Remote keyfob poor reception

[IanCress]

The wife's 52 plate R50 Cooper has suddenly decided it doesn't want to communicate with the remote, unless the key is right up against the windscreen when you press the button.

I've changed the battery but it hasn't made any difference. It does still work, but not from any distance. I've seen posts on the net about the receiver above the mirror failing, but it still works, just very poorly. Any ideas on what to check? She did have an air freshner hung around the mirror but i've removed it with no improvement in reception.

One thing we've noticed is that as soon as the key is in the ignition, the reception is fine. As soon as you take it out of the iginition it won't work unless held up against the windscreen.

[DanGT]

Have you got just the one fob? Also are 100% the battery is ok eg have you checked the voltage. Have seen new duff battery's before.

[IanCress]

I've tried two different batteries, although out of the same pack (which addmitedly came from the wife's Grandma's house when we were clearing out after her funeral!). I'll buy a brand new battery and test again.

The other key is a standard key with no remote function.