Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your car are becoming less common as technology advances. Instead, we have remote programming options. Even these can fail at times and require a professional assist. To replace your car keys quickly, a professional mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can purchase spare keys from a dealer, but it must be programed to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only possible through locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys lost or stolen
The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale price. Like all cars Mini Cooper keys may be lost or stop working. If this happens, a reliable locksmith can help you out.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from being driven if the right key isn't present. If you lose the key, buying a replacement is costly.
Modern car models include an electronic chip embedded in their key fobs which talks to the transponder located in the engine of your vehicle. The chip is unique and has a code that only matches the code on your car. If you get a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed to your car's specific model, which requires an authorised dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
A replacement of your keys at a dealer could be costly however it's often the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can create keys for you at a much lower price particularly if your registration or title is present as proof that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The terrifying realization that you've locked your keys inside your car could cause a lot of stress and leave you waiting for an tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. Fortunately, there are some clever tricks you can try to save yourself time and money.
The first thing you need to do is to find a long, thin rod. You can use a wire clothes hanger, but you can also make use of a rod made from a strong piece of plastic, or a shoelace. It should be small enough to pass into the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that tightens tightly when pulled). Place the loop of the slip knot over the button for locking. Be mini cooper replacement key cost and gently wiggle the string while putting the slip knot placed over the lock-button using back-and-forward movements until the knob in the interior of the door opens.
This method may not work in all cases, but it is an ideal solution for many cars. It's especially helpful when your car has the locking mechanism 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 make use of this method if you have it. Be careful not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you could have to reset it. Most of the time, this won't alter the functionality of your key, but should it not work right away there's a chance that you've installed the new battery in the wrong manner. It's a good idea to bring the new battery to the dealer to have it installed so that they can ensure it is matched up with your car.
When you're trying to reset your key, you'll require another working key. After that, sit in the driver's seat and set the new blank key in a nearby location. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to take out the key made of metal and remove the battery from its place. 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 key battery You can then turn on the car. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed, return to your vehicle and lock it as normal. Make sure that you shut off the ignition immediately afterward to end the programming process, as waiting too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all of its commands.
Replace the locks
Being locked out of your vehicle is an immense hassle, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. Locksmiths may charge more than $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge you around $150. The best way to avoid 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 straightforward DIY project for most however it takes some effort and perseverance. The first step is removing the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and take it out. Remove the push rod that is attached to the manual lock. It's a rod with black plastic on one end. This rod goes into an actuator clip. It can be difficult to locate and put back into place this part and it is recommended to keep the window closed down while you work on it.
Then, take off the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Then, place the actuator back in place by making sure that the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fitting and you may have to apply some force to get it in place. You should now be able lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they do not then you'll need to speak with a locksmith or a dealer for assistance.