Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves, the days of turning the key to operate your car are disappearing. We now have remote programming. Even these aren't perfect and require a professional help. A locksmith with experience is your best option for quick car key replacement.
You can also purchase spare keys from a dealer. However, it will need programming to your specific vehicle prior to activation. This can only be done by a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys lost or stolen
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers for their high gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and a high resale price. Like any other car Mini Cooper keys could be lost or not work. If this happens, a reputable locksmith can help you out.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to unlock doors and start engines. These fobs are connected to an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from driving if the right key isn't in the. It's costly to replace it when you lose it.
The key fobs in the latest models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. This chip has a unique code that matches only the code in your car. If The Keylab want to replace it chip, it needs to be programmed to your car's specific model that requires an authorized locksmith or dealer with the appropriate tools.
Making your keys replace at a dealer could be costly however, it's often the only option. A professional mobile locksmith can come to you and make a new key for less, particularly if you have the registration or title of your car on hand to prove that you are the owner.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrible realization that you locked your keys in your car could make your day miserable and leave you stuck waiting for a tow truck or a friend to unlock the door for you. There are fortunately clever strategies you can apply to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is locate a long, thin rod. You can use a wire hanger for clothes, but you can also utilize a rod composed of a strong strip of plastic, or shoelace. It must be small enough to pass through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that tightens when pulled). Place the loop of the slip knot on the lock button. Use your fingers to gently move the string around the knot that is placed over the lock button with back-andforth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick may not work in all situations however it's a good solution for many cars. This method is particularly useful for locking mechanisms that are on your car is located on the side, instead of the top. If there is a knob on the top of your door, you could also utilize this method in the event that you have it. Be careful not to hurt your vehicle during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you may have to reset it. This won't usually affect the functionality of the key, but it's possible to install the battery in a wrong way. You should bring the new battery into the dealership to be installed so that they can confirm that it's a suitable one for your vehicle.
You'll need to ensure you have a working key to use while you're trying to reset yours. You should sit in the driver's chair and place your blank key close by. Push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and pull out the metal key and then take the battery from its place. Replace the battery and be sure that it is the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
Once you've replaced the key battery then turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all of your fobs in order to program them using the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs have been programmed, they can return to your car and lock it just as you would normally. Turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you are waiting too long, your car may not be able to execute all its commands.
Replacing the Locks
Being locked out of your vehicle is an enormous hassle, and it can be expensive to replace the keys. Locksmiths may charge more than $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge about $150. The best way to avoid this is to store your spare key in a safe location, or to buy a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be an easy DIY project for most people however it takes a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to take out the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Be sure to remove the push rod to access the manual lock it's an iron rod with an black plastic tip on one end that inserts into a clip on the actuator. It can be difficult to locate and put back in place this component which is why it is advised to keep the windows rolled down while you work on it.
Next, remove the battery cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Install the actuator and ensure that the star end of your control rod is inserted into the fitting at the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit, so you might need to apply some force to move it in place. After that, your doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't then you'll need to speak with a locksmith or the dealer for assistance.