Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

As technology improves technology, the days of turning a key to operate your vehicle are fading away. Instead, we now use remote programming options. Even these can fail at times and require a professional help. For quick car key replacement an experienced mobile locksmith is the best option.

You can also purchase an extra key from an authorized dealer. However it will require programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only possible through locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.

Lost or Stolen Keys

mini cooper key fob Cooper owners choose their cars for their high resale prices Low maintenance requirements and good gas mileage. Like any other car Mini Cooper keys can be lost or stopped working. If this happens, a good locksmith will help you out.

Modern vehicles have remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. These fobs are connected to an immobiliser that stops the vehicle from operating if the right key isn't there. It's costly to replace it in the event that you lose it.

Newer models of cars include an electronic chip inside the key fobs, which communicates to the transponder in your vehicle's engine. This chip has a code that is unique to your car. If you need a replacement chip, it must be programmed to your car through an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the right tools.

It's expensive to replace your keys with a dealer, but this is often the only choice. A professional mobile locksmith can visit you and design a new key for less, especially if you have your car's registration or title on hand to prove that you are the owner of the vehicle.

Unlocking Your Car

You can ruin your day by realizing that you have locked your keys in your car. You may be stuck waiting for someone to arrive and open the door, or for a tow-truck arrive. Fortunately, there are some clever techniques you can employ to save time and money.

The first thing to do is to find a long, thin rod. You can use a wire clothes hanger however, you could also utilize a rod made of a strong strip of plastic, or a shoelace. It must be thin enough for it to pass through the door's seam and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.

Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that cinches tightly when pulled). Place the loop of the slip knot over the lock button. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot over the lock button using back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.

This method won't work in all situations, but it's a good alternative for a lot of cars. This technique is particularly helpful if the locking mechanism of your car is located on the side, instead of at the top. If you have a knob at the top of your door, you could also use this method in the event that you have it. Be careful not to cause damage to the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

It is possible to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. This shouldn't impact the function of the key, however it's possible you installed the battery incorrectly. It's best to bring the battery to the dealership for installation, so they can ensure it is matched up with your car.

You'll need you have another working key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. Then, sit in the driver's seat, and set your new blank key in a location close to the car. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to pull out the metal key, then remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery and make sure that it's the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

Once you've replaced the key battery Turn the car on. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs in order to programme them into the vehicle's computer. When all the fobs are programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it in the same way as you normally do. Be sure to shut off the ignition immediately afterward to end the process of programming in case you are waiting too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all of its settings.

Replace the locks

Getting locked out of your vehicle is an enormous trouble, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge more than $150 for the key fob. The dealer will charge you around $150. It is recommended to keep your spare keys in a secure location or buy a smartlock for your mini cooper key (Continue Reading) cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.

It is possible to replace the door lock actuator yourself however, it requires a bit of patience and work. The first step is to take out the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and take it out. Make sure you remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock it's rod with an black plastic tip on one end that inserts into an actuator clip. This part can be tricky to locate and reinstall to its place, which is why it's a good idea keep the window open while working on this.

Next, remove the battery cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Finally, you can put the actuator back into position by making sure that the star end of the control rod is into the fitting on top of the actuator. You may have to apply some force to move the actuator in place. After that the doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't work, you'll need to call a certified locksmith or dealership for assistance.