Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves and technology advances, the days of turning the key to start your car are going away. Instead, we now use remote programming options. Even these are susceptible to fail and require assistance from a professional. To replace your car keys quickly, a professional mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it will need to be programed to your specific vehicle before activation. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN, registration or title can do this.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers because of their high resales value Low maintenance requirements and high gas mileage. However, like any other car keys can be lost or not work. If this happens, a good locksmith will help you out.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and even start engines. These fobs are connected an immobiliser device that blocks your vehicle from being driven when the correct key isn't there. If you lose one, buying a replacement is expensive.
The key fobs on newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside your vehicle's engine. The chip contains a code that is unique to the car. If you need an upgrade chip, it must be programmed for your vehicle by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith who has the right tools.
Getting your keys replaced at a dealer could be costly, but it is often the only alternative. Locksmiths on the move can make keys for you at a much lower price in particular in the event that your registration or title is on hand as proof that you own the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The dreadful realization that you've locked your keys in your car can ruin your day and leave you waiting for an emergency tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few smart tricks that you can use to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is find a long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, but you might also consider an iron rod made of a strong piece of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough to allow it to fit into the door's seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string. Place the loop of the slip knot over the lock button. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot on top of the lock button in back-and forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick might not work for all situations however it's an ideal solution for many cars. It's especially helpful in the case of cars with the locking mechanism that is located on the side of the door rather than at the top. If your car has knobs on the top of the door, this method could assist you if you have the correct tool in your arsenal. Be careful not to hurt your vehicle in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It's possible that you need to reset your key fob if you change the battery or lose it. Usually, this won't alter the functionality of your key, however when it doesn't function immediately, there's a possibility that you've installed the battery incorrectly. You should bring the new battery into the dealership to be installed to confirm that it's a suitable one for your car.
While you're trying reset your key, you'll require another working one. Then, get in the driver's seat and set your new blank key somewhere close. Push the small silver tab at the back of the key fob to open the keys made of metal, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery and be sure that it's in the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After you've replaced the key battery Turn the car on. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to programme them with the car's computer. Once all fobs have been programmed, they can return to your vehicle and lock it as usual. The Keylab is essential to turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you are waiting too long, your car may lose all its commands.
Replacing the Locks
It's not easy to get locked out of your car and also costly to replace keys. Locksmiths may charge more than $150 for keys. The dealer will charge you around $150. It is best to keep spare keys in a secure location or buy a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator on your own but it requires some patience and perseverance. The first step is to remove the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and take it out. Remove the push rod that is connected to the manual lock. It's a long rod with black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to a clip in the actuator. This component can be difficult to find and get back into place, so it's best to leave the window rolled up while you work on this.
Then, remove the cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery and replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back into position and ensure that the top end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply some force to push the actuator in position. You should now be able lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you will require a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.