Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your car are disappearing as technology improves. Nowadays, we can use remote programming. However, even these may fail and require assistance from a professional. If you need to replace a car key quickly an experienced mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can also purchase an additional key from a dealer, however it will need to be programmed to the specific car you own prior to activation. Locksmiths who have access to your VIN, registration or title can do this.
Lost or Stolen keys
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers for their high resales value, low maintenance requirements and great gas mileage. Like any other car Mini Cooper keys could be lost or stopped working. A professional locksmith can assist you in this case.
Most modern vehicles utilize remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser device that blocks your vehicle from driving in the event that the correct key isn't available. It's expensive to replace when you lose it.
The key fobs of newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder inside your vehicle's engine. This chip has a code that is unique to the car. If mini cooper keys replacement G28CarKeys need a replacement chip, it must be programmed to your car by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith who has the right tools.
The process of replacing your keys at a dealer can be costly but it's usually the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can give keys for you at lower cost and especially when your title or registration is in hand to prove that you have the car.
Unlocking Your Car
You can ruin your day when you realize you've locked your keys inside your car. It could be that you are waiting for someone to arrive and open the door, or for a truck to arrive. Fortunately, there are clever tricks you can try to save yourself time and money.
The first step is locate a long, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, however you might also consider the rod from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough for it to fit through the door's seam and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.
Attach a slip-knot to the string. The loop from the slip knot over the lock button. Gently wiggle the string with the knot on top of the lock button using back-and-forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick isn't suitable for all situations however it's a great alternative for a lot of cars. This trick is especially useful for locking mechanisms that are on your car is located on the side, rather than at the top. If you have a knob located on the top of your door, you can also make use of this method when you have it. Be careful not to harm your car during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It's possible that you need to reset your key fob if you replace the battery or lose it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, however it's possible that you've installed the battery in a wrong way. It's a good idea bring the battery to the dealer for installation, so they can ensure it's in sync with your vehicle.
When you're trying to reset your key, you'll require another working one. Sit in the driver's seat and put your blank key in a nearby location. Press the small silver tab at the back of the key fob to pop out the keys made of metal, 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).
After replacing the battery for your key after which you can turn on the car. Press the locks and unlock buttons on all fob to program them using the vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs are programmed, then you can return to your vehicle and lock it as normal. Make sure to turn off the ignition immediately afterward to end the programming process because if you wait too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all of its commands.
Replacing the Locks
It can be a hassle to be locked out of your vehicle and also costly to replace keys. Locksmiths may charge more than $150 for a key fob. The dealer will charge about $150. The best way to prevent this is to always keep your spare key in a safe location, or to buy a smart lock for your mini cooper so that you can unlock it using your phone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator on your own however it requires a bit of patience and perseverance. The first step is to remove the old actuator. To accomplish this, you need to reach inside and take it out. Take off the rod that's attached to the manual lock. It's a long rod with black plastic on one end. The rod connects to a clip in the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and put back in its place It is therefore recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Then, take off the cover and remove the old battery. Install the new battery, and then replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back into position, making sure the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply some force to move the actuator into place. You should now be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, then you'll need to call a certified locksmith or the dealership for help.