Requires NCSExpert and expertise on what you're doing... but lots of people have that now... I can make any BCM work in any car, no problem... but took a while to learn to do that. You read the options configuration from one of the other modules, then code the replacement BCM to "factory" settings based on the options config. Easy Peasy, once you know how. Cryptic and German, when you don't.
Alright, going to do a load test today which is something I hadn't gotten to before I waste my time spending cash on the battery. I'm hoping that it's the battery, because I wouldn't know where to begin with bcm or anything of that sort, never had to mess with that and I don't feel like having MINI charge me $600 for it. Although, I was checking around for corrosion & moisture, and there's nothing that I could see. You guys are honestly pretty awesome for giving me some solid advice on where to look. I have a long list of going through this car to make it tip-top, and here I am getting stumped on electronics...
Boxman, a load test will not always indicate whether the battery is the issue in a MINI. Not trying to be difficult. Where are you located? Even if the battery tests okay, I would put another battery in your car to see if that cures the problems before buying one. If you current battery is more than 3 years old, it probably needs replaced.
This literally couldn't be any more frustrating if it tried. I guess I won't waste my time. I guess I should replace the battery regardless then. :frown2: I was bored a little bit ago, checked out what all the MINI does when the battery is dying/drained/etc. aaaaaand it's a little ridiculous. Stories of peoples doors locking/unlock, windows going down, lights flashing, car acting temperamental, etc. I just hope it's not a waste of $170 :lol:
that's a lot of cash for a battery. It better be perfect. My Mini once when I guess the battery had a bad day would have the speedo needle bounce up and down when the rear hatch was opened, all while the car was not even running
That's why I suggested that you put someone else's battery in your car first to see if it corrects the issues. Someone on here should be close to you. Where are you?
That's... actually very weird. Also, I'm located in Annville/Cleona/Lebanon, Pennsylvania. About 15-25 minutes from Hershey Park.
There is a reason odd stuff happens when the battery gets low. With insufficient power the ECU can no longer defined itself from the Lucas daemons that haunt British cars. They get loose and wreak havoc. It is true that Mini does not have Lucas systems anymore but this makes the LD's (Lucas Daemons) even more pissed off.
More info! Replaced the battery today, same issues are present. Today I found out that all interior lights and side markers stay on even when the doors are locked as well. Soooo, bcm or?... This has me so confused and frustrated. Money to waste currently: Barely any haha
You do NOT need a "new" BCM from the dealer. Someone with the know-how and software tools (NCSexpert) can code a used BCM to work with your car...
Not sure if there are any mechanics except AP tuning that could reprogram a bcm I'll check it out in the morning but I'm not exactly flowing cash at the moment so it's kinda unfortunate.
When my Footwell module started to go bad it started with my front left turn signal blinker staying on even after locking my Mini, I thought is was very strange to see an orange glow coming from the wall in front of my Mini. I knew if I didn't unscrew the bulb my battery would be dead by morning! I started noticing other lights flickering on and off while some stayed lit up after Mini was off and locked, replacing my footwell module cured everything. You might have some shorted out wires or corrosion like others have suggested due to the excess water being there for a long time and would hate to see you install a new footwell module and/or a control module only two short it out as well, I think you need to be 100% sure there's no shorted out wires before installing any new modules. I never developed any starting issues which leads me to believe that it might be more than just a footwell module. I'll admit on not as knowledgeable when it comes to 1st Gen Mini. I'm going to assume that a footwell module and a control module are the same thing, is this true? I do have doubts.
All good suggestions from the folks who've already posted. Just a question... This is a used vehicle from what I've gathered. It's very wet inside as well it sounds. Normal car detailing does not introduce or leave behind the amount of moisture you've described. Could this car have been subject to a flood somewhere? I once looked at an '06 JCW that had been (I believe) in a somewhat famous flood and showed signs of corrosion in some strange places. It also showed signs underneath, in the form of an unexplained reddish color/tinge coating which covered the otherwise normally painted components. Not saying this car you purchased is a flood car, but it could be... Just planting a thought, maybe more out of curiosity than anything.
I honestly have no clue as to whether it was involved in a flood. The place where I had purchased the car kind of used unorthodox methods of cleaning/painting/etc. And they're far from reliable. I mean I'd never go there again... I checked everywhere again after I took the old battery out, moisture collected again around the old battery. Something just seems very off. There's no leak from water on the outside, I've checked several times since I've washed/cleaned it must and nothing... It'd be safe to say that while cleaning the car, they could have power washed the crevices which allowed water to come through. Or it was driven through a large puddle :lol:
Hmm... Seems awfully suspicious that the water would continue to seep into the battery well. That would almost certainly say there's more water trapped in the caverns of the body than washing would contribute. I would really look further to see what additional residual damages may be slowly appearing, if any. Look for signs of corrosion on aluminum parts and connectors EVERYWHERE that is practical. Also, if possible, see if you can find out where this dealer obtained the car. It likely came from auction somewhere. Look to see if there is any paperwork in the glovebox that might indicate where the car is from. You might also do a VIN search or contact MINI to see if they can tell you where the car was delivered originally. You may find it is from somewhere no where near where you are... Not that this may mean much, but damaged vehicles are sometimes moved to other parts of the country via auction in order to conceal abnormalities a new buyer might not consider. You've probably already considered this, but can you take the car back to the dealer? I mean, it sounds like this will likely be a tail chasing issue for some time to come... If not, I'd at least consider filing a BBB complaint against the business. You may find that this business has other complaints against it. It might be the final straw and/or your opportunity to persue action against them, if in fact they're less than honest. I wish you the best of luck and am sorry to hear of your misfortune with this MINI. This is a very strange and unusual occurrence.
I'm not sure, I'll try to dig for info here because I don't seem to be getting anywhere. Asked APtuning, they absolutely do not think its the bcm and another place just said ground wires could be loose in the steering column touching the ignition switch. Also told it might be a clock spring???? I don't know why... I'm really honestly afraid to dig into this mini's past at this point. I've debated on returning the vehicle but for some reason, it's kinda growing on me a bit too much...
I think if I had the option, I would return the car and let the dealer bite the bullet. There are plenty of Minis out there for you to choose from without these headaches from the get-go.