Five Essential Tools Everyone Who Works In The Key For Mini Cooper Industry Should Be Using
Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves and technology advances, the days of turning the key to start your car are slowly disappearing. Today, we use remote programming. Even these can fail at times and need a professional to assist. For quick car key replacement, a mobile locksmith who is trained is the best option.
You can also purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it will need to be programed to your specific vehicle before activation. Locksmiths who have 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 Mini Coopers because of their high resales value with low maintenance requirements, as well as good gas mileage. However, just like every other vehicle keys may go missing or stop working. A good locksmith can help you in this situation.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. These fobs are connected to an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from driving when the correct key isn't there. If you lose one, buying a replacement will be expensive.
Modern car models include an electronic chip inside their key fobs which talks to the transponder inside the engine of your car. The chip contains a code that is unique to your vehicle. If you need a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed in your car by a licensed dealer or a locksmith who has the right tools.
It can be expensive to replace your keys with an auto dealer, but it is usually the only option. Locksmiths on the move can make you a key for an affordable price and especially in the event that your registration or title is in hand to prove that you own the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The terrifying realization that you've locked the keys to your car can make your day miserable and leave you stuck waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are some clever techniques that you can use to save time and money.
The first step is to locate an extremely long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire, but you can also utilize a rod made from a strong piece of plastic, or a shoelace. It must be small enough to pass through the door seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Attach a slip-knot to the string. The loop of the slip knot over the lock button. Be gentle and gently wiggle the string while putting the slip knot on top of the lock button in back-and-forward movements until the knob on the inside of the door opens.
This trick may not work in all situations, but it is an excellent solution for a lot of cars. It's especially helpful if your car has the locking mechanism located on the side of the door, rather than at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you can also use this method when you have it. Be cautious not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It's possible that you need to reset your key fob when you replace the battery or lose it. This won't usually affect the functionality of the key, but it's possible that you've installed the battery in a wrong way. It's a good idea to bring the new battery to the dealership for installation, so they can ensure that it is matched up with your vehicle.
You'll need you have a working key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. Then, get in the driver's seat and put the new blank key somewhere close. Press the small silver tab at the back of the key fob to open the keys made from metal, and remove the batteries. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After replacing the key battery, you can turn on the car. Press the lock and unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed you can return to your car and lock it as normal. You must shut off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you are waiting too long, the car may lose all its functions.
Replacing the Locks
Being locked out of your car is quite a issue, and it can be costly to replace the keys. The dealer will charge you around $150 for a new key fob, and locksmiths could charge more. The best way to prevent this is to keep your spare key in a safe place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it with your phone.
Replacing the door lock actuator can be an easy DIY project for most however it takes a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to take off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Remove the push rod that is attached to the manual lock. It's a rod that has black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to an actuator's clip. This part is difficult to locate and put back in place, so it's recommended to keep the window closed while you work on this.
Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Then, put the actuator back on with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod fits in the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit, so you might need to use some force to get it into place. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If duplicate mini cooper key don't work, you'll be required to call a reputable locksmith or dealership for help.