I wonder if your key just lost sync with the car. They are programmable but I dont know how on the MINI... I know on BMWs... maybe someone knows how to program the key fob of a MINI and can chime in.

Since yours is a 05 and have the 3 buttons maybe you can try it and see if it works... it wont or shouldnt do any harm... It will still start the car because this lock coding has nothing to do with the immobilizer chip inside the key.

BMW Key Programming Instructions



My key is the re-chargeable, non-replaceable battery type and has 3 buttons: 1) unlock 2) lock 3) open trunk
The lock or center button has the BMW roundel.

After much experimentation, I found a procedure that worked and would like to share it:

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ingition and turn off quickly.

3) Remove the 1st key (do not keep it in the ignition as someone suggested).

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote reciever antenna - someone else suggested this as well)

5) Hold down the unlock button (which is button 1 on my key) and press the lock button 3 times (center button on my key). Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.



Another Version:

Remote Key Re-Initialise - If a key fails to operate remotely, it will have to be re-initialised (all keys in sequence at the same time)

- Get in and “close all doors”

- Turn ignition on & off quickly (no more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds

- First key - hold down button #2 (unlock) while striking button #1 (lock) three times. Release button #2. Confirmed by door lock operation.

- Repeat for second key within 30 seconds of first.

- After last key then cycle the ignition on/off to finalise the process (not necessary to start the engine.


Both keys should now have new "randomly selected" security "code words" - asigned by the car's system.
Those codes will be continuously incremented within the new sequence each time you hit a button. It is when they get out of sequence with the car that they loose the capability to be recognised and you then have to do this again.

That occurs when you take longer than 1 minute changing the battery, or if you hit buttons more often the 1000 times when it is out of range of the car.

 

Well, I have tried initializing the keys according to the '04 manual to no avail and have not found a blown fuse. Any ideas anyone?

 

I wonder if your key just lost sync with the car. They are programmable but I dont know how on the MINI... I know on BMWs... maybe someone knows how to program the key fob of a MINI and can chime in.

Since yours is a 05 and have the 3 buttons maybe you can try it and see if it works... it wont or shouldnt do any harm... It will still start the car because this lock coding has nothing to do with the immobilizer chip inside the key.

BMW Key Programming Instructions



My key is the re-chargeable, non-replaceable battery type and has 3 buttons: 1) unlock 2) lock 3) open trunk
The lock or center button has the BMW roundel.

After much experimentation, I found a procedure that worked and would like to share it:

1) Get in and close all doors.

2) Turn on the ingition and turn off quickly.

3) Remove the 1st key (do not keep it in the ignition as someone suggested).

4) Hold the key up near your left shoulder (this is so it is closer to the remote reciever antenna - someone else suggested this as well)

5) Hold down the unlock button (which is button 1 on my key) and press the lock button 3 times (center button on my key). Release the unlock button and the doors lock which confirms the operation.

6) Quickly repeat steps 4 & 5 for key #2 etc.



Another Version:

Remote Key Re-Initialise - If a key fails to operate remotely, it will have to be re-initialised (all keys in sequence at the same time)

- Get in and “close all doors”

- Turn ignition on & off quickly (no more than 5 seconds) to start the process. Next action must take place within 30 seconds

- First key - hold down button #2 (unlock) while striking button #1 (lock) three times. Release button #2. Confirmed by door lock operation.

- Repeat for second key within 30 seconds of first.

- After last key then cycle the ignition on/off to finalise the process (not necessary to start the engine.


Both keys should now have new "randomly selected" security "code words" - asigned by the car's system.
Those codes will be continuously incremented within the new sequence each time you hit a button. It is when they get out of sequence with the car that they loose the capability to be recognised and you then have to do this again.

That occurs when you take longer than 1 minute changing the battery, or if you hit buttons more often the 1000 times when it is out of range of the car.

This is a thread I posted recently about the problems with keys:

"Hi guys

my keyless remote key stops working. I figured this out quit a while ago but havent had a chance to post a question about it.
I opened up the key and tested with new batteries. Sometimes the little LED light inside the key was on (which indicates that the key transmits signal) but most of the time it stays off when pressed.

Before anyone making any jusgement, I never put my key close to any magnets such as mobile phones and speakers and any other electrical stuff. I always put the key on its own in my pocket.

Any1 had the same problem? any fixes?

PS: I bought my car 2 years ago and didnt have the problem until last year..and yes my car is ut of warranty"

My key is the old one (2-button key, lock and unlock function only) and it uses the non-rechargable battery (the big round flat battery)

I tried the 2nd method, but after the release of button #2, there was no confirmation action (no locking doors). The strange thing is, now my central locking mechanism is playing up. It unlocks as normal but doesnt lock the other 2 doors (passenger side and the trunk lid). When I start the car, it comes back to normal.

What did I do wrong?

 

Thanks a ton

I was searching for a fix for an out of sync key for a friends 05 MINI, sure enough the second method worked and now both keys work! It is a 3 button key like the BMW keys. Thanks for the fix!

 

tryed both options and neither worked, looks like a trip to the dealers tomorrow.

 

An old post this is but im gonna try it on my car now and see if it works

 

YAY it works!

Thanks so much people!