Car Key Replacement Tips For Your Mini Cooper
The days of turning the key to operate your car are becoming less common as technology advances. Nowadays, we can use remote programming. However, they can also malfunction and need a professional to assist. To replace your car keys quickly, a trained mobile locksmith is the best choice.
You can also buy spare keys at an authorized dealer. However it will require programming to your specific vehicle before activation. This is only possible through an authorized locksmith who has access to your VIN and registration or title.
Keys that were stolen or lost are not found
Owners of Mini Cooper cars often choose Mini Coopers for their high gas mileage, low maintenance requirements and high resale worth. Like any other car, Mini Cooper keys can get lost or cease to function. A good 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 have an immobiliser feature that stops your vehicle from driving without the proper key. If you lose yours buying a replacement will cost you a lot.
Modern car models include an electronic chip embedded in the key fobs, which communicates to the transponder in the engine of your car. This chip has a unique code that matches only the code of your car. If mini key fob www.g28carkeys.co.uk receive a replacement chip, it will need to be programmed to your specific car and requires an authorized locksmith or dealer with the appropriate tools.
A replacement of your keys at a dealership could be expensive however it's often the only alternative. A mobile locksmith can make you a key for a much lower price particularly in the event that your registration or title is available to prove that you own the vehicle.
Unlocking Your Car
The terrifying realization that you've locked your keys in your car can cause a lot of stress and leave you stuck waiting for an auto tow truck or friend to unlock the door for you. Fortunately, there are clever tricks you can try to save yourself time and money.
The first step is to locate a long, skinny rod. A clothes hanger made of wire is ideal, but you could also use a rod made from an incredibly strong strip of plastic or even a shoelace. It should be thin enough it to pass through the door's seam and long enough to reach to the lock button.
Tie a slip-knot in the string. Put the loop of the slip knot onto 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 method may not work for all situations however it's an ideal solution for many automobiles. This trick is especially useful when the locking mechanism of your car is on the side instead of the top. If you have a knob at the top of your door, you can use this method as well to lock it if you own it. Be careful not to hurt your vehicle during the process.
Resetting Your Key Fob
It's possible that you need to reset your key fob when you replace the battery or lose it. In most cases, this won't affect the functionality of your key, however should it not work right away it's possible that you installed the new battery in the wrong manner. It is recommended to take the new battery into the dealership to be installed to confirm that it's a suitable one for your car.
If you're trying to reset your key, you'll need another working one. After that, sit in the driver's chair and set your new blank key in a nearby location. Press the small silver tab on the back of the fob to release the keys made of metal, then take the batteries off. Replace the battery, and ensure that it's the correct way up (the negative end should be on the outside).
After you have replaced the battery on your key after which you can turn on the car. Press the lock/unlock buttons on your fobs to program them into the vehicle's computer. Once all fobs have been programmed, you are able to return to your car and lock it as usual. Turn off your ignition to complete the programming process. If you hold off too long, the car may lose all its commands.
Replace the locks
Being locked out of your car is an immense issue, and it can be costly to replace the keys. The dealer will charge approximately $150 for a brand new key fob, while locksmiths might charge more. The best way to avoid this is to always keep your spare key in a secure place, or to purchase a smart lock for your mini cooper to unlock it using your mobile.
Replacing the door lock actuator could be a straightforward DIY project for the majority of people, but it requires a little bit of work and perseverance. The first step is to pull off the old actuator by reaching inside and pulling it out. Be sure to remove the rod that is used for the manual lock, which is an iron rod with a black plastic tip on one end that inserts into an actuator clip. This can be a challenge to locate and reinstall in place, so it's a good idea to keep the window open while working on this.
Then, remove the cover and 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 at the top of the actuator. It may be necessary to apply a little force to get the actuator in place. After that, your doors should lock and unlock when you press the buttons on the key fob. If they don't, you'll have to contact a licensed locksmith or dealership for assistance.