How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Getting your spare key copied before you lose your last one can save you big money. If you have only one key, it's generally 2X-10X more expensive to create a new one.
Changing the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do by yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car, but its ignition key can be prone to wearing down. The case can become sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this can be a huge hassle when you're driving. It's crucial to replace your key fob immediately whenever you notice any problems. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and is more beneficial than waiting.
Replacing a SAAB key fob is not difficult and you can do it yourself for about $100. You'll need an alternative shell for your key fob that's compatible with your car, as well as an entirely new battery. It is necessary to open the case of your old SAAB 9-3 key fob and then carefully remove the electronic components to give you the chance to replace the battery. Once you've completed this you can simply insert the new battery and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your car.
SAAB keys with the remote start system require particular care because they contain a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle. You'll require the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to accomplish this. The tool can read the code from your keys, and use the information to program your new key. This process is more complex and can cost up to $500 if your don't have an extra.
An excellent tip is to locate locksmiths who work on Saabs. They can make you keys at a lower price than the dealer. They can also perform other services, such as key replacement and duplication, to ensure you have an additional key in the event yours is lost or damaged.
The majority of European automobiles manufactured after 2000 are equipped with immobilizer systems that rely on a microchip built into the key to begin and recognize your vehicle. This is why these types of keys tend to be more expensive to duplicate than keys without chips. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical, with a resistor in them) don't require programming and can be duplicated relatively cheaply. However, saab replacement key of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require an authorized dealer to duplicate their keys. These manufacturers don't permit their dealers to join NASTF. The NASTF group creates the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to make replacement keys.
Cost of a New Remote
It is vital to have an additional remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. This will give you one in the event that your key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key accessories it will reduce the cost of replacing the remote.
The majority of car keys produced after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. These keys are usually locked in a tiny EEPROM which can only be read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. If you require an additional key for your car, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will charge less than locksmiths.
Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and a lot of them are still in operation today. However, there's one major issue with these vehicles and that's their ignition keys. The key is extremely small and is not the most attractive design and is known to lose its grip or get stuck easily. In reality, many are left without a functioning key after only a few years of owning a car.
It is, however, possible to find an additional key to your SAAB and this is done quite quickly. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple task that you can perform yourself, and you don't need any tools. Be cautious when you overdo it you could harm its electronic components.
In the meantime, you'll have to locate a shop that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. It is possible that you won't be able to find these cases easily, but if know where to look you should have no trouble finding one. When you locate a replacement case, you'll need to have it cut and programmed to fit your vehicle.
It's costly to purchase a new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle, and it can save you a lot of time. If you're only left with one key that works, it's best to get it replaced in the earliest time possible. You don't know when you're likely to lose it and this could lead to many frustrations and cost.