Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves technology, the days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are fading away. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, they can also malfunction and require a professional help. If you need to replace a car key quickly 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. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title are able to do this.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers due to their excellent gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale value. However, like any other vehicle, their keys can go missing or stop working. If this happens, a good locksmith can come to your rescue.
Modern vehicles have remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and even start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser system that prevents the vehicle from operating when the correct key isn't available. It's expensive to replace when you lose it.
The latest models of cars have an electronic chip inside the key fobs, which communicates to the transponder inside your car's engine. This chip has a code that is unique to the car. If you receive a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your car's specific model which requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
The process of replacing your keys 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, particularly if you have the registration or title of your car in hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you locked your keys inside your car can make your day miserable and leave you waiting for an emergency tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. Fortunately, there are clever ways you can use to save time and money.
The first thing to do is find a long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger works well, though you can also use the rod from a strong piece of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be small enough to pass into the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.
Make a slip knot in the string (a sliding knot that cinches tightly when pulled). Attach the loop from the slip knot on the button for the lock. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot that is placed over the lock button in back-and forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick won't work in every situation however it's an excellent alternative for a lot of cars. This trick is especially useful for locking mechanisms that are on the car is situated on the side instead of at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you can use this method as well when you have it. Just be careful not to hurt your car in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It's possible that you need to reset your key fob if you replace the battery or lose it. This will not affect the function of the key, however it's possible to install the battery incorrectly. You should bring the new battery into the dealership to be installed so that they can make sure it's the right one for your car.
If you're trying to reset your key, you'll require another working one. Then, get in the driver's seat and set your new blank key aside somewhere near. Press the small silver tab on the back of the key fob to open the keys made of metal, and then take the batteries off. Replace the battery with a new one, and ensure it's on the right side (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After you have replaced the battery on your key You can then turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all of your fobs in order to program them using the vehicle's computer. Once replacement mini cooper key are programmed, then you can return to your vehicle and lock it as normal. Make sure to turn off the ignition following this to end the process of programming, as waiting too long between actions could cause your car to erase all of its settings.
Replace the locks
Being locked out of your car an immense trouble, and it can be expensive to replace the keys. The dealer will charge approximately $150 for a brand new key fob, while locksmiths could charge more. The best way to avoid this is to store your spare key in a safe place, or to purchase a smart lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be a simple DIY project for most people however it takes some effort and perseverance. The first step is to pull out the old actuator by grabbing it from the inside and pulling it out. Make sure to remove the push rod for the manual lock rod, which is rod that has an black plastic tip on one end that inserts into an actuator clip. It isn't easy to locate and then put back in its place It is therefore recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Install the actuator, making sure that the top end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. This is a tight fit and you may need to use some force to move it into place. You should now be able lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't you'll have to contact an expert locksmith or dealer for assistance.