Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology advances the days of turning a key to start your car are disappearing. Instead, we are using remote programming options. Even those can malfunction sometimes and need a professional to help. A locksmith with experience is the best option for quick replacement of car keys.
You can also purchase spare keys from a dealer. However it will require programming to your specific vehicle prior to activation. Locksmiths with access to your VIN or registration number, as well as your title can do this.
Lost or Stolen Keys
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them due to their outstanding gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and high resale value. Like all cars Mini Cooper keys may be lost or stopped working. A professional locksmith can assist you in the event of this happening.
Modern vehicles rely on remote key fobs to open doors and to start their engines. They have an immobiliser mechanism that prevents your vehicle from being driven without the proper key. If you lose yours, buying a replacement is costly.
Key fobs for newer models of cars have an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside the engine of your car. This chip has a unique code that matches only the code that is in your car. If you purchase a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your car's specific model which requires an authorized locksmith or dealer equipped with the right tools.
Getting your keys replaced at a dealer can be expensive however it's often the only option. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for less, especially when your title or registration is in hand to prove that you have the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you locked your keys inside 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 a few smart tricks that you can use to save time and money.
The first thing you need to do is to locate a long and thin rod. A wire clothes hanger works well, though you could also try an iron rod made of an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It must be thin enough to fit into the door's seams and long enough to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string (a sliding knot that tightens as it is pulled). Place the loop from the slip knot onto the button for the lock. The string can be gently wiggled with the knot that is placed over the lock button in back-and forth movements until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick won't work in every situation however it's an excellent solution for a wide range of vehicles. It's especially helpful if your car has the locking mechanism that is located on the side of the door instead of at the top. If your car does have knobs on the top of the door, this method might assist you if you have the right tool available. Be cautious not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you could need to reset it. This shouldn't impact the function of the key, but it's possible you installed the battery incorrectly. You should take the new battery into the dealership to be installed to make sure it's the right one for your vehicle.
You'll need to make sure you have another working key that you can use while trying to reset yours. Sit in the driver's chair and place the blank key near by. Push the small silver tab at the back of the fob to reveal the keys made of metal, then remove the batteries. Replace the battery with a new one, and make sure it's facing up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
After replacing the battery in your key After that, you can start the car. Use the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into your vehicle's computer. After all fobs have been programmed go back to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Make sure that you shut off the ignition immediately afterward to end the programming process in case you are waiting too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all its programs.
Replacing the Locks
Getting locked out of your vehicle is quite a issue, and it can cost a lot to replace keys. mini key G28 will charge around $150 for a new key fob, and locksmiths might charge more. It is recommended to keep spare keys in a secure place or purchase a smartlock for your mini cooper to unlock it with your phone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator on your own however, it requires a bit of patience and hard work. The first step is removing the old actuator. To accomplish this, you need to reach inside and remove it. Make sure to remove the push rod to access the manual lock, which is an iron rod with a black plastic tip on one end, which is then inserted into an attachment on the actuator. It can be difficult to locate and put back into place this part which is why it is advised to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the top end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply a little force to get the actuator in place. After doing this, your doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't work, you'll be required to call a reputable locksmith or the dealership for assistance.