I have a 2008 Mini standard. It's in the shop getting repaired after an accident involving 3 cars. I was driving behind a car who was driving behind a van, the van locked up the brakes in the middle of an intersection on a green light (He claimed his brake pedal had no pressure, so he ripped the E-brake) the person in frot of me slammed into him, I had time to slow down but not completely stop, which resulted in a relatively minor front impact.

My airbag did deploy, I re-inserted the key, and the car acted normally when the key is inserted, however I did not try to start it for obvious reasons. The shop gave me an estimate and said they could have it repaired in 7-8 days and they already have started on it. There is not engine damage, just bumber/hood/radiator/steering wheel and some other small things.

My question is, will the start when the repair is complete after the new steering wheel with airbag is installed? Or is there a code that has to be cleared first?

Thank you

 

There is reset procedure After any airbag deployment The Mini kills the gas and battery if the accident is bad enough

 

Correct, the shop will reset the battery and the fuel. I guess my question is when those two things are reset, the vehicle should run normally even if the 'code' is still in the computer?

 

Resetting will remove the code

 

Thank you, I was under the impression it would have to go to the dealership to have this code cleared.

 

IF the shop has a proper code scanner they can clear it

 

OK thanks again, so the car should be ready to drive right out of the shop then.

Also, I have a push to start ignition, could any damage be done to the key slot by pulling out the key if it's not 'ready'? After the engine was off I pushed the key back to disengage it and take it out, but it wouldn't click, so I pulled it out anyway because I needed it. Nothing physically broke and it worked normally after, the technitions at the shop seemed to have no problems with it but I was wondering if anyone new much about the push to start ignition.

 

I'm not positive but by your description it might have killed the power due to the accident causing the key to not eject. Then the power reset
Did the Car unlock windows roll down and the hazards come on ?

 

Yes, the driver's side window was open (as in rolled down) already but the windows did unlock, and the hazard lights did come on. I know the battery and fuel line were reset by the technician at the shop because they are shut down after an accident. So you think that the only reason the key didn't disengage is just because the battery was disconnected? It makes sense now that I think through it because nothing was broken and the shop didn't have an issue with it when they tested the engine. Nothing on the car was damaged behind the radiator and the only mechanical parts being replaced are the radiator and condenser.

 

Sounds right to me