Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology advances technology, the days of turning the key to start your car are going away. Instead, we use remote programming options. Even these aren't perfect and need a professional to assist. If you need to replace a car key quickly an experienced mobile locksmith is the best choice.
G28CarKeys can also buy a spare key at an authorized dealer. However, it will need programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only done by a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers because of their high resale values, low maintenance requirements and great gas mileage. However, like any other vehicle keys may be lost or not work. A good locksmith can help you in the event of this happening.
Most modern vehicles use remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and to start their engines. These fobs have an immobiliser system that prevents your vehicle from being driven without the correct key. If you lose one, getting a new one will be expensive.
The key fobs in the latest models of cars include an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder within your vehicle's engine. This chip has a code that is unique to your car. If you receive a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed to your car's specific model, which requires an authorised dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
A replacement of your keys at a dealership could be costly, but it is often the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for an affordable price particularly if your registration or title is in hand to prove that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
You could ruin your day when you realize you've locked your keys in your car. You may be stuck waiting for someone else to come and open the door, or for a truck to arrive. There are fortunately clever ways you can use to save time and money.
The first step is to find the longest, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger works well, but you might also consider the rod from plastic that is strong or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough to allow it to fit into the door's seam, and long enough to reach the lock button.
Make a slip knot in the string (a sliding knot that tightens when pulled). Place the loop of the slip knot over the button for locking. Make sure to gently wiggle the string using knots placed over the lock button in back-and-forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick may not work in all situations however it's a great solution for a wide range of vehicles. This technique is particularly helpful when the locking mechanism of your vehicle is on the side, instead of the top. If your car has knobs on the top of the door, this method may also be able to help you if you have the right tool available. Be sure not to harm your vehicle during the process.
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 affect the functionality of your key, but should it not work immediately there's a chance that you have installed the new battery incorrectly. It's recommended to bring the new battery to the dealership to be installed, so they can make sure it's matched to your car.
You'll need to ensure you have another key to use while you're trying to reset yours. Sit in the driver's seat and place the blank key somewhere nearby. Push the small silver tab on the back of the key fob to open the metal keys, then take the batteries off. Replace the battery and be sure that it's in the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
Once you've replaced the new key battery, turn the car on. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all of your fobs in order to program them using the computer in your vehicle. Once all fobs have been programmed, you can return to your vehicle and lock it as usual. Turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you delay too long, the vehicle could lose all of its commands.
Replacing the Locks
It's a pain to get locked out of your car, and it's expensive to replace keys. Locksmiths may charge more than $150 for keys. The dealer will charge about $150. It is best to keep your spare keys in a secure location or purchase a new smartlock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your phone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator on your own but it requires a bit of patience and hard work. 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 long rod with black plastic on one end. The rod is connected to a clip in the actuator. This part can be tricky to locate and put back into place, so it's a good idea leave the window rolled up while you work on this.
Then, remove the cover from the battery and then remove the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Finally, you can put the actuator back in place by making sure that the star end of the control rod fits in the fitting at the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit and you may need to use some force to move it in place. You are now able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't then you'll need to speak with a locksmith or the dealer for assistance.