Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your car are fading away as technology advances. Today, we use remote programming. However, they can also malfunction and need a professional to help. A trained mobile locksmith is the best option for quick replacement of your car keys.

You can also purchase spare keys from a dealer, however it must be programmed to your car before activation. This is only done by a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.

Keys lost or stolen

The owners of mini car key Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and a high resale price. Like all cars Mini Cooper keys could get lost or cease to function. A reputable locksmith can assist you in this case.

Modern vehicles have remote key fobs that can be used to open doors and start engines. They also have an immobiliser feature that stops your vehicle from driving without the correct key. It's costly to replace it the fob if it is lost.

Modern car models include an electronic chip inside their key fobs that talks to the transponder inside your vehicle's engine. This chip has a unique code that only matches the code on your car. If you receive a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your car's specific model which requires an authorized locksmith or dealer with the appropriate tools.

The process of replacing your keys at a dealer can be costly however, it's often the only alternative. A professional mobile locksmith will come to you and make keys for less, particularly if you have the registration or title of your car on hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.

Unlocking Your Car

The dreadful realization that you locked your keys inside your car can make your day miserable and leave you stuck waiting for a tow truck or a friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few clever strategies that you can use to save time and money.

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

Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that tightens when pulled). The loop of the slip knot above the lock button. The string can be gently wiggled with knots placed over the lock button with back-andforth movements until the knob inside the door opens.

This method may not work in all situations however it's an ideal solution for many automobiles. It's especially useful for cars that have 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 if you have it. Be careful not to cause damage to the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

If you lose your key fob or replace the battery, you could require a reset. It shouldn't affect the functionality of the key, however it's possible that you've installed the battery incorrectly. It's a good idea take the new battery to the dealer for installation so that they can make sure it is matched up with your car.

You'll need to make sure you have another key to use while you're trying to reset yours. After that, sit in the driver's chair and set your new blank key aside in a nearby location. Push the small silver tab at the back of the key fob to open the keys made of metal, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery and be sure that it's in the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

After replacing the key battery after which you can turn on the car. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs in order to programme them into the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it as normal. You must shut off your ignition to complete the program. If you delay too long, the car may lose all its commands.

Replacing the Locks

It's not easy to get locked out of your vehicle and it can be costly to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge you around $150. It is recommended to keep your spare keys in a safe location or buy a smartlock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your phone.

Replacing the door lock actuator can be an easy DIY project for the majority of people however it takes some effort and patience. The first step is removing the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and take it out. Make sure to remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock that is an iron rod with an black plastic tip on one end that inserts into an attachment on the actuator. It can be difficult to locate and put back in its place, so it is best to keep the window closed 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. Finally, put the actuator back into position, making sure the star end of the control rod is in the fitting on the top of the actuator. This is a tight fitting so you may have to use some force to move it into place. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you will have to contact a licensed locksmith or the dealership for assistance.