Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are disappearing as technology improves. We now have remote programming. Even those can malfunction sometimes and need a professional to help. A locksmith with experience is your best option for quick replacement of your car keys.
You can also purchase spare keys from a dealer, however it will need to be programed to your specific vehicle before activation. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title can do this.
Lost or Stolen keys
The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them due to their outstanding gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale value. Similar to other cars Mini Cooper keys can be lost or stop working. If this happens, a reputable locksmith will come to your rescue.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to open doors and start engines. These fobs are connected an immobiliser system that prevents the vehicle from operating in the event that the correct key isn't in the. If you lose yours, replacing it will cost you a lot.
The key fobs on newer models of cars have an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside your vehicle's engine. This chip has a unique code that matches only the code of your car. If you need a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed to your car through an authorized dealer or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.
Making your keys replace at a dealership can be expensive however, it's often the only alternative. A professional mobile locksmith will come to you and make a new key for much lower, especially if have the registration or title of your car to prove you are the owner.
Unlocking Your Car
You could ruin your day when you realize that you've locked your keys in your car. You may be stuck waiting for someone to arrive and unlock the door or for a tow-truck arrive. Fortunately, there are mini car keys can use to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is find a long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire, but you can also choose a rod composed of a strong strip of plastic, or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough to pass through the door seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that tightens as it is pulled). The loop from the slip knot on the button for the lock. Gently wiggle the string with the knot on top of the lock button with back-andforth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick might not work in all cases however it's an excellent solution for a lot of cars. It's especially helpful when your car has the locking mechanism located on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If there is a knob on the top of your door, you can also make use of this method in the event that you have it. Just be careful not to damage your car in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you may have to reset it. This will not affect the function of the key, however it's possible that you've installed the battery incorrectly. You should take the new battery into the dealership to be installed so that they can ensure that it's the correct one for your vehicle.
If you're trying to reset your key, you'll need a working key. Sit in the driver's chair and put your blank key in a nearby location. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and take out the key made of metal then remove the battery from its location. Replace the battery and be sure that it's the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After you've replaced your new key battery, turn the car on. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all of your fobs in order to program them using the computer in your vehicle. Once all fobs are programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it as normal. You must turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you are waiting too long, the car could lose all its functions.
Replace the locks
Locked out of your car is quite a problem, and it could cost a lot to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge more than $150 for the key fob. The dealer will charge you around $150. It is recommended to keep spare keys in a secure location or buy a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it using your smartphone.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be a simple DIY project for the majority of people, but it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to pull off the old actuator by grabbing it from the inside and pulling it out. Take off the rod that is connected to the manual lock. It's a rod made of black plastic on one end. The rod connects to the actuator's clip. This part is difficult to locate and put back in place, so it's best to keep the window open while you work on this.
Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator, making sure that the star end of the control rod is inserted into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit and you may have to apply some force to get it to fit. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't then you'll need to speak with a locksmith or the dealer for assistance.