How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a lot of money if you get your spare key made prior to the time you lose your previous one. It's typically 2X-10X cheaper to create a brand new key when you're only left with one.
Switching the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple affordable and easy to do by yourself. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle, but the ignition key tends to wear out. The case can become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a real pain when driving around. It is essential to replace your key fob right away when you notice any issues. This will help you save money in the end and is also more efficient than procrastinating.
You can replace the SAAB's key fob yourself for less than $100. You'll need to buy a replacement key fob shell that can be used with your car, as well as an additional battery. You'll need to remove the case of the existing SAAB 9-3 key fob, and then carefully take out the electronic components, giving you the opportunity to change the battery. After removing the electronics you can replace the battery and synchronize your key fob to your car.
SAAB keys that have the remote start system require particular attention since they feature a transponder chip that needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll need a dealer-grade device called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. saab 9-3 key programming can read the code of your keys that are already in use and use this information to program the replacement key. This process can be more complex and can cost up to $500 if you do not already have a spare.
A good idea is to try and find a locksmith who works on Saabs. They can make you keys at a lower cost than the dealer. They can also provide other services like key duplication and replacement, which means you'll keep a backup car key in the event that it gets lost or damaged.
Most European cars made after 2000 have immobilizers that depend on a chip that is built inside the key to detect and start your vehicle. This is the reason these kinds of keys are typically more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have a chip. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical, but contain a tiny resistor inside) don't require programming and are cheap to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require a dealer to duplicate their keys. This is because these brands do not allow dealers to participate in NASTF, which is the organization that creates the tools other locksmiths in the automotive sector utilize to create keys to replace for their customers.
Cost of a Replacement Remote
It is essential to have an additional remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. This way, you will have one in the event that the original key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote can be expensive, especially if you have an insurance policy that provides key add-on insurance, it can reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys produced after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. The majority of these keys are stored in a tiny EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer that is 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 thing is that the dealer will not charge you the same amount as a locksmith.
Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a lot of are still in use today. However, there is a big problem with these cars and it's their ignition key. The key is tiny and not a great design, and it's known to fall out or get stuck easily. Many have been without a functioning key in a few years after purchasing their vehicle.
It's simple to find an additional key for your SAAB. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple task that is done by yourself and you don't need any tools. You should be cautious when you press it too hard you could damage its electronics.
You'll need to find a place that will provide an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. They can be difficult to come by however if you know where to look then you are likely to find one fairly easily. If you find a replacement case it is necessary to have it cut and programmed to fit your vehicle.
The process of getting an additional key for your SAAB isn't cheap however it's worth it in the long run. It's cheaper than having to replace your entire vehicle. It also can save you a significant amount of time. If you have only one key that is working it is recommended to replace it as quickly as you can. You never know when the key will be lost, and that can result in a lot of frustration and cost.