Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your car are fading away as technology improves. Today, we use remote programming. Even these can fail at times and require a professional assist. A locksmith with experience is the best option to get quick replacement of your car keys.

You can purchase spare keys from a dealer, but it will need to be programed to your specific vehicle prior to activation. This is only possible through an authorized locksmith who has access to your VIN and registration or title.

Keys that have been stolen or lost are

Mini Cooper owners choose their mini cooper s replacement key Coopers for their high resales value Low maintenance requirements and good gas mileage. As with all cars mini cooper key program Cooper keys may be lost or stop working. A professional locksmith can assist you if this happens.

Most modern vehicles utilize remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and to start their engines. These fobs have an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from driving without the correct key. If you lose yours the cost of replacing it will cost you a lot.

Newer models of cars include an electronic chip in their key fobs that communicates to the transponder within your vehicle's engine. The chip is unique and has a code that matches only the code of your car. If you receive a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed to the specific car which requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.

It can be expensive to replace your keys with an auto dealer, but it is usually the only option. A mobile locksmith can make keys for you at an affordable price in particular if your registration or title is available to prove that you own the car.

Unlocking Your Car

The horrifying realization that you've locked your keys in your car can cause a lot of stress and leave you stuck waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few clever strategies that you can use to save time and money.

The first step is to locate a long and thin rod. You can use a wire hanger for clothes, but you can also use a rod that is composed of a strong strip of plastic, or even shoelace. It must be small enough to pass through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.

Tie a slip-knot in the string. Place the loop from the slip knot on the lock button. Then gently wiggle the string by putting the slip knot on top of the lock button in forward and back movements until the knob on the inside of the door opens.

This trick isn't suitable for every circumstance, but it's a good alternative for a lot of cars. This technique is particularly helpful if the locking mechanism of your car is on the side rather than at the top. If your car does have an opening knob on the top of the door, this technique could assist you if you have the correct tool in your arsenal. Be careful not to damage the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

It's possible that you need to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. This won't usually affect the functionality of the key, but it's possible that you installed the battery in a wrong way. You should bring the new battery into the dealership to be installed to make sure it's the right one for your car.

While you're trying reset your key, you'll need another working key. Sit in the driver's chair and put your blank key near by. Push the small silver tab at the back of the fob to reveal the keys made from metal, and take the batteries off. Replace the battery and make sure that it is the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

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 can go back to your car and lock it just as you would normally. Be sure to shut off the ignition afterward to stop the program in case you are waiting too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all of its programs.

Replacing the Locks

It's a hassle to get locked out of your car and is costly to replace keys. The dealer will charge you about $150 for a replacement key fob, and locksmiths could charge more. It is recommended to keep spare keys in a secure location, or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it with your phone.

Replacing the door lock actuator can be an easy DIY project for most people However, it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to disassemble the old actuator. To accomplish this, you need to reach inside and pull it out. Be sure to remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock it's rod with an black plastic tip on one end that connects to an attachment on the actuator. This component can be difficult to locate and reinstall into position, so it's recommended to keep the window shut while working on this.

Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back on, making sure the star end of the control rod fits in the fitting at the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit and you may have to use some force to bring it to fit. After this the doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't you'll have to contact a locksmith or a dealer for assistance.