Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

As technology advances, the days of turning a key to start your car are disappearing. Today, we use remote programming. However, they can also malfunction and require a professional assist. A trained mobile locksmith is the best choice for fast replacement of your car key.

You can also purchase an extra key from an authorized dealer. However, it will need programming to your specific vehicle prior to activation. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN or registration number, as well as your title are able to do this.

Lost or Stolen keys

Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers for their high resale value Low maintenance requirements and high gas mileage. However, just like every other vehicle keys can disappear or cease to function. If this happens, a good locksmith can help.

Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs to open doors and to start their engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser system that stops your vehicle from driving in the event that the right key isn't there. If you lose the key, the cost of replacing it is costly.

The key fobs in the latest models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside the engine of your car. This chip has a code that is unique to the car. If you get a replacement mini keys chip, it will need to be programmed to your car's specific model that requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.

It is costly to replace your keys at a dealership, but this is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith can create keys for you at lower cost and especially when your registration or title is present as proof that you have the car.

Unlocking Your Car

It can be a nightmare when you realize you've locked your keys in your car. You could be waiting for someone to arrive to unlock the door or for a tow-truck arrive. There are, however, some clever ways you can use to save time and money.

The first step is to find a long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger works well, but you could also try rods made of a strong piece of plastic or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough to pass through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.

Attach a slip-knot to the string. Place the loop of the slip knot on the button for locking. Then gently wiggle the string using the slip knot placed over the lock button in forward and back movements until the knob in the interior of the door opens.

This trick may not work in all situations however it's an excellent alternative for a lot of cars. It's especially useful in the case of cars with the locking mechanism located on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If you have a knob at the top of your door, you can also make use of this method to lock it if you own it. Be careful not to cause damage to your car during the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

It's possible that you need to reset your key fob when you replace the battery or lose it. It's not likely to impact the function of your key, however in the event that it doesn't work immediately it's possible that you've installed the battery in the wrong way. You should take the new battery to the dealership to be installed to confirm that it's a suitable one for your vehicle.

You'll need you have another working key that you can use while trying to reset yours. Then, sit in the driver's chair and set the new blank key in a nearby location. Push the small silver tab on the back of the fob to reveal the keys made of metal, then take the batteries off. Replace the battery, and ensure that it is the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

Once you've replaced the key battery then turn on the car. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to programme them into the vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs have been programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it just as you would normally. It is essential to turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you wait too long, the car could lose all its commands.

Replace the locks

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

Replacing the door lock actuator could be a straightforward DIY project for a lot of people however it takes a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and remove it. Make sure you remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock it's rod with a black plastic tip at one end that connects to an attachment on the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and then put back in place this piece and it is recommended to keep the window rolled down while you work on it.

Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Install the actuator by making sure that the slant end of the control rod is inserted into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit, so you might need to apply some force to get it to fit. You should now be able lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't work, you'll have to contact a licensed locksmith or the dealership for help.