How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a significant amount of money if you get your spare key made prior to the time you lose your previous one. It's usually 2X-10X more costly to create a new key when you are down to one.
Switching the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple, cheap and simple to do by yourself. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is an excellent vehicle however, the ignition key tends to wear out. The case may become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a real pain when driving around. It's essential to replace your key fob right away in the event of any issues. This will save you money over the long term, and is more effective than waiting.
Replacing the SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can do it yourself for about $100. You'll need to purchase a new key fob case that can be used with your car and also an additional battery. You'll need to open up the case of your existing SAAB 9-3 key fob, then carefully remove the electronic components, giving you an opportunity to replace the battery. After you have removed the electronics, you can replace the battery and synchronize your key fob with your vehicle.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require special care because they contain transponder chips that must be programmed to the particular vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll require a dealer-grade device called the Tech 2 or the equivalent to your particular model of Saab. This tool can read the code on your keys that are already in use and then use this information to program the replacement key. If you don't have a spare key, this process is a bit more involved and can cost you as much as $500 from the dealer.
It is a good idea to find an expert locksmith who is associated with Saabs. They'll be able to create keys at an affordable cost compared to the dealer. They can also do other services such as key duplication and replacement so you'll have a spare car key in the event that yours is lost or damaged.
The majority of European automobiles manufactured after 2000 have immobilizers that use a chip integrated into the key to identify 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 contain a tiny resistor inside) don't require programming and are relatively inexpensive to duplicate. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require a dealer to duplicate their keys. G28CarKeys do not permit their dealers to join NASTF. The NASTF group creates the tools used by other auto locksmiths to make replacement keys.
Cost of a New Remote
If you have a Saab car that features a keyless entry system then it is important to have an extra key or remote. This will allow you to have one in the event that your original key is lost or broken. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons this can help lower the cost of replacing the remote.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. These keys are usually locked in a small EEPROM that can only read by a computer specifically designed for this purpose. This means that if you require an additional key for your vehicle you will need to go to the dealer. The good news is the dealer will charge you less than the locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a gorgeous car, and there are a lot of them that are still in use all over the world. The ignition key is the main issue for these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and can easily fall out or get stuck. In reality, many are left without a functioning key after just a few years of owning the vehicle.
It's easy to get a spare key for your SAAB. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple procedure that you can do yourself, and it does not require any tools whatsoever. It is important to be careful, however when you push it too much, you could cause damage to the electronics inside it.
Then, you'll need to locate a place that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. They can be difficult to come by, but when you know where to look, you should be able find one quickly. Once you have found a replacement key case, you will need to have it cut and programmed to your vehicle.
It can be expensive to purchase a brand new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It is much cheaper and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. If you only have one key working it's best to replace it as quickly as you can. You don't know when it could be lost, which can cause a lot frustration and cost.