How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Copying your spare key before you lose the previous one can save you significant cash. It's usually 2X-10X more costly to make a new key when you are down to just one.
Switching the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy affordable and easy to do 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 susceptible to wearing down. The case could become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a real pain when you're driving around. It's essential to replace your key fob right away in the event of any issues. This will save you money in the long run, and is much better than waiting.
You can change the SAAB's key fob on your own for less than $100. You'll need an alternative shell for your key fob that's compatible with your car as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need to carefully remove the electronic components of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. Once you've completed this you can simply insert the new battery and then resynchronize the key fob with your vehicle.
SAAB keys with remote start system require special attention due to a transponder chip which needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle. You'll need the dealer grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to do this. This tool is able to scan the code of your existing keys and use that information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this process is a bit more complex and can cost as much as $500 from the dealer.
It is recommended to find an expert locksmith who is associated with Saabs. These experts will be able to make you the new key for a much cheaper price than the dealer. They also offer other services, like key duplication and replacement so you'll be able to keep a backup car key in the event yours gets lost or damaged.
The majority of European cars manufactured after 2000 feature immobilizer systems that utilize a chip embedded inside the key to detect and start your vehicle. These keys are more expensive to duplicate as they are equipped with a chip. However, there are some exceptions. For saab ignition key replacement , VATS keys (which are mechanical but have a little resistor inside) don't require programming and are relatively inexpensive to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require a dealer to duplicate their keys. These manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF. The group produces the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to create replacement keys.
Cost of Replacement Remote
If you have a Saab car that features keys-less entry systems, it's important to have a spare remote or key. It can be used in the event that your primary key gets lost or breaks. The cost of a replacement remote can be expensive, especially if you have an insurance policy that provides key add-on coverage then this can help reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys made after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. These keys are usually locked in a tiny EEPROM that can only read by a computer that was designed specifically for this purpose. This means that if you need an additional key for your car, you have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will not charge as much as a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3s are beautiful vehicles and a good portion of remain in use today. The ignition key is probably the biggest issue in these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and is easy to lose it or become stuck. Many people have found themselves without a functioning key in several years of purchasing their car.
Fortunately, it is possible to find an additional key to your SAAB and it is done quite quickly. First, remove the emergency key. This is a straightforward process that you can do yourself and it does not require any tools at all. It is important to be careful, however in case you force it too hard, you could cause damage to the electronics inside it.
You will then need to find a place where you can purchase an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. They can be difficult to come by, but if you know where to look then you will be able to locate one easily. When you locate an appropriate case replacement you'll have to get it cut and programmed to fit your car.
The process of getting the new key for your SAAB can be expensive but it's worth it in the end. It's much less expensive and quicker than having replace the entire vehicle. If you have only one key that is working, it's best to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when it might be lost, and this can cause a lot of frustration and expense.