Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves the days of turning the key to start your car are disappearing. Today, we use remote programming. However, they can also malfunction and need a professional to help. To replace your car keys quickly, a professional mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can purchase an extra key from a dealer, however it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own before activation. This is only possible through a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and high resale worth. However, just like every other car keys can be lost or not work. If this happens, a reliable locksmith can help you out.
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser that stops your vehicle from driving in the event that the right key isn't present. If you lose yours buying a replacement will cost you a lot.
The key fobs on newer models of automobiles have an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. This chip has a unique code that is only compatible with the code in your car. If you get a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your specific car and requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.
Making your keys replace at a dealer can be expensive however it's often the only alternative. 2017 mini cooper key fob programming on the move can make you a key for less and especially when your title or registration is present as proof that you own the car.
Unlocking Your Car
You could ruin your day by realizing that you have locked your keys inside your car. You could be waiting for someone to show up to unlock the door or for a tow-truck to arrive. There are some clever techniques that you can apply to save time and money.
The first step is to locate a long, skinny rod. A clothes hanger made of wire is ideal, but you could also try an iron rod made of plastic that is strong or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough for it to pass into the door's seams, and long enough to reach to the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string. Place the loop from the slip knot onto the lock button. 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 may not work for all situations however it's an effective solution for many automobiles. It's particularly helpful in the case of cars with the locking mechanism on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If your car does have an opening knob on the top of the door, this method may also be able to assist you if you have the right tool on hand. Be careful not to cause damage to the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or change the battery, you could have to reset it. It's not likely to affect the functionality of your key, however when it doesn't function immediately there's a chance that you've installed the battery in the wrong way. You should take the new battery into the dealership to be installed to confirm that it's a suitable one for your vehicle.
It is essential that you have another working key to use while trying to reset yours. Then, you'll need to sit in the driver's seat and set your new blank keys aside in a location close to the car. Push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and pull out the metal key and then take the battery from its position. Replace the battery and make sure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After replacing the battery in your key, you can turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to programme them using the vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs have been programmed, they can return to your car and lock it as normal. It is essential to turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you are waiting too long, your car could lose all its functions.
Replace the locks
It can be a hassle to get locked out of your car, and it's expensive to replace keys. The dealer will charge you approximately $150 for a brand new key fob, but locksmiths could charge more. The best way to prevent this is to store your spare key in a secure location, or to buy an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator on your own but it requires a bit of patience and perseverance. The first step is to take off the old actuator by grabbing it from the inside and pulling it out. Make sure to remove the push rod to access the manual lock rod, which is rod that has a black plastic tip at one end, which is then inserted into an actuator clip. It isn't easy to locate and then put back in place this piece which is why it is advised to keep the windows rolled down while you work on it.
Then, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator by making sure that the star end of your control rod fits into the fitting at the top of the actuator. You may need to use a bit of force to bring the actuator into place. After doing this the doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't work, you'll need to call a certified locksmith or dealership for assistance.
