How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a significant amount of money by getting your spare key before you lose your previous one. If you only have one key, it's usually 2X-10X more expensive to create the new one.
It's cheap, easy and easy to replace the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great car, but the ignition key is susceptible to wear out. The case could become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a major inconvenience when you're driving. It is essential to change your key fob promptly if you notice any issues. This will save you money over the long term, and is far better than putting off the replacement.
Replacing the SAAB key fob is not difficult and you can do it yourself for about $100. You'll have to purchase the replacement key fob that is compatible with your vehicle and an additional battery. You'll have to open the case of your current SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronic components to give you the opportunity to replace the battery. Once you've done this you can easily put the new battery and then resynchronize the key fob with your car.
SAAB keys with remote start systems require particular attention, as they contain an electronic transponder that needs to be programmed to match your specific vehicle. To achieve this, you'll need an instrument designed for dealers called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. This tool can scan the code of your keys, and use the information to program your new key. This process can be more complex and may cost you up to $500 if your don't have an extra.
It is best to locate an locksmith who works with Saabs. They can make you key at a cheaper price than the dealer. They can also perform other services, including key replacement and duplication, to ensure you have an additional key in the event yours is lost or damaged.
Most European cars built after 2000 come with immobilizer systems, which rely on a microchip built inside the key to identify and start your car. This is the reason why these types of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have a chip. There are exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical, but have a small resistor value inside) do not require programming and are relatively cheap to duplicate. Most BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches manufactured after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplication. These manufacturers don't permit their dealers to join NASTF. This group makes the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to create replacement keys.
saab replacement key of a New 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 your original key is lost or broken. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it could reduce the cost of a replacement remote.
Most car keys for cars manufactured after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. The majority of these keys are stored in a tiny EEPROM chip that can only be read by the computer specifically designed for that purpose. If you require an additional key for your car, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge you less than the locksmith.
Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a large number of them are still in use in the present. The ignition key is probably the biggest problem for these cars. The key is small and doesn't have a very appealing design and is known to lose its grip or get stuck easily. In reality, a lot of people find themselves without a working key after only a few years of owning their car.
It is, however, possible to get an extra key for your SAAB and this can be done fairly quickly. The first step is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. This is a simple process which you can complete yourself and it doesn't require any tools whatsoever. It is important to be careful, however when you push it too hard, you might cause damage to the electronics inside it.
In the meantime, you'll be required to find a retailer that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. They aren't always easy to find, but once you know where to look, you will be able to locate one quite easily. Once you've found a replacement key case, you'll require it to be cut and programmable to your car.
It's not cheap to purchase a brand new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's cheaper than replacing your entire vehicle, and it will save you a lot of time. If you have only one key that is working it is recommended to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when you're going lose it and this can lead to a lot of frustration and expense.