Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves the days of turning a key to start your car are disappearing. Instead, we now use remote programming options. Even those can malfunction sometimes 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 from a dealer, however it must be programmed to your specific car 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 Mini Coopers due to their excellent gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and high resale value. However, like any other car keys can go missing or stop working. If this happens, a reliable locksmith can help you out.
Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start their engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser system that stops the vehicle from operating in the event that the right key isn't present. It's expensive to replace when you lose it.
Key fobs for newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside your vehicle's engine. The chip is unique and has a code that is only compatible with the code of your car. If you want to replace it chip, it needs to be programmed to the specific car and requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith equipped with the right tools.
A replacement of your keys at a dealership can be costly however it's often the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can give you a key for a much lower price particularly when your registration or title is in hand to prove that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you've locked the keys to your car could make your day miserable and leave you waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few clever strategies that you can apply to save time and money.
The first step is to locate an extremely long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger works well, though you could also use a rod made from a strong piece 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.
Create a slip knot on the string. The loop of the slip knot on the button for locking. The string can be gently wiggled with the knot that is placed over the lock button in back-and-forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick might not work in all cases, but it is an effective solution for many automobiles. It's particularly helpful for cars that have the locking mechanism located on the side of the door rather than at the top. If your car does have an opening knob on the top of the door, this technique might help you if you have the right tool on hand. Be sure not to cause damage to your car in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
You may need to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, but it's possible that you've installed the battery incorrectly. It's a good idea to take the new battery to the dealership to be installed, so they can verify that it is matched up with your car.
It is essential that you have a working key that you can use while trying to reset yours. After that, sit in the driver's seat and put the new blank key somewhere close. Press the small silver tab on the back of the fob to reveal the keys made of metal, then remove the batteries. 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 replacing the battery in your key, you can turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each fob to program them with the vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs are programmed, you can return to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as you normally do. Make sure click turn off the ignition immediately afterward to end the programming process because if you wait too long between actions could cause your car to erase all its settings.
Replace the locks
Locked out of your vehicle is an immense problem, and it could be expensive to replace the keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for keys. The dealer will charge you around $150. The best way to prevent this is to always keep your spare key in a safe place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your mobile.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be a simple DIY project for the majority of people However, it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to take off the old actuator by grabbing it from the inside and pulling it out. Make sure to take out the rod that is used for the manual lock, which is a rod with a black plastic tip on the other end that is inserted into an actuator clip. It can be difficult to locate and then put back in its place It is therefore recommended to keep the windows rolled down while you work on it.
Next, take off the battery cover and remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator by making sure that the top end of the control rod is inserted into the fitting on the top of the actuator. You may need to apply some force to move the actuator to fit. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't work, you'll require a certified locksmith or dealership for help.