Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves, the days of turning a key to start your car are slowly disappearing. We now use remote programming. Even these can fail at times and need a professional to help. For quick car key replacement an experienced mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can also purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it will need to be programed to your specific vehicle prior to activation. This is only done by locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
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 be lost or not work. A good locksmith can help you if this happens.
Modern vehicles rely on remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and to start their engines. They have an immobiliser feature that stops your vehicle from being driven without the right key. If you lose one, buying a replacement is costly.
Newer models of cars include an electronic chip inside the key fobs, which communicates to the transponder located in your vehicle's engine. The chip is unique and has a code that only matches the code in your car. If mini keys need a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed for your car through an authorized dealer or a locksmith who has the right tools.
Getting your keys replaced at a dealer can be expensive but it's usually the only alternative. A professional mobile locksmith can come to you and make keys for less, especially if you have your car's registration or title on hand to prove that 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 come and unlock the door or for a tow-truck arrive. Fortunately, there are clever ways you can use to save yourself time and money.
The first step is to find an extremely long, thin rod. You can use a wire clothes hanger however, you could also make use of a rod composed of a strong strip of plastic, or even shoelace. It must be thin enough for it to fit through the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string. Place the loop of the slip knot over the button for locking. Move gently back and forth the string while putting the slip knot on top of the lock-button in back-and forward movements until the knob on the inside of your door opens.
This method might not work in all situations however it's an ideal solution for many cars. It's especially helpful in the case of cars with the locking mechanism located on the side of the door instead of at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you could also make use of this method if you have it. Be sure not to damage your vehicle during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
You might need to reset your key fob in the event that you change the battery or lose it. Most of the time, this won't alter the functionality of your key, but if it doesn't work right away there's a chance that you've installed the new battery incorrectly. You should take the new battery to the dealership to be installed to make sure it's the right one for your vehicle.
It is essential that you have another key that you can use while trying to reset yours. Relax in a driver's seat and put your blank key in a nearby location. Push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to pop out the metal key and remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and ensure it's on the right side (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
Once you've replaced the new key battery Turn the car on. Press the lock and unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. After all fobs have been programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it as normal. You must turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you are waiting too long, the car may lose all its commands.
Replace the locks
It's a hassle to be locked out of your car and also costly to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge more than $150 for keys. The dealer will charge about $150. It is best to keep your spare keys in a safe place or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper to unlock it with your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be a simple DIY project for most people However, it requires a little bit of work and patience. The first step is to pull off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Remove the push rod that is connected to the manual lock. It's a rod that has black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to an actuator clip. It isn't easy to locate and put back in place this piece which is why it is advised to keep the window closed down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the top end of the control rod fits into the fitting at the top of the actuator. This is a tight fit and you may have to apply some force to move it to fit. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you will be required to call a reputable locksmith or the dealership for help.