Is your 2013 Mini Cooper key fob not working as reliably as it used to? You might be facing the common issue of a dead or dying key fob battery. Like many Mini Cooper owners, I decided to tackle what seemed like a straightforward DIY fix: replacing the battery in my 2013 Mini Cooper key fob. However, my experience took an unexpected turn, and I’m sharing my cautionary tale to help you avoid the same pitfalls when attempting your 2013 Mini Cooper Key Fob Battery Replacement.
Initially, armed with the can-do spirit of a DIY enthusiast, I approached the task with a box cutter razor blade. My thought process was simple: carefully pry open the key fob casing to access the battery. I started at the end of the fob, where the seam between the two halves was most visible. To maintain the opening as I worked, I used toothpicks to wedge into the gap, a technique that seemed promising at first.
I proceeded to cut around the entire circumference of the 2013 Mini Cooper key fob, believing I was carefully separating the two halves. (Please learn from my mistake before you consider following this method!)
Unfortunately, as I neared completion of cutting around the fob, disaster struck. Small components began to fall out – a clear indication that something had gone terribly wrong. My attempt to slice through the casing had been far too aggressive, and I had inadvertently shaved off several electronic components directly from the circuit board. The precision I thought I was employing was, in reality, destructive.
Lessons Learned the Hard Way
Looking back, the crucial mistake I made was attempting to cut around the circumference of the 2013 Mini Cooper key fob. While it appeared I was targeting the seam where the two halves joined, I was actually cutting directly into the plastic housing. In the design of my particular fob, and likely many others, prying the seam apart along the circumference simply isn’t feasible.
Why Was My Battery Dead?
The reason for my 2013 Mini Cooper key fob battery failing might be relevant to other owners. I had infrequently used this particular fob for about a year and a half. During this time, while my 2008 Mini Cooper S (MCS) would still start when the fob was inserted into the ignition slot, the remote button functions had ceased to work. Suspecting a dead battery, I even tried the often-suggested trick of using an electric toothbrush charger to attempt to recharge the fob, based on online forum advice. This proved unsuccessful.
The Aftermath and a Better Approach
In my situation, believing I had nothing to lose, I proceeded with my ill-fated cutting project. In hindsight, perhaps living with a fob that could start the car but not remotely unlock doors would have been a better compromise. Now, as a result of my overly aggressive DIY attempt, the fob is completely unusable, even to start the car. A costly replacement is now inevitable.
For anyone facing a 2013 Mini Cooper key fob battery replacement, please learn from my mistake. Avoid using sharp blades to cut open the fob. Instead, research the correct method for your specific key fob type. Typically, this involves using a small screwdriver or plastic pry tool to carefully separate the two halves of the fob at the designated seam, without cutting or damaging the plastic. You’ll likely need a CR2032 battery – but always confirm the correct battery type for your 2013 Mini Cooper key fob before purchasing.
While DIY battery replacement can save money, it’s essential to approach it with caution and the right information. Sometimes, learning from a DIY failure is the most valuable lesson of all. Hopefully, my experience will guide you towards a successful – and less destructive – 2013 Mini Cooper key fob battery replacement.
