Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your car are becoming less common as technology advances. Instead, we are using remote programming options. These can also fail and require assistance from a professional. If you need to replace a car key quickly, a trained mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can also purchase an extra key from an authorized dealer. However, it will need programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This can only be done by locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Lost or Stolen keys
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them due to their outstanding gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale price. However, like any other car, their keys can disappear or stop working. A reliable locksmith can help you in this case.
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser system that stops your vehicle from being driven in the event that the right key isn't in the. If you lose the key, getting a new one will cost you a lot.
The key fobs in the latest models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder in the engine of your vehicle. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to your vehicle. If you want to replace it, it will have to be programmed to your specific car which requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.
Making your keys replace at a dealership can be expensive, but it is often the only option. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for less, especially in the event that your registration or title is present as proof that you have the car.
Unlocking Your Car
You can ruin your day by realizing that you have locked your keys inside your car. It could be that you are waiting for someone else to come and open the door, or for a tow truck to arrive. There are a few clever strategies that you can use to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is locate a long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, however you could also use a rod made from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough it to fit into the door's seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create keyless on the string (a sliding knot that cinches tightly when pulled). The loop of the slip knot on the button for locking. Use your fingers to gently move the string around the knot on top of the lock button with back-andforth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick may not work in all cases however it's an excellent solution for a lot of cars. This technique is particularly helpful for locking mechanisms that are on your car is located on the side, instead of at the top. If you have a knob at the top of your door, you can also make use of this method when you have it. Be sure not to harm the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or change the battery, you could require a reset. This won't usually affect the functionality of the key, but it's possible to install the battery incorrectly. You should bring the new battery to the dealership to be installed so that they can verify that it's the right one for your vehicle.
It is essential that you have a working key to use while trying to reset yours. Then, get in the driver's seat, and set the new blank key somewhere near. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and pop out the metal key and remove the battery from its position. Replace the battery with a new one, and make sure it's facing up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After you've replaced the key battery then turn on the car. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each of your fobs in order to program them using the vehicle's computer. When all the fobs are programmed, then you are able to return to your car and lock it in the same way as you normally do. Make sure you turn off the ignition immediately afterward to end the process of programming in case you are waiting too long between actions could cause your car to erase all its commands.
Replace the locks
Getting locked out of your vehicle is an enormous issue, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge around $150. The best way to avoid this is to keep your spare key in a secure place, or to purchase a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your phone.
It is possible to change the door lock actuator yourself however, it requires a bit of patience and hard work. The first step is to pull out the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Make sure you remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock that is rod that has a black plastic tip at one end, which is then inserted into a clip on the actuator. This component can be difficult to find and get back to its place, which is why it's a good idea leave the window rolled up while working on this.
Then, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the slant end of your control rod is inserted into the fitting at the top of the actuator. It's a tight fitting and you may have to apply some force to get it in place. After that your doors should be locked and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't then you'll need to call an expert locksmith or dealer for assistance.