Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves technology, the days of turning a key to start your car are disappearing. Instead, we now use remote programming options. These can also fail and require assistance from a professional. A locksmith with experience is the best option to get fast replacement of your car key.
You can also buy a spare key at an authorized dealer. However, it will need programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only done by a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them due to their outstanding gas mileage, low maintenance needs and high resale worth. However, just like every other vehicle, their keys can disappear or stop working. A professional locksmith can assist you in the event of this happening.
Modern vehicles rely on remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and to start their engines. These fobs are connected an immobiliser that stops your vehicle from being driven in the event that the right key isn't there. If you lose yours, getting a new one will cost you a lot.
The key fobs of newer models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip has a unique code that is unique to your car. If you purchase a replacement, it will have to be programmed for your specific vehicle that requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
It's costly to replace your keys at the dealer, but this is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith can create you a key for an affordable price and especially when your title or registration is in hand to prove that you own the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you've locked your keys in your car could ruin your day and leave you stuck waiting for a tow truck or a friend to unlock the door for you. There are some clever tricks that you can apply to save time and money.
The first step is to locate a long, skinny rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire, but you can also make use of a rod made of a strong strip of plastic, or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough to fit through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Attach a slip-knot to the string. Attach the loop from the slip knot on the button for the lock. Move gently back and forth the string by putting the slip knot over the lock button in forward and back movements until the knob on the inside of the door opens.
This trick may not work in every case however it's a great solution for a wide range of vehicles. It's especially useful for cars that have the locking mechanism that is located on the side of the door, rather than at the top. If there is a knob on the top of your door, you can also utilize this method in the event that you have it. Be cautious not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It's possible that you need to reset your key fob in the event that you replace the battery or lose it. Usually, mini key battery replacement won't affect the functionality of your key, however when it doesn't function right away, there's a possibility that you've installed the battery in the wrong manner. It's a good idea take the new battery to the dealership for installation, so they can ensure that it is matched up with your vehicle.
You'll need you have a working key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. Then, get in the driver's seat, and set your new blank key in a nearby location. Push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to pop out the metal key then remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After you've replaced the key battery then turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to programme them using the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed then return 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 could lose all its functions.
Replacing the Locks
Locked out of your car is a big trouble, and it can be costly to replace the keys. Locksmiths may charge more than $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge about $150. It is best to keep your spare keys in a safe location, or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator yourself but it requires some patience and work. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and take it out. Remove the push rod that's attached to the manual lock. It's a rod made of black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to an actuator clip. It isn't easy to locate and then put back into place this part, so it is best to keep the window closed down while you work on it.
Next, remove the cover of the battery and take off the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Then, place the actuator back into place with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting on top of the actuator. It's a tight fitting, so you might need to apply some force to get it to fit. After this, your doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't, you'll need to call a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.