Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves the days of turning a key to start your car are slowly disappearing. Instead, we now use remote programming options. However, they can also malfunction and need a professional to help. If you need to replace a car key quickly, a professional mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can also buy spare keys at an authorized dealer. However, duplicate mini cooper key will need programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only done by locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Lost or Stolen keys
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance needs and a high resale value. But, just like any other vehicle, their keys can disappear or cease to function. If this happens, a reputable locksmith will come to your rescue.
Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and to start their engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser system that prevents the vehicle from operating when the correct key isn't in the. It's expensive to replace 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. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to the car. If you want to replace it chip, it needs to be programmed to the specific car and requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith equipped with the right tools.
The process of replacing your keys at a dealership could be costly however it's often the only option. Locksmiths on the move can make you a key for lower cost, especially when your registration or title is present as proof that you have the car.
Unlocking Your Car
You could ruin your day by discovering that you've locked your keys inside your car. You could be waiting for someone to come and open the door, or for a tow-truck arrive. Fortunately, there are clever strategies you can apply to save yourself time and money.
The first step is to find a long, skinny rod. A clothes hanger made of wire works well, though you could also try rods made of a strong piece of plastic or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough for it to pass through the door's seams and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.
Make a slip knot in the string. The loop from the slip knot over the lock button. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot over the lock button in back-and-forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick isn't suitable for all situations, but it's a good option for many cars. This technique is particularly helpful when the locking mechanism of your car is located on the side, rather than at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you can also use this method when you have it. Be sure not to hurt your vehicle in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
You may need to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. Most of the time, this won't impact the function of your key, but if it doesn't work immediately it's possible that you've installed the new battery in a wrong way. It's a good idea bring the battery to the dealer for installation, so they can ensure it's matched to your vehicle.
You'll need you have another key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. Then, get in the driver's seat and set the new blank key in a location close to the car. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob and pull out the metal key and then take the battery from its location. Replace the battery and be sure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
Once you've replaced the key battery switch the car on. Press the lock or unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into the vehicle's computer. After all fobs have been programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it as normal. It is essential to turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you hold off too long, your car may lose all its functions.
Replace the locks
Being locked out of your car an enormous hassle, and it can be expensive to replace the keys. The dealer will charge you about $150 for a new key fob, but locksmiths might charge more. It is best to keep spare keys in a secure location or purchase a new smartlock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be a DIY project for the majority of people, but it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to take out the old actuator. To accomplish this, you need to reach inside and pull it out. Be sure to remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock rod, which is rod with a black plastic tip at one end, which is then inserted into an actuator clip. This part can be tricky to locate and put back to its place, which is why it's best to leave the window rolled up while working on this.
Then, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator by making sure that the end of your control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit and you may have to use some force to get it to fit. You should now be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you'll have to contact a licensed locksmith or dealership for help.