Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves the days of turning the key to start your car are slowly disappearing. Instead, we use remote programming options. Even these can fail at times and require a professional assist. A locksmith with experience is the best choice for quick replacement of your car keys.
You can purchase an extra key from a dealer, but it will need to be programmed to your car before activation. This can only be done by locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.
Lost or Stolen keys
The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them due to their outstanding gas mileage, low maintenance needs and high resale worth. Like any other car, Mini Cooper keys can be lost or stop working. A reputable locksmith can assist you in this situation.
The majority of modern vehicles use remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start engines. These fobs are connected to an immobiliser device that blocks the vehicle from operating if the right key isn't there. If you lose the key, getting a new one is costly.
The key fobs in the latest models of automobiles have an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to your vehicle. If you need a replacement chip, it must be programmed to your car through an authorized dealer or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.
Getting mini cooper car keys replaced at a dealer can be costly however it's often the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can make keys for you at a much lower price, especially when your title or registration is available to prove that you have the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you locked your keys in your car could make your day miserable and leave you waiting for an emergency tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are fortunately clever strategies you can apply to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is locate a long, thin rod. A clothes hanger made of wire works well, but you might also consider a rod made from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It must be small enough to pass through the door seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Tie a slip knot in the string (a sliding knot that tightens tightly when pulled). Attach the loop from the slip knot on the lock button. Be gentle and gently wiggle the string with the slip knot on top of the lock-button in back-and forward motions until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.
This trick isn't suitable for every situation but it's a viable solution for a wide range of vehicles. This trick is especially helpful if the locking mechanism of your vehicle is on the side, rather than at the top. If your car does have a knob at the top of the door, this method may also be able to aid you if the right tool available. Be careful not to damage your vehicle during the process.
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. In most cases, this won't impact the function of your key, however in the event that it doesn't work immediately there's a chance that you've installed the battery in the wrong way. It's recommended to take the new battery to the dealership to be installed, so they can verify that it's matched to your vehicle.
If you're trying to reset the key, you'll need a working one. Then, you'll need to sit in the driver's seat, and set your new blank key in a nearby location. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and pull out the metal key then remove the battery from its position. Replace the battery and be sure that it is the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After replacing the battery for your key, you can turn on the car. Press the lock or unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. It is essential to turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you delay too long, your vehicle could lose all of its functions.
Replace the locks
Locked out of your car is a big trouble, and it can be costly to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge about $150. It is best to keep spare keys in a secure 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 takes a bit of patience and hard work. The first step is to take off the old actuator by grabbing it from the inside and pulling it out. Make sure you remove the push rod for the manual lock that is rod with a black plastic tip at one end, which is then inserted into an attachment on the actuator. This component can be difficult to locate and put back to its place, which is why it's a good idea to keep the window open while working on this.
Next, take off the cover from the battery and then remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back on with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod is into the fitting on top of the actuator. It's a tight fitting and you may have to apply some force to get it in place. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't work, you'll have to contact a licensed locksmith or dealership for help.