Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
As technology advances the days of turning the key to operate your car are disappearing. Today, we use remote programming. Even these can malfunction and require professional assistance. A mobile locksmith who is trained and skilled is the best choice for quick replacement of car keys.
You can purchase a spare key from a dealer, however it must be programmed to your car prior to activation. This can only be done by locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that have been stolen or lost are
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose them for their great gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and high resale worth. But, as with any other car keys can be lost or not work. If this happens, a good locksmith can assist you.
Most modern vehicles utilize remote key fobs that allow you to open doors and start engines. These keys are connected to an immobiliser that stops your vehicle from being driven in the event that the right key isn't present. If you lose yours getting a new one is expensive.
Newer models of cars include an electronic chip in their key fobs that talks to the transponder in the engine of your car. This chip has a unique code that matches only the code that is in your car. If you receive a replacement chip, it must be programmed to your car's specific model, which requires an authorised dealer or a locksmith equipped with the right tools.
It's expensive to replace your keys at an auto dealer, but it is often the only choice. A mobile locksmith can create keys for you at an affordable price and especially when your title or registration is in hand to prove that you own the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The horrifying realization that you've locked the keys to your car could ruin your day and leave you stuck waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are, however, some clever techniques you can employ to save yourself time and money.
The first step is to find the longest, thin rod. You can use a wire clothes hanger however, you could also utilize a rod composed of a sturdy strip of plastic, or a shoelace. It should be thin enough to allow it to fit into the door's seams, and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.
Create a slip knot on the string. The loop of the slip knot over the lock button. Be G28 Car Keys Solutions and gently wiggle the string while putting the slip knot over the lock-button using back-and-forward movements until the knob on the inside of the door opens.
This method won't work in every circumstance but it's a viable alternative for a lot of cars. This method is particularly useful in the event that the locking mechanism of your car is on the side rather than at the top. If your car has knobs on the top of the door, this method might aid you if the right tool on hand. Be cautious not to damage the car.
Resetting Your Key Fob
If you lose your key fob or swap the battery, you could have to reset it. Most of the time, this won't affect the functionality of your key, but should it not work immediately there's a chance that you installed the new battery in a wrong way. It's a good idea to bring the new battery to the dealership to have it installed so that they can ensure it's in sync with your vehicle.
You'll need to make sure you have another working key to use while you're trying to reset yours. Then, you'll need to sit in the driver's seat and set your new blank keys aside somewhere near. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and take out the key made of metal and then take the battery from its position. Replace the battery with a new one, and ensure it's the right side 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 program them using the computer in your vehicle. When all of the fobs have been programmed, you can return to your car and lock it just as you would normally. You must shut off your ignition to complete the program. If you hold off too long, your car may lose all its commands.
Replace the locks
It's not easy to get locked out of your vehicle, and it's expensive to replace keys. The dealer will charge you around $150 for a new key fob, and locksmiths could charge more. The best way to prevent this is to store your spare key in a secure location, or to buy a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it with your phone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator yourself, but it takes some patience and effort. The first step is removing the old actuator. To do this, reach inside and remove it. Be sure to remove the rod that pushes for the manual lock rod, which is rod that has a black plastic tip at one end that inserts into a clip on the actuator. It isn't easy to locate and put back into place this part and it is recommended to keep the window shut down while you work on it.
Next, remove the cover from the battery and then remove the old battery. Then, you can install the new battery and replace the cover. Install the actuator to ensure that the star end of the control rod fits into the fitting on the top of the actuator. You may need to use a little force to get the actuator in position. After that your doors should be locked and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't you'll have to contact an expert locksmith or dealer for assistance.