How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a lot of money by getting your spare key before you lose your last one. It's usually 2X-10X more costly to create a brand new key when you are only left with one.
It's easy, cheap and simple to replace the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a great car however, its ignition key can be susceptible to wearing down. The case can get sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a real pain while driving. This is why it's important to replace the key fob as quickly as you notice any problems. This could save you a lot of money in the end as well as being more effective than putting off the task.
Replacing the SAAB key fob is not difficult and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll have to purchase a replacement key fob shell that is compatible with your vehicle and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need to carefully remove the electronics from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After this is done you can simply insert the new battery and then reconnect the key fob to your car.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system need special attention due to a transponder chip that must be programmed for your specific vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. The tool can identify the code on your keys, and use the information to program a new key. If you don't have a spare key, this procedure is more involved and can cost you up to $500 from the dealer.
It is an excellent idea to find a locksmith that works with Saabs. They can provide you with key at a cheaper cost than the dealer. They can also provide other services like key duplication and replacement making it possible to have a backup key for your car in the event that it gets lost or damaged.
The majority of European cars built after 2000 are equipped with immobilizer systems, which rely on a microchip built into the key in order to recognize and start the car. This is why these types of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than those without the chip. However, there are exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value in them) don't require programming and are relatively affordable to duplicate. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. This is because the manufacturers do not permit dealers to participate in NASTF which is the group that makes the tools that other automotive locksmiths make keys to replace for their customers.
saab replacement key programming of a New Remote
If you have a Saab vehicle that has a keyless entry system then it's important to have an extra key or remote. It can be used in case your original key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote can be very expensive and if you have an insurance policy that offers key add-on protection, then it can reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. They are typically stored in a tiny EEPROM that can only be read by a computer that was designed specifically for this purpose. This means that if your vehicle requires an additional key for your vehicle you will have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will charge less than a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a stunning car and there are many of them still in use across the globe today. The ignition key is the main problem for these cars. The key is extremely small and doesn't have a very appealing design and is known to be lost or stuck easily. Many people have found themselves lacking a key that worked within several years of purchasing their vehicle.
It's simple to find a spare key for your SAAB. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. This is a simple process that you can carry out yourself, and it does not require any tools at all. You must be cautious, however, because if you force it too much, you could damage the electronics inside of it.
You'll need to find a location where you can get an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. It is possible that you won't be able to find these cases easily but if you know where to look you should have no difficulty finding one. Once you've found the replacement key case, you will need to have it cut and programmed to your car.
It can be expensive to buy a new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle. It also will save you a lot of time. So if you're down to one key that works, it's recommended to replace it as soon as possible. You never know when the key will be lost, and that can cause a lot frustration and cost.