Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your car are slowly disappearing as technology advances. We now use remote programming. Even these can fail at times and require a professional help. If you need to replace a car key quickly, a mobile locksmith who is trained is the best choice.

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

Keys lost or stolen

The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers due to their excellent gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and a high resale value. Like all cars, Mini Cooper keys can be lost or not work. A good locksmith can help you in this case.

Modern vehicles have remote key fobs that can be used to open doors and even start engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from driving if the right key isn't present. If you lose one, the cost of replacing it will be expensive.

The key fobs of newer models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside your vehicle's engine. The chip is unique and has a code that matches only the code in your car. If you want to replace it chip, it will need to be programmed to the specific car, which requires an authorised dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.

The process of replacing your keys at a dealership could be expensive however, it's often the only option. A mobile locksmith professional can visit you and design a new key for cheaper, particularly if have your car's registration or title on hand to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle.

Unlocking Your Car

The horrible realization that you locked your keys inside your car can make your day miserable and leave you waiting for an tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few smart tricks that you can employ to save time and money.

The first step is to locate the longest, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, but you can also use an iron rod made of plastic that is strong or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough that it can fit into the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.

Make a slip knot in the string. Attach the loop from the slip knot onto the button for the lock. Then gently wiggle the string with the slip knot placed over the lock-button using back-and-forward motions until the knob on the inside of your door opens.

This trick may not work in every case, but it's a good solution for a wide range of vehicles. This trick is especially helpful when the locking mechanism of the car is situated on the side, instead of at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you could use this method as well in the event that you have it. Be sure not to harm your vehicle during the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

You may need to reset your key fob when you replace the battery or lose it. Usually, this won't affect the functionality of your key, but if it doesn't work right away there's a chance that you've installed the battery in the wrong manner. It's best to bring the battery to the dealership for installation so that they can ensure it's in sync with your vehicle.

If you're trying to reset the key, you'll require a second working key. Then, sit in the driver's seat and put your new blank keys aside somewhere near. Push the small silver tab at the back of the Key For Mini Cooper fob to pop out the keys made from metal, and remove the batteries. Replace the battery with a new one, and make sure that it's right side up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).

After you have replaced the battery on your key You can then turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to programme them using the computer in your vehicle. When all the fobs are programmed, then you can return to your vehicle and lock it as usual. Turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you hold off too long, the vehicle could lose all of its functions.

Replacing the Locks

Locked out of your car is an immense hassle, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. The dealer will charge you approximately $150 for a brand new key for mini cooper fob, but locksmiths could charge more. The best way to avoid this is to store 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 phone.

It is possible to change the door lock actuator on your own however it requires some patience and work. The first step is removing the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and pull it out. Make sure you remove the push rod for the manual lock that is an iron rod with an black plastic tip on one end that connects to a clip on the actuator. This component can be difficult to locate and then get back into place, so it's recommended to keep the window closed while working on this.

Then, take off the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery and MINI Cooper key fob then replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back into position with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod fits in the fitting on the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply some force to move the actuator into place. After doing this, your doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they do not then you'll need to speak with an authorized locksmith or dealer for assistance.