Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves, the days of turning a key to operate your car are slowly disappearing. We now have remote programming. Even these aren't perfect and require a professional assist. To replace your car keys quickly, a trained mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can also purchase an additional key from a dealer, however it must be programmed to the specific car you own before activation. This can only be done by locksmiths who have access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys lost or stolen
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers due to their high resales value with low maintenance requirements, as well as great gas mileage. But, just like any other vehicle keys may disappear or stop working. If this happens, a reliable locksmith can help you out.
Most modern vehicles utilize remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start engines. The fobs come with an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from being driven without the right key. It's expensive to replace in the event that you lose it.
Newer models of cars include an electronic chip embedded in their key fobs that communicates to the transponder within the engine of your car. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to your car. If you require a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed to your car by a licensed dealer or a locksmith with the right tools.
Getting your keys replaced at a dealer could be costly but it's usually the only option. A mobile locksmith professional can visit you and create an entirely new key for less, especially if you have your car's registration or title on hand to prove that you are the owner.
Unlocking Your Car
It can be a nightmare by realizing that you have locked your keys in your car. You could be waiting for someone else to come to unlock the door or for a truck to arrive. There are some clever tricks that you can employ to save time and money.
The first thing to do is to locate a long and thin rod. A clothes hanger made of wire is ideal, however you could also use the rod from 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.
Attach a slip knot to the string (a sliding knot that cinches tightly when pulled). Attach the loop from the slip knot on the button for the lock. Move gently back and forth the string with the slip knot over the lock button in back-and-forward movements until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.
This trick might not work for all situations, but it is an ideal solution for many cars. It's especially helpful when your car has the locking mechanism that is located on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If there is a knob on the top of your door, you could use this method as well to lock it if you own it. Be careful not to cause damage to the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you may have to reset it. It's not likely to affect the functionality of your key, however in the event that it doesn't work immediately there's a chance that you've installed the new battery incorrectly. It's best to bring the battery to the dealership to be installed, so they can verify that it's in sync with your car.
If you're trying to reset the key, you'll need a working key. Then, you'll need to sit in the driver's seat and put your new blank keys aside in a location close to the car. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to take out the key made of metal, then remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
Once you've replaced the key battery, turn the car on. Press the lock or unlock buttons on your fobs in order to program them into the car's computer. When all of the fobs are programmed, you can return to your vehicle and lock it as usual. You must shut off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you hold off too long, the vehicle could lose all of its commands.
Replace the locks
Being locked out of your vehicle is a big trouble, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. The dealer will charge about $150 for a new key fob, but locksmiths might charge more. The best way to avoid this is to store your spare key in a safe place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your mobile.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator yourself however it requires a bit of patience and hard work. mini remote key battery is to remove the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and pull it out. Remove the push rod that is connected to the manual lock. It's a rod that has black plastic on one end. The rod connects to the actuator's clip. It can be difficult to locate and put back in place this piece and it is recommended to keep the window closed down while you work on it.
Then, take off the cover and the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator and ensure that the star end of the control rod is inserted into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply some force to move the actuator in position. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, then you'll be required to call a reputable locksmith or the dealership for assistance.