Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are becoming less common as technology advances. Instead, we have remote programming options. Even these aren't perfect and require a professional help. For a quick replacement of your car key, a trained mobile locksmith is the best option.
You can also purchase an extra key from a dealer, however it must be programmed to the specific car you own before activation. This is only possible through locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys lost or stolen
Mini Cooper owners choose their Mini Coopers because of their high resale values as well as their low maintenance requirements and high gas mileage. However, like any other vehicle, their keys can go missing or stop working. A reliable locksmith can help you if this happens.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs which can be used to open doors and even start engines. These fobs are connected an immobiliser system that prevents the vehicle from operating if the right key isn't available. It's costly to replace it when you lose it.
Key fobs for newer models of cars have an electronic chip that communicates with a transponder inside your vehicle's engine. The chip has a unique code that is unique to the car you own. If you receive a replacement chip, it needs to be programmed to the specific car that requires an authorized locksmith or dealer with the appropriate tools.
A replacement of your keys at a dealer could be expensive, but it is often the only option. A mobile locksmith can give keys for you at a much lower price in particular when your registration or title is in hand to prove that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you locked your keys inside your car can cause a lot of stress and leave you waiting for a tow truck or a friend to unlock the door for you. There are some clever tricks that you can employ to save time and money.
The first step is to find the longest, thin rod. A wire clothes hanger is ideal, but you can also use a rod made from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. G28 Car Keys must be thin enough for it to pass into the door's seam, and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.
Attach a slip knot to the string (a sliding knot that tightens when pulled). The loop of the slip knot on the lock button. Use your fingers to gently move the string around knots placed over the lock button in back-and-forth motions until the knob inside the door opens.
This trick won't work in every situation but it's a viable option for a variety of cars. It's especially 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 you have a knob on the top of your door, you could also make use of this method when you have it. Be careful not to hurt your car during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It is possible to reset your key fob in the event that you replace the battery or lose it. It's not likely to affect the functionality of your key, but in the event that it doesn't work right away it's possible that you've installed the battery in the wrong manner. It's best to take the new battery to the dealer for installation so that they can ensure it's matched to your car.
You'll need you have another working key in your possession while you're trying to reset yours. Then, sit in the driver's seat and set the new blank key somewhere near. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob and pop out the metal key and then take the battery from its location. 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 you've replaced the key battery Turn the car on. Press the locks and unlock buttons on each of your fobs to programme them using the computer in your vehicle. Once all fobs have been programmed, you can go back to your car and lock it just as you would normally. Make sure you turn off the ignition to end the process of programming because if you wait too long between actions could cause your car to wipe out all its commands.
Replace the locks
It's a hassle to get locked out of your car and is costly to replace keys. The dealer will charge around $150 for a new key fob, while locksmiths can charge more. The best way to avoid this is to keep your spare key in a secure place, or to purchase a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to change the door lock actuator yourself but it requires a bit of patience and perseverance. The first step is to pull off the old actuator by grabbing it from the inside and pulling it out. Make sure you remove the push rod for the manual lock it's rod with an elongated black plastic tip on one end that inserts into an actuator clip. It can be difficult to locate and then put back in place this component and it is recommended to keep the windows rolled down while you work on it.
Then, remove the cover and remove the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Then, place 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. You may need to use a little force to get the actuator in position. You should be able to lock and unlock your doors by pressing the buttons on the keyfob. If they don't, you will be required to call a reputable locksmith or dealership for help.