15 Presents For The Key For Mini Cooper Lover In Your Life Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper

The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are becoming less common as technology improves. We now have remote programming. Even these are susceptible to malfunction and require professional assistance. A trained mobile locksmith is the best choice for quick replacement of car keys.


You can also purchase a spare key from a dealer, but it must be programmed to your specific car prior to activation. This is only possible through an authorized locksmith who has access to your VIN and registration or title.

Lost or Stolen Keys

Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and a high resale price. However, just like every other vehicle keys can disappear or cease to function. If this happens, a good locksmith will come to your rescue.

Modern vehicles are equipped with remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and even start engines. These fobs have an immobiliser system which prevents your vehicle from being driven without the correct key. If you lose the key, getting a new one will cost you a lot.

The key fobs on newer models of automobiles have an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside the engine of your vehicle. The chip is unique and has a code that only matches the code of your car. If you need a replacement chip, it must be programmed for your car by a licensed dealer or a locksmith with the right tools.

Getting your keys replaced at a dealer could be costly however, it's often the only option. Locksmiths on the move can make you a key for lower cost particularly when your title or registration is in hand to prove that you own the vehicle.

Unlocking Your Car

It can be a nightmare when you realize you've locked your keys in your car. You could be waiting for someone to show up and open the door, or for a tow-truck arrive. Fortunately, there are clever strategies you can apply to save time and money.

The first step is to locate a long and thin rod. You can use a wire hanger for clothes or utilize a rod made from a strong piece of plastic, or a shoelace. It should be small enough to pass through the door seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.

Tie a slip-knot in the string. The loop of the slip knot in front of the button for locking. Gently wiggle back and forth the string using the slip knot over the lock-button in back-and forward movements until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.

This method won't work in every situation however it's a great solution for a wide range of vehicles. This technique is particularly helpful when the locking mechanism of the car is situated on the side instead of at the top. If your car does have knobs on the top of the door, this method may also be able to help you if you have the right tool available. Be careful not to cause damage to the car.

Resetting Your Key Fob

You may need to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. It's not likely to alter the functionality of your key, but should it not work right away it's possible that you installed the new battery in the wrong way. It's best to bring the new battery to the dealer for installation so that they can ensure it's compatible with your vehicle.

When you're trying to reset your key, you'll require a second working key. Sit in the driver's chair and put your blank key somewhere nearby. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob and take out the key made of metal and then take the battery from its location. Replace the battery and make sure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).

After you've replaced the key battery switch the car on. Press the lock and unlock buttons on each of your fobs in order to program them using the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it as usual. Make sure you turn off the ignition following this to end the programming process since a long time between actions could cause your car to erase all of its settings.

Replacing the Locks

Locked out of your vehicle is a big problem, and it could be expensive to replace the keys. The dealer will charge you around $150 for a new key fob, and locksmiths could charge more. It is recommended to keep spare keys in a safe place or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper that allows you to unlock it using your smartphone.

Replacing the door lock actuator could be an easy DIY project for most people however, it will require some effort and patience. The first step is to remove the old actuator. To do this, grab the inside and pull it out. Remove the push rod that's connected to the manual lock. It's a rod made of black plastic on one end. The rod connects to a clip in the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and put back in place this piece which is why it is advised to keep the window rolled down while you work on it.

Next, take off the cover from the battery and then remove the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Then, put the actuator back on, making sure the star end of the control rod is into the fitting on the top of the actuator. key for mini cooper may need to use some force to push the actuator in position. After that your doors should then lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they do not then you'll need to call an expert locksmith or dealer for assistance.