Electrical - Battery Discharges With Key In Ignition
SI M 61 13 06General Electrical Systems
October 2006
Technical Service
This Service Information bulletin supersedes S.M. M61 200 04 dated May 2004.
SUBJECT
Battery Discharge with Key Inserted in Ignition Lock
MODEL
R50 (Cooper), R53 (Cooper S)
SITUATION
There is a possibility of the battery eventually discharging if the driver leaves the vehicle parked up for a long period without removing the key from the ignition lock completely.
CAUSE
If the key is not removed from the ignition lock completely (semi-removed status), there is a critical distance between the key and the ring antenna where the EWS will detect statuses permanently changing between "key inserted" and "key removed". This will result in a permanent closed circuit current of approximately 800mA.
PROCEDURE
In the event of a complaint, explain to customer that he should either leave the key fully in the ignition lock or remove the key from the ignition lock completely.
Parts replacement does not provide a remedy.