How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Copying your spare key before you lose your last one can save you huge cost. It's typically 2X-10X more expensive to create a brand new key when you are down to one.
It's easy, cheap and easy to change the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car however, its ignition key is susceptible to wearing down. The case can get sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this could be a major hassle when driving around. It's important to replace your key fob immediately if you notice any issues. saab keys could save you a lot of cash in the long run as well as being more effective than procrastinating.
Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't difficult and you can do it yourself for less than $100. You'll need to purchase an appropriate shell replacement for your key fob that is compatible with your car and an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll have to carefully remove the electronic components of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you have removed the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and then synchronize your key fob to your car.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require special attention because they have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle. You'll need the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to do this. The tool can read the code from your keys that you have and use the information to program a new key. This process can be more complex and can cost up to $500 if you don't already have an extra.
A good tip is to look for locksmiths who work on Saabs. These professionals can make you key at a cheaper price than the dealer. They can also provide other services like key replacement and duplication to ensure that you have an additional key in the event yours gets lost or damaged.
The majority of European cars made after 2000 come with immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip that is built inside the key to identify and start your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate since they have chips. However, there are exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value in them) do not 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. These manufacturers do not allow their dealers to join NASTF. The group produces the tools used by other auto locksmiths to make replacement keys.
Cost of Replacement Remote
It is essential to have an extra remote or key if you have a Saab with keyless entry. You can use it in the event that the original key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote could be expensive, especially if you have an insurance policy that provides key add-on protection, then this will help reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or locksmith. The majority of these keys are stored in a tiny EEPROM chip that can only be read by the computer specifically specially designed for this purpose. If you need an additional key for your car, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good news is the dealer will charge less than a locksmith.
Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and a large number of are still in use today. The ignition key is probably the biggest problem with these cars. The key is tiny and has a poor design and is known to break or become stuck easily. In fact, many people find themselves without a working key after just a few years of owning their car.
Fortunately, it is possible to get an additional key for your SAAB and it can be done quickly. 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 require any tools. You should be cautious however, because if overdo it you could damage the electronic components.
You will then need to find a place where you can buy 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 difficulty finding one. Once you have found a replacement key case, you will need to have it cut and programmable to your car.
The process of obtaining the new key for your SAAB isn't cheap, but it is definitely worth it in the end. It is much cheaper and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. So if you're down to one working key then it's recommended to replace it as soon as possible. You never know when you're going lose it and this can lead to lots of frustration and expense.