How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save lots of money by getting your spare key manufactured before you lose your last one. If you have only one key, it's usually 2X-10X as expensive to make an original one.
Change the battery on the SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy, cheap and simple to do yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car but the ignition key can be susceptible to wear down. The case may become sticky and buttons can be pushed out. This can be a inconvenience while driving. This is the reason it's best to replace the key fob as soon you spot any issues. This can help you save money in the long run, and it's also better than procrastinating.
Replacing a SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for about $100. You'll need to purchase a replacement key fob shell which will work with your vehicle and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need to carefully remove the electronic components from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you have removed the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and then synchronize your key fob with your car.
SAAB keys that have the remote start system require particular attention since they feature 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, and use this information to program your new key. This process is more complicated and cost up to $500 if your don't have an extra.
It is a good idea to find an expert locksmith who is associated with Saabs. These professionals can make you the key at a lower price than the dealer. They can also perform other services, including key replacement and duplicates, so that you can have an additional key in the event yours gets lost or damaged.
The majority of European cars made after 2000 feature immobilizer systems that depend on a chip that is built into the key that can recognize and start your car. This is the reason why these types of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than those without the chip. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical and have a resistor inside) don't require programming and can be duplicated cheaply. The majority of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches produced after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplicates. These manufacturers don't permit their dealers to join NASTF. This group makes the tools used by other auto locksmiths to make replacement keys.
Cost of Replacement Remote
If you have a Saab car with keyless entry, it's important to have a spare key or remote. It can be used in case your original key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons, it can reduce the cost of replacing the remote.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. The majority of these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer that is made for this purpose. If you need an alternative key for your car, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge less than the locksmith.
Saab 9-3s are beautiful cars and a large number of are still in use today. But, there's G28 with these cars and it's their ignition key. The key is small and poorly designed, and can easily fall out or get stuck. Many people have found themselves lacking a key that worked within a few years after purchasing their vehicle.
It's easy to obtain an additional key for your SAAB. First, remove the emergency key. It's a simple task that is done by yourself and you don't require any tools. You'll need to be careful though, as if you press it too hard you could damage its electronics.
You will then need to locate a place that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. They can be difficult to come by, but If you know where to look, you are likely to find one easily. If you find a replacement case it is necessary to have it cut and programmed to fit your car.
The process of getting an additional key for your SAAB can be very expensive however, it's worth it in the end. It's cheaper than replacing your entire vehicle. It also can save you a lot of time. So if you're down to one working key, it's recommended to replace it as soon as possible. You don't know when it could be lost, and that can result in a lot of frustration and expense.