Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves the days of turning the key to start your car are slowly disappearing. Instead, we now use remote programming options. Even these aren't perfect and require a professional assist. For a quick replacement of your car key, a mobile locksmith who is trained is the best option.
You can purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it will need to be programmed to your specific car before activation. Locksmiths with access to your VIN or registration number, as well as your title can do this.
Keys stolen or lost
The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance needs and high resale value. Like all cars Mini Cooper keys can be lost or stopped working. A professional locksmith can assist you if this happens.
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and start engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser system that stops your vehicle from being driven in the event that the right key isn't there. If you lose one, the cost of replacing it will cost you a lot.
Key fobs for newer models of cars have an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside your vehicle's engine. This chip has a code that is unique to the car. If you purchase a replacement chip, it will need to be programmed for your specific vehicle and requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
It's expensive to replace your keys at an auto dealer, but it is usually the only option. A professional mobile locksmith can come to you and create a new key for much less, particularly if you have your car's registration or title on hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you've locked your keys inside your car could make your day miserable and leave you stuck waiting for an tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are some clever techniques that you can use to save time and money.
The first step is to find a long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire however, you could also make use of a rod composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or even shoelace. It should be thin enough to pass through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Tie a slip-knot in the string. The loop of the slip knot above the button for locking. Move gently back and forth the string by putting the slip knot on top of the lock button in back-and-forward motions until the knob on the inside of the door opens.
This trick won't work in every circumstance however it's a great alternative for a lot of cars. This technique is particularly helpful if the locking mechanism of your car is located on the side rather than the top. If your car does have an upper knob of the door, this technique might assist you if you have the appropriate tool at hand. Be careful not to harm your vehicle during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or replace the battery, you could have to reset it. It shouldn't affect the function of the key, but it's possible that you've installed the battery incorrectly. You should take the new battery to the dealership to be installed so that they can verify that it's the right one for your vehicle.
When you're trying to reset your key, you'll require another working one. You should sit in the driver's chair and place your blank key close by. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and pull out the metal key, then remove the battery from its position. Replace the battery with a new one, and make sure it's the right side up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After you have replaced the battery on your key After that, you can start the car. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to program them using the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed you can return to your car and lock it in the same way as usual. It is essential to turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If mini cooper s replacement key are waiting too long, the car may not be able to execute all its commands.
Replace the locks
Being locked out of your car is quite a trouble, and it can be costly to replace the keys. The dealer will charge about $150 for a new key fob, while locksmiths could charge more. It is recommended to keep spare keys in a safe location or purchase a new smartlock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator yourself but it requires some patience and perseverance. The first step is to remove the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and take it out. Take off the rod that is connected to the manual lock. It's a rod with black plastic on one end. This rod will be the actuator's clip. This can be a challenge to locate and reinstall 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 end of your control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply some force to push the actuator to fit. 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 have to contact a licensed locksmith or dealership for help.