1st Gen R53 Cooper S Most liked posts in thread: Keys

  1. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #16 Kenny kustom, Apr 29, 2015
    Made a trip to the dealer for some clarity today.
    Spoke in depth with the shop Forman.
    He said, the non remote key and wallet key should operate as the remote key. IF they came with the car. Mine did not. I just purchased them. He told me they could program the keys to work, but at $160 an hour, it would be cheaper in the long run to just order a remote key.
    Done. $180.
     
  2. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #2 rkw, Apr 27, 2015
    That would not be caused by the key. Your remote starter was installed incorrectly.
     
  3. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #3 Kenny kustom, Apr 27, 2015
    Nice guess
     
  4. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #4 Kenny kustom, Apr 27, 2015
    But no. It was installed correctly.
    With the vehicle running, the remote starter is not in the loop.
    To prove the point, I unplugged the door lock harness from the unit. It operates the same.


    I am wondering if anyone else that has a gen one, could use their non remote key, and try to lock the doors from the dash, with the car running.

    I had another idea.
    I just purchased the non remote and valet key.
    From mini. No programming was done. Put the key in and it starts up. Not sure if that has anything to do with it.
     
  5. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    #5 MCS02, Apr 27, 2015
    I can try when I get home tomorrow.
     
  6. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #6 Kenny kustom, Apr 27, 2015
    Great! Thanks!
     
  7. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #7 Kenny kustom, Apr 27, 2015
    Other than the locking, it functions 100%

    I have read, that locking while using the non remote or wallet key is disabled from factory.
     
  8. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #8 rkw, Apr 27, 2015
    Do you have a reference? Because it isn't true.

    A non-remote key works exactly as you would expect (operates only the mechanical locks, with no other effect). And I know this for sure because after my wife lost her remote key, I gave her mine and I was using the valet key until we got a replacement remote key.

    Your remote starter may be working correctly, but they've messed up the wiring in some way. The way to check is to disable their circuit (does it have a power tap you can easily disconnect?) and see if it still happens. Considering that their circuit actually operates a remote key makes it suspect.
     
  9. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #9 Kenny kustom, Apr 27, 2015
    I have unplugged the door lock harness from the unit.

    I also tested a bit more tonight.

    Sitting in the car, I can lock and unlock with the dash switch.

    Turn the non remote key in the ignition on, lock works, but after about 3 seconds, it unlocks.
     
  10. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #10 rkw, Apr 27, 2015
    I never experienced that behavior with a non-remote key.
     
  11. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    #11 Dave.0, Apr 27, 2015
    Simple fix get rid of the non remote key. I don't have one but when I did install remote starters we always had problems with them because on the limited functionality / code less.

    The lock thing may be because the valet key is really only for valets not driving.

    Hope that helps you a little.
     
  12. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #12 Kenny kustom, Apr 28, 2015
    This is what I am trying to get a solid answer.
    Is there a limited functionality of the valet key.

    I know the starter is installed correctly.
    Trust me, I know. Let's get past that.

    If I need to, I will just order another remote key, that just sucks, because I just spent 260 on the non remote and wallet key.
    Just for this purpose.
     
  13. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #13 Kenny kustom, Apr 28, 2015
    The two extra keys did not come with my car.
    They were ordered recently.
    No programming was done.
    They just gave them to me, I went out and each one started the car.
    Wondering if that has anything to do with it.
     
  14. rkw

    rkw Well-Known Member

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    #14 rkw, Apr 28, 2015
    No. Each key (remote, non-remote, valet) has a smartchip for the ignition security system. The remote key additionally has a separate radio transmitter for the door locks. Remote and non-remote keys are the same except for the separate transmitter. The remote lock system operates independently from the ignition.

    That's normal. A new key comes with a smartchip already coded for the ignition (based on the VIN). However, for a new remote key, the car must be programmed to recognize the transmitter.

    Have you brought this up with the people who installed the remote starter?
     
  15. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #15 Kenny kustom, Apr 28, 2015
    Yes I have.
    When they used the remote key in the ignition, all is normal.

    As soon as either other key is used, the doors unlock after locking.
     
  16. valvashon

    valvashon New Member

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    #17 valvashon, Jun 19, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 19, 2015
    The non-remote (and I assume, the valet key) do not need programming (as previously stated) because there is nothing to program- just a cut blade and an Immobilizer chip inside that is recognized by the EWS anti-theft system.


    When she picked up her '03 R50 a couple of years ago (flew to California, then drove it home to Washington) it only came with the remote key. When she got home we went to Seattle MINI and ordered the non-remote key. The doors are programmed to auto-lock at about 12 MPH or so. They do that with the remote key that came with the car and also the non-remote key that we ordered later.

    I'll have to go with the other responders here and say that either your remote starter is wired incorrectly or is incompatible with the MINI central locking system.

    This google site may help you to understand the keys and the central locking system better:
    https://sites.google.com/site/miniandlandroverremotekeys/-read-me-before-moving-forward

    Val
     
  17. Kenny kustom

    Kenny kustom New Member

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    #18 Kenny kustom, Jul 4, 2015
    Nope. Everything installed correctly.
    Used a new master key, everything works as it should.