Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are becoming less common as technology advances. We now have remote programming. Even these are susceptible to malfunction and require professional assistance. A locksmith with experience is the best option to get fast replacement of your car key.

You can also purchase an extra key from a dealer. However, it will need programming to your vehicle prior to activation. This can only be done by locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.

Lost or Stolen Keys

Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers due to their high resale value with low maintenance requirements, as well as high gas mileage. As with all cars Mini Cooper keys could be lost or stopped working. If this happens, a reliable locksmith can assist you.

Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and start engines. These fobs are connected an immobiliser system that stops your vehicle from being driven in the event that the right key isn't available. It's expensive to replace the fob if it is lost.

The key fobs on newer models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside your vehicle's engine. This chip has a unique code that is only compatible with the code of your car. If you need a replacement chip, it must be programmed in your car by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.

It's costly to replace your keys with an auto dealer, but it is usually the only option. A mobile locksmith can give you a key for less, especially when your title or registration is on hand as proof that you own the car.

Unlocking Your Car

It can be a nightmare when you realize you've locked your keys inside your car. It could be that you are waiting for someone to show up and open the door, or for a truck to arrive. There are some clever techniques that you can use to save time and money.

The first step is to locate the longest, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, however you could also try a rod made from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be small enough to pass through the door seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.

Tie a slip-knot in the string. The loop of the slip knot in front of the button for locking. Gently wiggle back and forth the string by putting the slip knot over the lock button in back-and-forward movements until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.

This trick might not work in all cases however it's an excellent solution for a lot of cars. It's particularly helpful in the case of cars with the locking mechanism on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If you have a knob on the top of your door, you can use this method as well if you have it. Be cautious not to damage the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

You may need to reset your key fob if you change the battery or lose it. In most cases, this won't affect the functionality of your key, however should it not work immediately it could be because you've installed the battery in a wrong way. It's best to take the new battery to the dealership for installation, so they can make sure it's matched to your vehicle.

When you're trying to reset your key, you'll need a working key. After that, sit in the driver's seat and set your new blank key somewhere close. Press the small silver tab on the back of the key fob to open the keys made of metal, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and make sure it's facing up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).

After replacing the battery in your key, you can turn on the car. Use the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs have been programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it as usual. Turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you wait too long, the car may not be able to execute all its functions.

Replacing the Locks

It can be a hassle to get locked out of your car and it can be costly to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for keys. The dealer will charge about $150. The best way to prevent this is to keep your spare key in a safe location, or to buy a smart lock for your mini keys cooper so that you can unlock it with your phone.

Replacing the door lock actuator could be a straightforward DIY project for a lot of people, but it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to take off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Make sure to take out the push rod for the manual lock it's a rod with an elongated black plastic tip on one end that connects to an actuator clip. It isn't easy to locate and then put back in its place and it is recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.

Then, remove the cover of the battery and take off the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Then, place the actuator back in place and ensure that the top end of the control rod is into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fitting, so you might need to use some force to get it to fit. After this, your doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't, you'll need to call a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.