How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save lots of money by getting your spare key before you lose your last one. If you have only one key, it's generally 2X-10X as expensive to make an original one.
The process of replacing the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy affordable and easy to do it yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle however, the ignition key can be prone to wear out. The case may become sticky and the buttons can fall out. This can be a issue while driving. This is why it's a good idea to replace the key fob as quickly as you notice any problems. This will save you money over the long term, and is better than waiting.
Replacing a SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll need to purchase a new key fob case which will work with your car, as well as a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need take the electronics off of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. Once you've done this you can easily put the new battery into place and then resynchronize the key fob with your car.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require particular attention since they feature an embedded transponder chip which needs to be programmed to your particular 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 read the code from your existing keys and then use this information to program your new key. This process can be more complicated and will cost you up to $500 if your don't have a spare.
An excellent tip is to try and find a locksmith who is proficient in Saabs. saab 93 replacement key can provide you with key at a cheaper cost than a dealer. They can also perform other services like key replacement and duplication so that you can have an additional key in the event yours gets damaged or lost.
The majority of European cars built after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that depend on a microchip incorporated inside the key to recognize and start your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate as they have chips. There are exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical, but have a small resistor inside) don't require programming and are relatively cheap to duplicate. The majority of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches made after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplicates. This is because these brands do not permit their dealers to join NASTF which is the organization that creates the tools other locksmiths for automobiles use to make keys replacements for their customers.
Cost of a New Remote
If you have a Saab car that has a keyless entry system then it's important to have a spare key or remote. This way you can have one in the event that your original key is lost or broken. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it will lower the cost of a remote replacement.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. The keys are typically locked in a small EEPROM that can only be read by a computer designed for this purpose. This means that if you require a new key for your vehicle you will have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge less than locksmiths.
The Saab 9-3 is an amazing car, and there are a lot of them still in operation around the world today. The ignition key is the main issue with these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and it is easy to lose it or get stuck. Many people have found themselves without a functioning key within the first few years of purchasing their car.
It's not difficult to find a spare key for your SAAB. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's an easy task you can perform yourself, and you don't need any tools. Be cautious however, because if you press it too hard you could harm its electronic components.
You'll need to find a shop 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 look you should have no problem finding one. Once you've found the replacement key case, you'll need to cut it and programmable to your car.
It's not cheap to purchase a new SAAB key, but the cost is worth it. It's cheaper and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. If you only have one key working it's best to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when it will be lost, and this can cause a lot of stress and expense.