Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are becoming less common as technology advances. Instead, we use remote programming options. These can also malfunction and require professional assistance. If you need to replace a car key quickly, a trained mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can also purchase an additional key from a dealer, however it will need to be programmed to your specific car prior to activation. This can only be done by locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys lost or stolen
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale value. However, like replacement mini cooper key , their keys can go missing or stop working. A professional locksmith can assist you if this happens.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and start engines. They also have an immobiliser feature that stops the vehicle from being driven without the right key. If you lose yours replacing it is expensive.
The key fobs in the latest models of automobiles have an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside the engine of your car. The chip is unique and has a code that is only compatible with the code on your car. If you require an upgrade chip, it must be programmed in your car by a licensed dealer or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.
A replacement of your keys at a dealer could be expensive however, it's often the only option. A professional mobile locksmith will come to you and create an entirely new key for cheaper, particularly if have the registration or title of your car on hand to prove you are the owner.
Unlocking Your Car
The dreadful realization that you locked the keys to your car can cause a lot of stress and leave you waiting for an emergency 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 thing you need to do is to find a long, thin rod. You can use a wire hanger for clothes however, you could also utilize a rod composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough to fit into the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.
Tie a slip knot in the string (a sliding knot that tightens as it is pulled). Put the loop of the slip knot on the button for the lock. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot that is placed over the lock button in back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick may not work for all situations, but it is an ideal solution for many automobiles. This trick is especially useful in the event that the locking mechanism of your vehicle is on the side instead of at the top. If there is a knob on the top of your door, you can also use this method to lock it if you own it. Be sure not to harm the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you may have to reset it. In most cases, this won't affect the functionality of your key, but when it doesn't function immediately there's a chance that you've installed the battery incorrectly. You should bring the new battery into the dealership to be installed to ensure that it's the correct one for your car.
You'll need you have another working key that you can use while trying to reset yours. Sit in the driver's chair and place the blank key near by. Push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and remove the key from the metal and then take the battery from its location. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's 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 locks and unlock buttons on each fob to program them with the car's computer. When all of the fobs have been programmed, they are able to return to your car and lock it in the same way as you normally do. You must turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you delay too long, your vehicle could lose all of its commands.
Replacing the Locks
Being locked out of your car is an enormous problem, and it could be expensive to replace the keys. The dealer will charge you approximately $150 for a brand new key fob, while locksmiths can charge more. The best way to prevent this is to always keep your spare key in a secure location, or to buy an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your smartphone.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be an easy DIY project for a lot of people however it takes a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and take it out. Be sure to remove the rod that is used for the manual lock it's a rod with an elongated black plastic tip on one end that inserts into a clip on the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and then put back into place this part It is therefore recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and remove the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Then, place the actuator back in place, making sure the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting on top of the actuator. This is a tight fit, so you might need to use some force to get it in place. After doing this, 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 an expert locksmith or dealer for assistance.