Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your car are slowly disappearing as technology advances. Instead, we are using remote programming options. Even these are susceptible to fail and require assistance from a professional. To replace your car keys quickly an experienced mobile locksmith is the best choice.

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

Keys stolen or lost

Mini Cooper owners choose their mini replacement key fob (talking to) Coopers because of their high resales value, low maintenance requirements and great gas mileage. As with all cars mini key replacement Cooper keys could be lost or stop working. If this happens, a professional locksmith can come to your rescue.

Modern vehicles rely on remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start engines. These fobs have an immobiliser mechanism that prevents your vehicle from operating without the right key. It's costly to replace it in the event that you lose it.

The key fobs on newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder within the engine of your car. The chip contains a code that is unique to the car you own. If you need a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed for your car by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.

It's expensive to replace your keys with an auto dealer, but it is often the only choice. Locksmiths on the move can make keys for you at lower cost particularly if your registration or title is present as proof that you own the car.

Unlocking Your Car

The dreadful realization that you locked your keys in your car could ruin your day and leave you waiting for a tow truck or a friend to unlock the door for you. There are, however, some clever tricks you can try to save time and money.

The first thing to do is to locate a long and thin rod. You can use a wire hanger for clothes, but you can also use a rod that is composed of a strong strip of plastic, or a shoelace. It should be thin enough that it can fit into the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.

Attach a slip knot to the string (a sliding knot that tightens tightly when pulled). Place the loop from the slip knot onto the lock button. Gently wiggle the string with the knot that is placed 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 however it's a good solution for many cars. This trick is especially useful when the locking mechanism of your car is on the side rather than the top. If your car does have knobs on the top of the door, this method might help you if you've got the right tool available. Be sure not to harm the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

It's possible that you need to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. Most of the time, this won't alter the functionality of your key, but should it not work right away it could be because you've installed the new battery in a wrong way. It's a good idea to bring the battery to the dealer for installation, so they can ensure that it is matched up with your vehicle.

You'll need to make sure you have another key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. Relax in a driver's seat and place the blank key near by. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and take out the key made of metal and remove the battery from its place. Replace the battery with a new one, and ensure it's the right side up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).

After replacing the key battery You can then turn on the car. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Make sure that you shut off the ignition immediately afterward to stop the program because if you wait 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 it's expensive to replace keys. The dealer will charge about $150 for a new key fob, while locksmiths may charge more. The best way to avoid this is to keep your spare key in a secure place, or to purchase a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your mobile.

Replacing the door lock actuator can be a simple DIY project for most, but it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and pull it out. Make sure to take out the push rod to access the manual lock rod, which is a rod with an elongated black plastic tip on the other end that is inserted into an actuator clip. This part is difficult to locate and then get back into position, so it's recommended to keep the window shut while you work on this.

Then, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the top end of the control rod is inserted into the fitting on the top of the actuator. You may have to apply a little force to get the actuator in position. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you'll need to contact an authorized locksmith or dealer for assistance.