How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Copying your spare key before you lose the previous one could save you a lot of money. When you only have one key, it's 2X-10X more expensive to create the new one.
Switching the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple, inexpensive and easy to do it yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car however, its ignition key can be prone to wear down. The case could become sticky and the buttons can be pushed out, which can be a huge hassle when you're driving around. This is the reason it's best to replace the key fob as soon you spot any issues. This will save you money in the end and is much better than waiting.
You can replace a SAAB's keys fob for less than $100. You'll need an alternative shell for your key fob that's compatible with your vehicle as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need remove the electronics from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After removing the electronics you can replace the battery and synchronize your key fob with your vehicle.
SAAB keys that have remote start systems require special attention because they include transponders that must be programmed specifically for your vehicle. You'll require the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to do this. This tool can identify the code on your existing keys and then use the information to program a new key. If you don't have a spare key, this procedure is more complicated and could cost as much as $500 from the dealer.
An excellent tip is to look for locksmiths who work on Saabs. They can provide you with the key at a lower cost than a dealer. They also provide other services, like key replacement and duplicates, so that you have another key in case yours gets damaged or lost.
The majority of European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip that is built into the key in order to start and recognize your car. This is why these types of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have a chip. However, there are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical and have an internal resistor) do not require programming and can be duplicated relatively inexpensively. Most BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches made after 2000 will require a dealer to assist with key duplication. This is because these brands don't allow their dealers to join NASTF which is the organization that makes the tools that other locksmiths for automobiles use to create keys that can be used to replace their customers' keys.
Cost of a Replacement Remote
If you own a Saab vehicle that has a keyless entry system then it may be important to have a spare key or remote. This way, you will have one in the event that your original key is lost or damaged. saab 9-3 key fob replacement of a replacement remote could be quite costly, and if you have an insurance policy that offers key add-on protection, then this will help reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. The majority of these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by an appropriate computer made for this purpose. If you require to replace the key in your car, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge less than a locksmith.
Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a large number of them are still in operation in the present. The ignition key is the main issue with these cars. The key is extremely small and has a poor design and it's known to lose its grip or get stuck easily. In reality, a lot of people have a non-functioning key after just a few years of owning the vehicle.
Luckily, you can get an additional key for your SAAB and this can be done fairly quickly. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple process that is done by yourself and you don't need any tools. Be careful however, because if press it too hard you could damage the electronic components.
Then, you will be required to find a retailer that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. These are not always easy to come by however when you know where to look, you should be able to find one easily. Once you've found the replacement key case, you'll need to have it cut and programmed to your car.
The process of obtaining an additional key for your SAAB can be very expensive however it's worth it in the long run. It's much less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle. It also could save you lots of time. If you only have one key working it's best to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when it might be lost, and this could cause a lot of stress and cost.