Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves and technology advances, the days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are fading away. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, even these may fail and require assistance from a professional. To replace your car keys quickly, a professional mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can also buy spare keys at an authorized dealer. However it will require programming for your specific vehicle prior activation. This is only possible through locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers due to their high resales value with low maintenance requirements, as well as high gas mileage. As with all cars Mini Cooper keys can be lost or not work. A reliable locksmith can help you if this happens.
Most modern vehicles utilize remote key fobs to open doors and begin their engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser system that stops the vehicle from operating in the event that the right key isn't available. It's costly to replace it in the event that you lose it.
Key fobs for newer models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder within your vehicle's engine. The chip contains a code that is unique to your vehicle. If you need an upgrade chip, it needs to be programmed for your car by a dealer who is authorized, or a locksmith with the right tools.
It's expensive to replace your keys at the dealer, but this is usually the only option. A professional mobile locksmith will come to you and create a new key for much lower, especially if have the registration or title of your car in hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
You could ruin your day by discovering that you've locked your keys in your car. You could be left waiting for someone else to come and open the door, or for a tow truck to arrive. Fortunately, there are some clever tricks you can try to save yourself time and money.
The first thing to do is to find a long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger works well, but you might also consider a rod made from an incredibly strong 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. Place the loop of the slip knot over the lock button. Gently wiggle the string with knots placed over the lock button using back-and-forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This method won't work in all situations however it's a great option for a variety of cars. It's particularly helpful when your car has the locking mechanism on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you could also make use of this method if you have it. Be cautious not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
You might need to reset your key fob if you replace the battery or lose it. In most cases, this won't affect the functionality of your key, but should it not work right away it could be because you've installed the battery in the wrong way. It's best to bring the new battery to the dealership for installation so that they can verify that it's in sync with your car.
While you're trying reset your key, you'll require another working key. After that, sit in the driver's seat and set your new blank keys aside in a nearby location. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob and take out the key made of metal, then remove the battery from its place. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and ensure it's facing up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
Once you've replaced the key battery, turn the car on. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all of your fobs to program them with the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs have been programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it as normal. Make sure that you shut off the ignition following this to terminate the programming process in case you are waiting too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all of its settings.
Replacing the Locks
It can be a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle and also costly to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge you around $150. It is best to keep spare keys in a secure location, or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it with your smartphone.
It is possible to change 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 remove it. Take off the rod that's connected to the manual lock. It's a rod made of black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to an actuator's clip. It isn't easy to locate and put back into place this part, so it is best to keep the windows rolled down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Then, place the actuator back on with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting on top of the actuator. You may need to use a bit of force to bring the actuator in place. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If keyless entry don't work, you'll require a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.