Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your car are slowly disappearing as technology improves. Today, we use remote programming. These can also fail and require assistance from a professional. A trained mobile locksmith is your best option for quick replacement of your car keys.

You can also purchase an extra key from a dealer, however it will need to be programmed to your car prior to activation. Locksmiths with access to your VIN, registration or title can do this.

Lost or Stolen keys

Mini one replacement key Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers for their high resale values Low maintenance requirements and excellent gas mileage. But, as with any other vehicle keys may disappear or cease to function. A good locksmith can help you in this situation.

Modern vehicles have remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. They also have an immobiliser system which prevents your vehicle from driving without the right key. If you lose the key, getting a new one is costly.

Newer car models have an electronic chip inside their key fobs that talks to the transponder in the engine of your vehicle. This chip has a unique code that is only compatible with the code of your car. If you purchase a replacement mini keys, it will have to be programmed to your car's specific model which requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.

It's costly to replace your keys at a dealer, but this is usually the only option. A professional locksmith on mobile can come to you and make an entirely new key for less, especially if you have your car's registration or title to prove you are the owner.

Unlocking Your Car

It can be a nightmare by realizing that you have locked your keys in your car. It could be that you are waiting for someone else to come and unlock your door, or for a tow-truck to arrive. Fortunately, there are some clever strategies you can apply to save time and money.

The first thing to do is find a long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire however, you could also utilize a rod composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or a shoelace. It should be thin enough it to fit through the door's seams and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.

Create a slip knot on the string. The loop from the slip knot onto the button for the lock. Gently wiggle the string with the knot over the lock button in back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.

This trick isn't suitable for every case however it's an excellent option for many cars. It's particularly helpful for cars that have the locking mechanism on the side of the door instead of at the top. If your car does have knobs on the top of the door, this method may also be able to help you if you have the appropriate tool at hand. Be careful not to hurt your vehicle during the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you might need to reset it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, however it's possible you installed the battery in a wrong way. It is recommended to take the new battery into the dealership to be installed so that they can verify that it's the right one for your vehicle.

While you're trying reset your key, you'll need another working one. After that, sit in the driver's seat and set your new blank key aside in a location close to the car. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and pop out the metal key and remove the battery from its place. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and ensure it's the right side up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).

After you've replaced your new key battery then turn on the car. Press the lock or unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into the car's computer. After all fobs have been programmed then return to your vehicle and lock it as normal. You must shut off your ignition to complete the program. If you hold off too long, the car may not be able to execute all its commands.

Replace the locks

It's not easy to get locked out of your vehicle and it can be costly to replace keys. The dealer will charge you about $150 for a new key fob, and locksmiths might charge more. It is recommended to keep spare keys in a secure location or buy a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it with your smartphone.

It is possible to change the door lock actuator yourself however, it requires a bit of patience and effort. The first step is to take out the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and pull it out. Make sure you remove the push rod to access the manual lock that is rod that has an black plastic tip on one end that connects to a clip on the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and then put back in place this piece which is why it is advised to keep the window closed down while you work on it.

Then, remove the cover of the battery and take off the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Then, place the actuator back on by making sure that the star end of the control rod is into the fitting on top of the actuator. You may need to apply a bit of force to bring the actuator in position. After that your doors should be locked and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't you'll have to contact an authorized locksmith or dealer for assistance.