Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves the days of turning a key to start your vehicle are fading away. Today, we use remote programming. Even these aren't perfect and need a professional to assist. To replace your car keys quickly, a mobile locksmith who is trained is the best option.
You can purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it must be programmed to your specific car prior to activation. This is only possible through a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys stolen or lost
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers due to their excellent gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and high resale worth. But, just like any other car, their keys can be lost or not work. If this happens, a professional locksmith can come to your rescue.
Most modern vehicles utilize remote key fobs to open doors and start engines. These fobs are connected an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from driving in the event that the right key isn't available. If you lose yours getting a new one will cost you a lot.
Modern car models include an electronic chip in their key fobs which talks to the transponder within your car's engine. The chip is equipped with a code that is unique to your car. If you need a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed for your vehicle by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith who has the appropriate tools.
It's expensive to replace your keys at the dealer, but this is usually the only option. A mobile locksmith professional can visit you and design a new key for cheaper, particularly if have the registration or title of your car in hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
You could ruin your day by realizing that you have locked your keys in your car. mini remote key battery could be that you are waiting for someone to come and unlock the door or for a tow-truck to arrive. There are a few clever strategies that you can apply to save time and money.
The first thing to do is locate a long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire or make use of a rod made of a strong strip of plastic, or shoelace. It must be thin enough that it can fit through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Tie a slip-knot in the string. Attach the loop from the slip knot onto the lock button. Move gently back and forth the string by putting the slip knot over the lock-button in back-and forward movements until the knob on the inside of the door opens.
This method won't work in every circumstance however it's an excellent option for many cars. This technique is particularly helpful when the locking mechanism of your car is on the side instead of the top. If you have a knob on the top of your door, you can use this method as well when you have it. Just be careful not to damage your car in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or change the battery, you might need to reset it. This won't usually affect the functionality of the key, however it's possible to install the battery incorrectly. It's best to bring the battery to the dealership to have it installed so that they can verify that it's in sync with your car.
You'll need to ensure you have another working key to use while trying to reset yours. Sit in the driver's chair and place the blank key near by. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and remove the key from the metal and then take the battery from its spot. 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 you've replaced the key battery Turn the car on. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs are programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it as usual. You must shut off your ignition to complete the program. If you hold off too long, the car could lose all its commands.
Replacing the Locks
Being locked out of your car a big problem, and it could be expensive to replace the keys. The dealer will charge around $150 for a new key fob, while locksmiths can charge more. It is best to keep spare keys in a safe location or purchase a new smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it with your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be a straightforward DIY project for most people however it takes some effort and perseverance. The first step is removing the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and remove it. 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 the actuator's clip. It can be difficult to locate and put back in place this component It is therefore recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Then, put the actuator back in place, making sure the star end of the control rod is in the fitting at the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit and you may need to use some force to push it to fit. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you will be required to call a reputable locksmith or the dealership for assistance.