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 are using remote programming options. Even these can fail and require assistance from a professional. A locksmith with experience is the best option for quick replacement of your car keys.
You can purchase an additional key from a dealer, but it will need to be programed to your specific vehicle prior to activation. This is only possible through locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys stolen or lost
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers for their high gas mileage, low maintenance needs and high resale worth. Similar to other cars, Mini Cooper keys can be lost or not work. If this happens, a professional locksmith can help.
Modern vehicles have remote key fobs that can be used to open doors and start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from being driven when the correct key isn't present. If you lose one, replacing it is expensive.
The key fobs on newer models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to your car. If you want to replace it chip, it needs to be programmed to your specific car, which requires an authorised dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
It is costly to replace your keys at an auto dealer, but it is often the only choice. A professional mobile locksmith can visit you and design a new key for much lower, especially if have your car's registration or title in hand to prove you are the owner.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrible realization that you locked your keys inside your car can cause a lot of stress and leave you waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are, however, some clever tricks you can try to save time and money.
The first step is to find a long, skinny rod. A clothes hanger made of wire is ideal, however you might also consider the rod from a strong piece of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough to allow it to fit through the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that tightens as it is pulled). Attach the loop from the slip knot onto the lock button. Then gently wiggle the string using the slip knot on top of the lock-button in back-and forward movements until the knob in the interior of the door opens.
This method might not be effective in all situations however it's an ideal solution for many automobiles. This technique is particularly helpful in the event that the locking mechanism of the car is situated on the side, instead of at the top. If your car has an opening knob on the top of the door, this technique could help you if you have the right tool on hand. Be sure not to hurt your vehicle during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
You may need to reset your key fob when you replace the battery or lose it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, but it's possible that you've installed the battery in a wrong way. You should take the new battery to the dealership to be installed to confirm that it's a suitable one for your car.
You'll need you have another working key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. After that, sit in the driver's seat and put your new blank key aside somewhere near. 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 spot. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and ensure it's the right side up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After you've replaced your new key battery Turn the car on. Use the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs in order to program them into the vehicle's computer. After all fobs have been programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it as normal. Be sure to shut off the ignition following this to terminate the programming process since a long time between actions could cause your car to erase all of its commands.
Replace the locks
Getting locked out of your vehicle is a big hassle, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. thekeylab may charge more than $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge around $150. The best way to prevent this is to keep your spare key in a safe location, or to buy an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it with your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be a DIY project for a lot of people However, it requires a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To accomplish this, you need to reach inside and take it out. Take off the rod that is connected to the manual lock. It's a long rod with black plastic on one end. This rod goes into a clip in the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and then put back in place this piece, so it is best to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Next, take off the battery cover and remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Finally, you can put the actuator back into place with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod is into the fitting on the top of the actuator. This is a tight fitting, so you might need to use some force to move it in place. After this your doors should then lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't, you'll need to contact a locksmith or a dealer for assistance.