Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your car are becoming less common as technology improves. Today, we use remote programming. Even these can fail and require assistance from a professional. A trained mobile locksmith is the best choice for quick car key replacement.

You can purchase an extra key from a dealer, but it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before activation. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title are able to do this.

Lost or Stolen keys

Mini Cooper owners choose their cars for their high resale prices, low maintenance requirements and great gas mileage. However, just like every other car keys may go missing or stop working. If this happens, a reputable locksmith will come to your rescue.

Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser system that stops your vehicle from being driven in the event that the right key isn't there. If you lose one, getting a new one is expensive.

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 your car. If you require a replacement mini cooper key chip, it needs to be programmed for your car through an authorized dealer or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.

It's costly to replace your keys at an auto dealer, but it is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith can create you a key for a much lower price in particular when your registration or title is available to prove that you have the car.

Unlocking Your Car

You can ruin your day when you realize that you've locked your keys inside your car. You may be stuck waiting for someone to come and unlock the door or for a tow-truck arrive. There are a few smart tricks that you can use to save time and money.

The first thing to do is find a long, thin rod. You can use a wire hanger for clothes or use a rod that is composed of a strong strip of plastic, or shoelace. It should be thin enough that it can fit through the door seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.

Make a slip knot in the string (a sliding knot that tightens tightly when pulled). The loop from the slip knot over the button for the lock. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot over the lock button in back-and forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.

This trick might not be effective in all situations, but it is an effective solution for many cars. This trick is especially helpful if the locking mechanism of your car is on the side rather than at the top. If your car has a knob at the top of the door, this technique may also be able to help you if you have the correct tool in your arsenal. Be careful not to harm your car in the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

If you lose your key fob or replace the battery, you could need to reset it. It shouldn't affect the function of the key, however it's possible to install the battery in a wrong way. It's recommended to take the new battery to the dealership for installation, so they can verify that it's compatible with your vehicle.

You'll need you have a working key to use while trying to reset yours. Then, sit in the driver's seat and set your new blank key somewhere near. Push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob to pop out the metal keys, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

After replacing the key battery You can then turn on the car. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to program them with the car's computer. Once all fobs are programmed you can return to your car 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, the car could lose all its commands.

Replace the locks

Getting locked out of your car an immense trouble, and it can be expensive to replace the keys. Locksmiths can charge more than $150 for an ignition key. 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 a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.

Replacing the door lock actuator could be a DIY project for most people, but it requires a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to pull off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Remove the push rod that's connected to the manual lock. It's a long rod with black plastic on one end. This rod will be an actuator's clip. This can be a challenge to locate and reinstall in place, so it's recommended to keep the window shut while working on this.

Then, remove the cover from the battery and then remove the old battery. Install the new battery and replace the cover. Then, put the actuator back on by making sure that the star end of the control rod is in the fitting on the top of the actuator. You may have to apply a little force to get the actuator in place. You should now be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you will require a certified locksmith or the dealership for assistance.