Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology advances the days of turning a key to operate your vehicle are fading away. Today, we use remote programming. Even these aren't perfect and need a professional to help. A mobile locksmith who is trained and skilled is your best option for quick replacement of your car keys.
You can also purchase a spare key at a dealer. However it will require programming to your specific vehicle prior to activation. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN or registration number, as well as your title can do this.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers due to their high resale values as well as their low maintenance requirements and great gas mileage. Like all cars, Mini Cooper keys can be lost or stop working. A professional locksmith can assist you if this happens.
Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs to open doors and begin their engines. The fobs come with an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from driving without the correct key. If you lose yours replacing it is costly.
Newer models of cars include an electronic chip inside the key fobs, which communicates to the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to the car you own. If you require an upgrade chip, it needs to be programmed to your car by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.
It is costly to replace your keys with a dealer, but this is usually the only option. Locksmiths on the move can make you a key for an affordable price and especially when your title or registration is in hand to prove that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you've locked your keys inside your car could cause a lot of stress and leave you stuck waiting for an tow truck or 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 find a long, skinny rod. You can use a wire clothes hanger however, you could also utilize a rod made from a strong piece of plastic, or shoelace. It must be thin enough that it can fit through the door seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that cinches tightly when pulled). Put the loop of the slip knot over the lock button. Move gently back and forth the string while putting the slip knot over the lock-button in back-and forward movements until the knob in the interior of the door opens.
This trick may not work in every case however it's an excellent option for many cars. This method is particularly useful in the event that the locking mechanism of your car is located on the side, rather than the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you could also use this method if you have it. Be careful not to damage your vehicle in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you might need to reset it. This won't usually affect the functionality of the key, but it's possible that you've installed the battery in a wrong way. It's best to bring the new battery to the dealership for installation, so they can make sure it's compatible with your vehicle.
It is essential that you have a working key that you can use while trying to reset yours. Then, get in the driver's chair and set your new blank keys aside in a nearby location. Press the small silver tab on the back of the fob to release the metal keys, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery with a new one, and make sure it's on the right side (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After replacing the battery in your key, you can turn on the car. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to program them using the vehicle's computer. After go right here have been programmed then return to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you are waiting too long, your car could lose all its commands.
Replace the locks
Locked out of your car an enormous issue, and it can be expensive to replace the keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for an ignition key. The dealer will charge about $150. It is best to keep spare keys in a secure location or purchase a new smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it using your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be a simple DIY project for a lot of people however it takes some effort and patience. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and take it out. Take off the rod that is attached to the manual lock. It's a long rod with black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to a clip in the actuator. It can be difficult to locate and then put back in place this piece, so it is best to keep the windows rolled down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Then, put the actuator back in place and ensure that the top end of the control rod is in the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fitting, so you might need to use some force to get it into place. 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.