How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save lots of money by getting your spare key made before you lose your last one. When you only have one key, it's 2X-10X more expensive to create an original one.
Changing the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do it yourself. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a fantastic car, but its ignition key can be prone to wear down. The case could become sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this can be a huge hassle when you're driving around. This is why it's important to replace the key fob as quickly as you notice any problems. This can save you lots of money over the long term and is also more efficient than putting off the task.
Replacing the SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll need to purchase a new key fob case that will work with your vehicle, and an additional battery. You'll need to remove the case of the existing SAAB 9-3 key fob, then carefully remove the electronic components, giving you the opportunity to replace the battery. After replacement saab car keys have removed the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and synchronize your key fob with your car.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system need special attention due to an embedded transponder chip that must be programmed to your specific vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool known as the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. This tool can read the code from your keys, and use this information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this procedure is more involved and can cost as much as $500 from the dealer.
A good tip is to look for locksmiths who specialize in Saabs. They can provide you with key at a cheaper price than the dealer. They also provide other services like key replacement and duplication, to ensure that you have an additional key in the event yours is lost or damaged.
The majority of European cars manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that depend on a microchip that is built into the key in order to recognize and start your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate because they have a chip. However, there are exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value within) do not require programming and are relatively cheap to duplicate. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require an agent to duplicate the keys. These manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF. This group makes the tools used by other auto locksmiths to create replacement keys.
Cost of a New Remote
If you own a Saab car that features keys-less entry systems, it may be important to have an extra key or remote. You can use it in case your original key gets lost or breaks. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons, it can reduce the cost of replacing a remote.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. These keys are usually stored in a tiny EEPROM that can only read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. This means that if your vehicle requires an additional key for your vehicle, you will need to go to the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge you less than the locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is an amazing car, and there are plenty of them that are still in use across the globe today. However, there is a big problem with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is extremely small and doesn't have a very appealing design, and it's known to be lost or stuck easily. Many have been without a functioning key in several years of purchasing their vehicle.
Luckily, it's possible to find an additional key to your SAAB and it can be done quickly. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple process that you can perform yourself, and you don't require any tools. You will need to be cautious, however when you push the process too hard, you could damage the electronics within it.
You'll need to locate a store where you can buy an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. You might not be able to find these cases easily, but if you know where to look you should have no problem finding one. When you locate an appropriate case replacement you'll need it cut and programmed to fit your vehicle.
The process of obtaining an entirely new key for your SAAB could be quite costly however, it's worth it in the long run. It's cheaper than replacing the entire vehicle, and it will save you a lot of time. If you only have one key that is working it is recommended to replace it as quickly as you can. You never know when you're likely lose it and this could result in a lot of frustration and cost.