This weekend I drove my 02 MC to Atlanta from Chicago. This morning the dash lights and turn signals were not working. I started checking fuses. Later in the afternoon the dash lights and turn signal were working again (I didn't replace any fuses). While signaling for a lane change the turn signal wasn't canceling, or so I thought. (the turn signal was canceling, but the light on the dash kept flashing) When I got to my sisters house the ignition chimes kept ringing after the key was removed. I also could not lock the doors. If I keep the key in the ignition the chimes stop, but the dash lights stay on. Do I need to disconnect the battery? Is this the body control module? Is the car safe to drive back to Chicago?

 

I wanted to add that I drove through some serious rain in Tennesee and Georgia. The headlights, windows and wipers are still working... so far.

 

ReBoot that sucker (yeah, try the disconnect). This seems to happen a lot on other cars and a simple reboot is often the fix.

 

When you say reboot it, do you mean pull the battery + for a few minutes? My dash lights come on as soon as I turn the key (position 1, car not running)...and I haven't turned on my running lights/headlights....someone said it might be the BCM....do you think if I reset it the lights may go out? guess it can't hurt it?? the lights started coming on right after I had some work done on the ps/ps fan circuit (it was a recall where they seperated the two circuits, it was never done on my 02 cooper so I just had it done not too long ago_) I wonder if they tapped into the wrong wires??? Anyone heard anything about this???

 

Just an update. After doing nothing to the car, I drove the car home from Atlanta last weekend and had no problems. Every thing worked fine. Today I had a problem with the turn signals not working again. The problems seem to come and go

 

My car did the same thing one morning here in VA when it was well below freezing. Hasn't done it since, just that one time. I did have an engine problem last week and took it to the dealership. The are replacing the throttlebody ($600) and they said the engine wiring harness ($1000) could be bad as well. They said that when the harness is faulty it causes all kinds of electrical gremlins including the one you described. Good luck with that.

 

If you have any leakage along the right side a-pillar or sunroof drain, water can get into the BCM and create havoc. Since you said you drove through some serious rain, that could be an issue. Note that not only the BCM can be damaged by water seepage, but the wiring harness connectors as well. You can inspect the area and the BCM/harnesses visually once you remove the kick panel.

 

After the same problems happened again and didn't go away this time, I finally went to the MINI dealer. After a week in the shop....the diagnosis, BODY CONTROL MODULE!!! It was replaced under warranty ($785 part+labor)