How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save lots of money if you get your spare key manufactured before you lose your first one. When you only have one key, it's generally 2X-10X as expensive to make the new one.
Switching the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy and inexpensive 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 is prone to wear out. The case could become slick and the buttons can be pushed out. This can be a pain while driving. It's crucial to change your key fob promptly whenever you notice any problems. This can save you a lot of money in the long run and is more beneficial than procrastinating.
Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll need to purchase an alternative shell for your key fob, which is compatible with your car as well as a new battery. You'll need to remove the case of your old SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronics to give the chance to replace the battery. Once you've done this, you can easily fit the new battery and then reconnect the key fob to your car.
SAAB keys that have remote start systems require special care, since they have transponders that need to be programmed specifically for your vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool known as the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. The tool can read the code from your keys that you have and use the information to program a new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this procedure is more involved and can cost up to $500 from the dealer.
It is a good idea to find an locksmith who works with Saabs. They will be able to create the new key for an affordable cost compared to the dealer. saab key fob programming can also provide other services, including key replacement or duplication so 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 that rely on a chip built into the key to recognize and start your vehicle. This is why these types of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than keys without chips. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical but have a little resistor inside) don't require programming and are relatively inexpensive to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require an agent to duplicate the keys. The manufacturers 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 with keyless entry, it could be necessary to have a spare remote or key. It can be used in case your original key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key accessories it will reduce the cost of a remote replacement.
The majority of car keys made after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. The majority of these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer made for this purpose. This means that if it is necessary to get a new key for your car, you must visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will charge less than the locksmith.
The Saab 9-3s are beautiful vehicles and a large number of are still in use in the present. The ignition key is the biggest problem for these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and can easily fall out or get stuck. In fact, many people find themselves without a working key within a couple of years of owning the vehicle.
Luckily, it's possible to get an additional key for your SAAB and this is done quite quickly. First, take out the emergency key. This is a simple process which you can complete yourself and doesn't require any tools at all. You'll need to be careful though, as if you force it too hard you could damage the electronics.
You will then need to find a shop that will provide an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. They aren't always easy to find however if you know where to look then you should be able find one quite easily. Once you've found a new key case, you'll need to have it cut and programmable to your car.
The process of obtaining a new key for your SAAB can be expensive however it's worth it in the long run. It's cheaper and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. If you're stuck with one working key then it's recommended to replace it as soon as possible. You don't know when it could be lost, and this can cause a lot of frustration and cost.