Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your vehicle are becoming less common as technology improves. Instead, we are using remote programming options. Even those can malfunction sometimes and require a professional help. To replace your car keys quickly an experienced mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can also purchase spare keys at a dealer. However it must be programmed to your specific vehicle prior to activation. Locksmiths with access to your VIN and registration or title can do this.
Keys stolen or lost
The owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers due to their excellent gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and a high resale value. But, as with any other car keys can disappear or stop working. If this happens, a reputable locksmith can help you out.
Modern vehicles come with remote key fobs that can be used to open doors and even start engines. These fobs have an immobiliser mechanism that prevents the vehicle from being driven without the correct key. It's expensive to replace when you lose it.
The key fobs on newer models of cars are equipped with an electronic chip that communicates with the transponder within the engine of your vehicle. This chip has a code that is unique to your car. If you purchase a replacement, it will have to be programmed to your car's specific model that requires an authorized dealer or a locksmith with the appropriate tools.
Getting your keys replaced at a dealership can be expensive, but it is often the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can create you a key for lower cost particularly when your registration or title is in hand to prove that you own the car.
Unlocking Your Car
The terrifying realization that you locked the keys to your car could make your day miserable and leave you waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. There are a few clever strategies that you can use to save time and money.
The first step is find a long, thin rod. A clothes hanger made of wire works well, though you can also use the rod from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough it to pass through the door's seams and sufficient in length to reach the lock button.
Make a slip knot in the string (a sliding knot that tightens tightly when pulled). Place the loop of the slip knot over the button for locking. Move gently back and forth the string by putting the slip knot on top of the lock button in forward and back motions until the knob located on the inside of the door opens.
This method won't work in every case however it's an excellent alternative for a lot of cars. It's especially useful for cars that have 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 can also utilize this method in the event that you have it. Be sure not to hurt your car during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
You might need to reset your key fob in the event that you change the battery or lose it. In most cases, this won't impact the function of your key, but in the event that it doesn't work right away there's a chance that you installed the new battery in a wrong way. You should take the new battery into the dealership to be installed so that they can make sure it's the right one for your vehicle.
You'll need you have another working key to use while trying to reset yours. Sit in the driver's seat and place your blank key somewhere nearby. Then, push the small silver tab on the back of your key fob, and pull out the metal key and remove the battery from its spot. Replace the battery and make sure that it's the right way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
Once you've replaced the new key battery Turn the car on. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs in order to program them into your vehicle's computer. Once all fobs are programmed, return to your vehicle and lock it in the same way as usual. Turn off your ignition to complete the program. If you wait too long, the car may lose all its commands.
Replace the locks
It's a pain to get locked out of your vehicle and also costly to replace keys. The dealer will charge you about $150 for a replacement key fob, and locksmiths might charge more. The best way to avoid this is to always keep your spare key in a secure location, or to buy an electronic lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your smartphone.
It is possible to replace the door lock actuator yourself but it requires a bit of patience and work. The first step is to take off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Take off G28 that is attached to the manual lock. It's a rod with black plastic on one end. The rod connects to a clip in the actuator. This part can be tricky to find and get back into place, so it's recommended to keep the window shut while you work on this.
Next, take off the cover of the battery and take off the old battery. Install the new battery and then replace the cover. Finally, put the actuator back in place with the control rod in the center, making sure that it's positioned so that the star end of the control rod is in the fitting on the top of the actuator. It's a tight fit so you may have to apply some force to bring it into place. 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 assistance.