Keyless Entry - Remote Control and Comfort Access Inop.

SI M66 01 12
Distance Systems, Cruise Control, Remote Control

March 2012
Technical Service

This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI M66 01 12 dated February 2012.

[NEW] designates changes to this revision

SUBJECT
Remote Control and Comfort Access/Passive Go Is Inoperative

MODEL
All

[NEW] Vehicles with remote control keys that have a replaceable battery

SITUATION
The radio remote control and Comfort Access functionality is inoperative:

^ The vehicle can only be unlocked or locked with the mechanical key.

^ The vehicle can only be started with the remote control key in the slot of the Car Access System (CAS) or when held very closely to the steering column.

^ No check control message is displayed indicating a remote control battery is discharged

CAUSE
The replaceable battery in the radio remote control key is either damaged or depleted.

CORRECTION
Step A:

A defective/depleted battery in the remote control key will mimic that no battery is installed in the remote control key; therefore, no check control message will be displayed. This is why it is imperative to test the battery in the remote control key first.

Testing showed that even when performing diagnosis and following the test plan for the battery charge/voltage status check offered in ISTA, a damaged/depleted battery will not be recognized.

As a result, follow the recommendation below without performing a vehicle test:

1. [NEW] Check the battery functionality by removing the original key battery in the key and install a known good key battery; or, even better, use a battery tester called state of charge (e.g., ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1) to test the key battery capacity.

2. Retest the functionality of the remote control key.

3. When proper functionality is confirmed, replace the batteries on all assigned remote control keys for the vehicle.

4. If proper functionality cannot be restored with a known good battery, refer to Step B.

Note:
The average life cycle of a battery in the remote control key is approximately 3 years from the day of production of the vehicle.

[NEW] More details on the ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1 can be found in Attachment A and on the ZTS manufacturer website, www.ztsinc.com/mbtl.html.

Note: [NEW]
The ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1 must be purchased through your dealership (e.g., from Amazon.com, SEARS, etc.). It will not be offered through MINI.

Step B:

Perform diagnosis using ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application). Complete any test plans related to the radio remote control system.

Note:
If the remote control key must be replaced, swap the existing slide-in (mechanical) key into the new replacement remote control(s).

Important:
If the rearview mirror must be replaced (remote receiver is integrated) on a Convertible, please perform a visual check on the mirror to assure that the frequency of the remote receiver installed in the mirror is 315 MHz.





PARTS INFORMATION








WARRANTY INFORMATION

ATTACHMENTS





Information on ZTS Multi-Battery Tester MBT-1