Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

As technology improves technology, the days of turning a key to start your car are disappearing. Instead, we now use remote programming options. Even these can fail at times and require a professional assist. A trained mobile locksmith is the best choice for quick replacement of car keys.

You can also purchase an extra key from a dealer. However, it will need programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only possible through an authorized locksmith who has access to your VIN and registration or title.

Keys that have been stolen or lost are

Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers for their high gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and a high resale value. As with all cars, Mini Cooper keys can be lost or stopped working. If this happens, a professional locksmith can come to your rescue.

Modern vehicles are equipped with remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. The fobs come with an immobiliser feature that stops your vehicle from being driven without the proper key. If you lose yours, getting a new one will be expensive.

Newer car models have an electronic chip inside their key fobs which talks to the transponder within the engine of your car. The chip is unique and has a code that matches only the code in your car. If you purchase a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your specific car, which requires an authorised locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.

A replacement of your keys at a dealer can be expensive however it's often the only option. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for an affordable price in particular when your title or registration is on hand as proof that you own the vehicle.

Unlocking Your Car

The horrible realization that you locked your keys inside your car can make your day miserable and leave you stuck waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. Fortunately, there are clever ways you can use to save yourself time and money.

The first step is to locate a thin, long rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, however you can also use a rod made from a sturdy strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough to allow it to pass into the door's seam, and long enough to reach to the lock button.

Make a slip knot in the string. Place the loop of the slip knot over the button for locking. Gently wiggle back and forth the string while putting the slip knot over the lock button in back-and-forward movements until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.

This method might not work in all situations however it's an effective solution for many cars. This method is particularly useful in the event that the locking mechanism of the car is situated on the side, rather than at the top. If there is a knob on the top of your door, you can also make use of this method if you have it. Just be careful not to hurt your vehicle in the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

It is possible to reset your key fob in the event that you change the battery or lose it. It shouldn't affect the functionality of the key, but it's possible to install the battery in a wrong way. 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 vehicle.

If you're trying to reset your key, you'll require a second working key. You should sit in the driver's chair and place the blank key near by. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your Key for Mini Cooper fob, and pull out the metal key and then take the battery from its position. Replace the battery and ensure that it's in the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

After you've replaced your new key battery, turn the car on. Use the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs in order to programme them into the vehicle's computer. After all fobs have been programmed you can return to your car and lock it in the same way as usual. You must turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you wait too long, the vehicle could lose all of its functions.

Replace the locks

It's a hassle to get locked out of your vehicle, and it's expensive to replace keys. The dealer will charge approximately $150 for a brand new key fob, but locksmiths might charge more. The best way to avoid this is to keep 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 replace the door lock actuator yourself however it requires a bit of patience and work. The first step is removing the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and remove it. Take off the rod that is attached to the manual lock. It's a rod with black plastic on one end. This rod will be an actuator's clip. It can be difficult to locate and then put back into place this part, so it is best to keep the window rolled down while you work on it.

Then, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator by making sure that the end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. This is a tight fitting and you may have to apply some force to bring it to fit. After this the doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't, then you'll have to contact a licensed locksmith or the dealership for assistance.