Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your car are becoming less common as technology advances. Instead, we now use remote programming options. These can also fail and require assistance from a professional. For a quick replacement of your car key, a mobile locksmith who is trained is the best choice.
You can also buy an extra key from an authorized dealer. However it will require programming to your vehicle prior to activation. This is only done by locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys stolen or lost
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers because of their high resale prices Low maintenance requirements and great gas mileage. However, like any other vehicle keys may disappear or stop working. If this happens, a good locksmith will help you out.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to open doors and even start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser system that stops your vehicle from driving in the event that the correct key isn't present. If you lose one, the cost of replacing it is costly.
Key fobs for newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to the car. If you receive a replacement, it will have to be programmed for your specific vehicle which requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.
It's expensive to replace your keys with an auto dealer, but it is usually the only option. Locksmiths on the move can make you a key for lower cost and especially when your registration or title is in hand to prove that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
You can ruin your day by realizing that you have locked your keys inside your car. You could be left waiting for someone to arrive to unlock the door or for a tow truck to arrive. Fortunately, there are clever ways you can use to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is locate a long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire, but you can also make use of a rod composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or shoelace. It should be thin enough for it to fit through the door's seam and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string. Place the loop from the slip knot onto the button for the lock. Gently wiggle the string with the knot on top of the lock button in back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.
This method may not work for all situations however it's a good solution for many automobiles. This trick is especially helpful when the locking mechanism of your vehicle is on the side, rather than at the top. If you have a knob at the top of your door, you could use this method as well if you have it. Be careful not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you could need to reset it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, but it's possible that you installed the battery incorrectly. It's recommended to bring the new battery to the dealership for installation so that they can ensure that it's matched to your car.
While you're trying reset your key, you'll require another working one. Sit in the driver's chair and place your blank key in a nearby location. Push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and pop out the metal key and remove the battery from its position. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and make sure it's facing up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After replacing the battery in your key after which you can turn on the car. Press the lock and unlock buttons on all of your fobs in order to program them with the car's computer. After all fobs have been programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Make sure to turn off the ignition following this to terminate the programming process because if you wait too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all its commands.
Replacing the Locks
Locked out of your vehicle is an immense problem, and it could be costly to replace the keys. Locksmiths will charge you more than $150 for keys. The dealer will charge you around $150. The best way to avoid this is to keep your spare key in a safe place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be a straightforward DIY project for most however, it will require a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to remove the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and remove it. Make sure to take out the push rod to access the manual lock, which is rod that has an black plastic tip on one end that connects to an actuator 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, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Install the actuator by making sure that the top end of the 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 bring it to fit. After this your doors should then lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't, you'll require a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.