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Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves, the days of turning a key to start your vehicle are fading away. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, even these may malfunction and require professional assistance. If you need to replace a car key quickly, a trained mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can also buy a spare key at a dealer. However it must be programmed for your specific vehicle prior activation. Locksmiths with access to your VIN, registration or title can do this.
Keys stolen or lost
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers for their high resales value, low maintenance requirements and high gas mileage. However, like any other vehicle keys may disappear or stop working. If this happens, a professional locksmith will help you out.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser device that blocks your vehicle from driving in the event that the right key isn't available. It's costly to replace it in the event that you lose it.
Newer models of cars include an electronic chip inside their key fobs which talks to the transponder within your car's engine. This chip has a code that is unique to the car. If you receive a replacement chip, it must be programmed for your specific vehicle which requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.
It can be expensive to replace your keys at a dealer, but this is usually the only option. Locksmiths on the move can make you a key for less and especially when your title or registration is on hand as proof that you have the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The terrifying realization that you locked your keys in your car could cause a lot of stress and leave you waiting for an 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 a long, skinny rod. A clothes hanger made of wire works well, though you could also use rods made of an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough to fit through the door's seam and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string. Place the loop of the slip knot on the button for locking. Use your fingers to gently move the string around the knot on top of the lock button with back-andforth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick won't work in all situations however it's an excellent alternative for a lot of cars. This method is particularly useful if the locking mechanism of your car is located on the side, instead of at the top. If your car has knobs on the top of the door, this method might help you if you've got the right tool available. Be sure not to damage your vehicle during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose the key fob, or change the battery, you could require a reset. It shouldn't affect the function of the key, but it's possible to install the battery incorrectly. mini countryman key should take the new battery to the dealership to be installed so that they can verify that it's the right one for your vehicle.
While you're trying reset your key, you'll need another working one. You should sit in the driver's chair and place the blank key in a nearby location. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob to pull out the metal key then remove the battery from its location. Replace the battery and make sure that it's in the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After you've replaced your new key battery switch the car on. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs in order to program them into the vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs have been programmed, they can return to your vehicle and lock it just as you would normally. Make sure you turn 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 settings.
Replacing the Locks
It can be a hassle to get locked out of your vehicle and also costly to replace keys. Locksmiths will charge you more than $150 for the key fob. The dealer will charge around $150. The best way to avoid this is to store your spare key in a secure 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 could be an easy DIY project for a lot of people, but it requires some effort and patience. The first step is to take out the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Remove the push rod that's attached to the manual lock. It's a rod made of black plastic on one end. The rod connects to an actuator's clip. This part can be tricky to locate and then get back to its place, which is why it's best to keep the window shut while you work on this.
Next, remove the battery cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator, making sure that the end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. You may have to apply a bit of force to bring the actuator in position. After this your doors should be locked and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't you'll have to contact a locksmith or the dealer for assistance.