Mini One 2003 - ECU Battery? - littlemizzugly
I had my car serviced by my local garage recently (not a mini specialist) they forgot to reset the service counter so I took it back last week to be reset. When I drove the car home I noticed that my passenger door was locking and unlocking itself which was keeping the interior light on while I drove. I took it straight back and the garage plugged the car back in and found 20 faults on the passenger door. They tell me I need a new door latch but I am reluctant to spend any money on the car as I am selling it for Spares or Repair. They refused to fit an isolator switch to enable me to stop the fault from draining the battery when the car is not in use. Their reason being that "they think" the ECU has a back up battery so I will only wear that down if the main car battery is disconnected. Does any one know if a Mini One 2003 contains a back up battery within the ECU?? Or are they just trying to get me to spend the money on a new latch?
Mini One 2003 - ECU Battery? - elekie&a/c doctor
They think wrong.there is no back up battery in the ecu.However the door latch fault is a very common problem.Best option is to remove the door card and get the lock actuator disconnected.You will then be able to lock unlock manually.
Mini One 2003 - ECU Battery? - littlemizzugly
I really appreciate your comment thank you. You've made my decision much easier!
Mini One 2003 - ECU Battery? - Cyd

There are no back up batteries on vehicle ecu boards. Re-writable memory chips are used for any functions that need it.

Disconnect the loom from the latch in the door. Or you could try a secondhand latch (or leave that to whomever buys it s&r). BTW the internal light will not operate from that door with the latch disconnected. Similarly the door open warning on the facia (if there is one)