Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are fading away as technology improves. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, they can also malfunction and need a professional to assist. A locksmith with experience is your best option for fast replacement of your car key.

You can also purchase an extra key from an authorized dealer. However it must be programmed to your specific vehicle before activation. Locksmiths with access to your VIN or registration number, as well as your title are able to do this.

Keys stolen or lost

Mini Cooper owners choose their cars for their high resale values with low maintenance requirements, as well as great gas mileage. However, just like every other vehicle keys may disappear or stop working. If this happens, a reputable locksmith can help.

Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs to open doors and begin their engines. They also have an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from operating without the correct key. TheKeyLab to replace it if you lose it.

Key fobs for newer models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside your vehicle’s engine. The chip is unique and has a code that matches only the code of your car. If you need an upgrade chip, it must be programmed for your car by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith with the right tools.

It can be expensive to replace your keys with the dealer, but this is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith can create you a key for an affordable price particularly when your title or registration is on hand as proof that you have the car.

Unlocking Your Car

You can ruin your day by discovering that you’ve locked your keys inside your car. You could be left waiting for someone to arrive to unlock the door or for a tow truck to arrive. There are a few smart tricks that you can apply to save time and money.

The first step is to find a long, skinny rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire however, you could also make use of a rod composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough to fit through the door seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.

Tie a slip-knot in the string. Place the loop of the slip knot over the button for locking. Then gently wiggle the string using the slip knot on top of the lock button in forward and back movements until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.

This method may not work in all cases, but it is an excellent solution for a lot of cars. It’s especially helpful when your car has the locking mechanism located on the side of the door, rather than at the top. If your car does have a knob at the top of the door, this method could help you if you’ve got the right tool on hand. Be cautious not to damage the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you could require a reset. In most cases, this won’t affect the functionality of your key, however if it doesn’t work immediately it’s possible that you’ve installed the battery in the wrong manner. It is recommended to take the new battery to the dealership to be installed to confirm that it’s a suitable one for your vehicle.

When you’re trying to reset your key, you’ll require a second working one. After that, sit in the driver’s seat and set your new blank key aside in a location close to the car. Push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to remove the key from the metal and remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery and ensure that it’s the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

Once you’ve replaced the key battery then turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all fob to program them with the vehicle’s computer. Once all fobs are programmed, then you can return to your car and lock it as usual. You must turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you are waiting too long, the vehicle could lose all of its commands.

Replace the locks

It’s not easy to be locked out of your vehicle, and it’s expensive to replace keys. Locksmiths can charge upwards of $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge you around $150. The best way to prevent this is to keep your spare key in a secure place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your smartphone.

It is possible to change the door lock actuator on your own however, it requires a bit of patience and perseverance. The first step is to pull out the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Make sure to remove the rod that is used for the manual lock rod, which is rod with an black plastic tip on the other end that is inserted into a clip on the actuator. It can be difficult to locate and put back in place this piece which is why it is advised to keep the window shut down while you work on it.

Next, remove the cover from the battery and then remove the old battery. Then, install the new battery and 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 fitting and you may have to apply some force to get it into place. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they do not you’ll have to contact an authorized locksmith or dealer for assistance.