Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

As technology advances technology, the days of turning the key to operate your car are going away. Instead, we have remote programming options. Even these aren't perfect and need a professional to assist. A trained mobile locksmith is the best choice for quick replacement of car keys.

You can purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own prior to activation. This is only possible through locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.

Lost or Stolen keys

mini key fob replacement Cooper owners choose their bmw mini key programming Coopers due to their high resale value with low maintenance requirements, as well as great gas mileage. But, as with any other car keys can go missing or stop working. If this happens, a good locksmith can come to your rescue.

The majority of modern vehicles use remote key fobs to open doors and start their engines. They also have an immobiliser feature that stops your vehicle from operating without the correct key. It's costly to replace it if you lose it.

The key fobs in the latest models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. This chip has a code that is unique to the car. If you receive a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your specific car and requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.

A replacement of your keys at a dealer could be expensive but it's usually the only option. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for lower cost particularly if your registration or title is on hand as proof that you have the car.

Unlocking Your Car

The horrible realization that you locked your keys in your car could cause a lot of stress and leave you waiting for a tow truck or a friend to unlock the door for you. There are some clever tricks that you can apply to save time and money.

The first thing you need to do is to locate a long and thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, but you could also use a rod made from a strong piece of plastic or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough to pass through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.

Attach a slip-knot to the string. The loop from the slip knot onto the button for the lock. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using the knot on top of the lock button in back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.

This trick might not work in all cases, but it is an ideal solution for many cars. It's particularly useful for cars that have the locking mechanism that is located on the side of the door, instead of at the top. If your car has knobs on the top of the door, this technique could help you if you have the correct tool in your arsenal. Be sure not to hurt your vehicle in the process.

Resetting Your Key Fob

You might need to reset your key fob in the event that you change the battery or lose it. Usually, this won't alter the functionality of your key, but if it doesn't work right away there's a chance that you've installed the new battery in the wrong way. You should bring the new battery to the dealership to be installed to ensure that it's the correct one for your car.

While you're trying reset your key, you'll require another working one. Relax in a driver's seat and place your blank key close by. Press the small silver tab on the back of the fob to reveal the keys made of metal, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery, and ensure that it is the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

After you have replaced the battery on your key after which you can turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to program them with the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed then return to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Be sure to shut off the ignition immediately afterward to stop the program since a long time between actions could cause your car to wipe out all its settings.

Replacing the Locks

Getting locked out of your car quite a trouble, and it can be costly to replace the keys. The dealer will charge about $150 for a replacement key fob, and locksmiths could charge more. It is best to keep spare keys in a safe place or purchase a smartlock for your mini car key programming key fob not working (More inspiring ideas) cooper to unlock it using your phone.

It is possible to change the door lock actuator on your own however, it requires a bit of patience and hard work. The first step is to pull 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 with black plastic on one end. This rod goes into an actuator's clip. This part is difficult to find and get back into position, so it's best to keep the window shut while working on this.

Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Then, install the new battery and replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back into place and ensure that the top end of the control rod is into the fitting on the top of the actuator. This is a tight fitting and you may need to apply some force to bring it in place. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, then you'll need to call a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.