Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology improves, the days of turning a key to start your car are going away. Instead, we use remote programming options. However, even these may malfunction and require professional assistance. A mobile locksmith who is trained and skilled is the best option for quick car key replacement.
You can purchase an extra key from a dealer, but it must be programmed to your car prior to activation. This is only possible through a locksmith that has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys stolen or lost
Mini Cooper owners choose their cars for their high resale values, low maintenance requirements and high gas mileage. As with all cars Mini Cooper keys may get lost or cease to function. If this happens, a good locksmith will assist you.
Modern vehicles are equipped with remote key fobs which can be used to unlock doors and even start engines. The fobs are linked to an immobiliser device that blocks your vehicle from being driven if the right key isn't present. If you lose the key, buying a replacement will cost you a lot.
Newer car models have an electronic chip in their key fobs which talks to the transponder inside your car's engine. This chip has a unique code that only matches the code of your car. If you need an upgrade chip, it must be programmed in your car by an authorised dealer, or a locksmith with the right tools.
It is costly to replace your keys at the dealer, but this is usually the only option. A professional mobile locksmith can visit you and design keys for less, particularly if you have the registration or title of your car on hand to prove you are the owner of the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The dreadful realization that you've locked your keys inside your car can ruin your day and leave you waiting for an tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few clever strategies that you can employ to save time and money.
The first step is to find an extremely long, thin rod. You can make use of a clothes hanger made of wire or use a rod that is made from a strong piece of plastic, or shoelace. It should be thin enough for it to fit into the door's seam, and long enough to reach to the lock button.
Attach a slip knot to the string (a sliding knot that tightens as it is pulled). Place the loop from the slip knot onto the lock button. Be gentle and gently wiggle the string by putting the slip knot on top of the lock-button using back-and-forward movements until the knob on the inside of your door opens.
This trick might not be effective in all situations however it's a good solution for many automobiles. It's particularly helpful in the case of cars with the locking mechanism that is located on the side of the door, instead of at 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. Just be careful not to cause damage to your car in the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It is possible to reset your key fob when you change the battery or lose it. This won't usually affect the function of the key, but it's possible you installed the battery in a wrong way. It's a good idea take the new battery to the dealer for installation so that they can ensure it's matched to your vehicle.
While you're trying reset your key, you'll require another working key. You should sit in the driver's chair and put your blank key somewhere nearby. Push the small silver tab at the back of the key fob to open the keys made of metal, then take the batteries off. Replace the battery with a fresh one, and make sure it's facing up (the negative side is on the outside of the fob).
Once you've replaced the key battery, turn the car on. Press the lock and unlock buttons on all of your fobs to program them with the vehicle's computer. When all of the fobs are programmed, then you can return to your car and lock it just as you would normally. Turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you wait too long, your vehicle could lose all of its commands.
Replacing the Locks
It's a pain to get locked out of your car and also costly to replace keys. mini key replacement G28 Car Keys will charge you more than $150 for keys. The dealer will charge you around $150. The best way to avoid this is to always keep your spare key in a secure place, or to purchase an electronic lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator on your own however it requires some patience and hard work. The first step is to pull off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Be sure to remove the push rod to access the manual lock that is an iron rod with an elongated black plastic tip on one end, which is then inserted into an attachment on the actuator. This component can be difficult to locate and reinstall to its place, which is why it's a good idea to keep the window closed while working on this.
Then, take off the cover and the old battery. Then install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the star end of your control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. You may need to use some force to move the actuator in place. After doing this the doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't then you'll need to call a locksmith or a dealer for assistance.