Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

As technology advances and technology advances, the days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are fading away. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, even these may fail and require assistance from a professional. A mobile locksmith who is trained and skilled is the best option to get quick replacement of your car keys.

You can purchase spare keys from a dealer, but it must be programmed to your specific car before 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 them due to their outstanding gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale value. Like any other car Mini Cooper keys may be lost or not work. A good locksmith can help you in the event of this happening.

Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start engines. These fobs are connected to an immobiliser device that blocks your vehicle from driving in the event that the right key isn't available. It's costly to replace it the fob if it is lost.

Key fobs for newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is unique and has a code that is only compatible with the code on your car. If you purchase a replacement mini cooper key chip, it will need to be programmed to the specific car, which requires an authorised dealer or a locksmith equipped with the right tools.

It's costly to replace your keys at an auto dealer, but it is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for lower cost particularly when your title or registration is on hand as proof that you own the car.

Unlocking Your Car

You could ruin your day by realizing that you have locked your keys in your car. You could be left waiting for someone to show up and unlock your door, or for a tow truck to arrive. Fortunately, there are clever tricks you can try to save yourself time and money.

The first step is to locate a long, skinny rod. A clothes hanger made of wire works well, but you might also consider the rod from plastic that is strong or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough it to fit through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.

Create a slip knot on the string. Place the loop of the slip knot above the lock button. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using knots placed over the lock button using back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.

This trick won't work in every circumstance but it's a viable alternative for a lot of cars. This trick is especially helpful if the locking mechanism of your car is located on the side instead of the top. If your car does have knobs on the top of the door, this method could help you if you have the right tool available. Just be careful not to hurt your car during the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you could require a reset. This shouldn't impact the functionality of the key, however it's possible you installed the battery in a wrong way. It is recommended to take the new battery into the dealership to be installed so that they can verify that it's the right one for your car.

If you're trying to reset the key, you'll need another working key. Then, get in the driver's seat, and set your new blank keys aside in a nearby location. Push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob and take out the key made of metal then remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

Once you've replaced the key battery, turn the car on. Press the lock and unlock buttons on your fobs in order to programme them into the vehicle's computer. After all fobs have been programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Be sure to shut off the ignition to end the programming process in case you are waiting too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all its settings.

Replacing the Locks

It's a pain to get locked out of your car and also costly to replace keys. The dealer will charge around $150 for a new key fob, but locksmiths could charge more. The best way to prevent this is to store your spare key in a safe place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper to unlock it with your phone.

Replacing the door lock actuator can be a DIY project for the majority of people however it takes some effort and perseverance. The first step is to take out the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Be sure to remove the push rod to access the manual lock that is an iron rod with a black plastic tip at one end, which is then inserted into an actuator clip. This can be a challenge to locate and put back into place, so it's recommended to keep the window shut while working on this.

Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Install the actuator and ensure that the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting at the top of the actuator. This is a tight fitting and you may have to apply some force to get it in place. You should now be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, then you'll be required to call a reputable locksmith or dealership for help.