15 PM	#20 (permalink)
mini2max3 MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: San Diego, CA Local Time: 05:50 PM Posts: 19 Offline	GMINI03 you're a funny dude. Relentless. I'll have it reprogrammed now that I know that is an option...fair enough.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
I have a ding!	tahoskier	Faults & Fixes	1	Apr 26th, 2006 05:58 PM
Tell us about your first ding...	bryfliesme	General Discussion	40	Mar 29th, 2004 12:48 AM
Ding Question	kfmuller	Faults & Fixes	2	Feb 8th, 2004 03:08 PM