Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology advances the days of turning a key to start your car are going away. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, they can also malfunction and need a professional to help. A trained mobile locksmith is your best option for quick car key replacement.
You can also buy an extra key from an authorized dealer. However, it will need programming to your vehicle prior to activation. This is only possible through a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers because of their high resales value as well as their low maintenance requirements and excellent gas mileage. But, as with any other car keys may be lost or not work. If this happens, a reliable locksmith will come to your rescue.
Modern vehicles have remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and even start engines. The fobs come with an immobiliser mechanism that prevents your vehicle from being driven without the correct key. If you lose yours replacing it will cost you a lot.
Modern car models include an electronic chip embedded in the key fobs, which communicates to the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to your car. If you need a replacement chip, it must be programmed in your car through an authorized dealer or a locksmith who has the right tools.
It can be expensive to replace your keys at a dealership, but this is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith professional can visit you and design a new key for lower, especially if have your car's registration or title in hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The dreadful realization that you've locked the keys to your car could cause a lot of stress and leave you stuck waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. Fortunately, there are clever tricks you can try to save yourself time and money.
The first step is to locate the longest, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire, but you can also use a rod that is composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or even shoelace. It must be thin enough to fit through the door seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Tie a slip-knot in the string. The loop of the slip knot above the lock button. Move gently back and forth the string using the slip knot over the lock-button in back-and forward motions until the knob on the inside of your door opens.
This trick won't work in every situation however it's a great option for a variety of cars. This trick is especially helpful if the locking mechanism of the car is situated on the side, instead of at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you could use this method as well when you have it. Be careful not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you might have to reset it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, but it's possible to install the battery in a wrong way. It is recommended to take the new battery to the dealership to be installed to ensure that it's the correct one for your car.
If you're trying to reset your key, you'll require another working key. Sit in the driver's chair and put your blank key somewhere nearby. Push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob to open the keys made of metal, then take the batteries off. Replace the battery and be sure that it's the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After replacing the battery in your key after which you can turn on the car. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into the car's computer. When all the fobs have been programmed, you can return to your vehicle and lock it as normal. Be sure to shut off the ignition following this to stop the program since a long time between actions could cause your car to wipe out all of its commands.
Replace the locks
Getting locked out of your car an enormous hassle, and it can be costly to replace keys. The dealer will charge about $150 for a replacement key fob, and locksmiths could charge more. It is recommended to keep your spare keys in a secure location, or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it using your smartphone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be a straightforward DIY project for the majority of people, but it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to take off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Make mini key to remove the rod that is used for the manual lock rod, which is rod that has a black plastic tip at one end that connects to a clip on the actuator. It can be difficult to locate and then put back into place this part It is therefore recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Next, take off the battery cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the end of the control rod is inserted into the fitting on the top of the actuator. This is a tight fit and you may need to use some force to push it in place. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you'll require a certified locksmith or dealership for assistance.