How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save lots of money by having your spare key made before you lose your previous one. It's usually 2X-10X more costly to make a new key if you're down to just one.
The process of replacing the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy, inexpensive and easy to do it yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a great car however, its ignition key is susceptible to wearing down. The case can become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this could be a major hassle when you're driving. This is the reason it's best to replace the key fob as soon you spot any issues. This will save you money over the long term, and is more effective than waiting.
Replacing the SAAB key fob is not difficult and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll have to purchase the replacement key fob which will work with your car, as well as an additional battery. You'll have to open the case of the existing SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronics to give you an opportunity to replace the battery. After removing the electronics you can replace the battery and then synchronize your key fob to your car.
SAAB keys with the remote start system require special attention since they feature a transponder chip that must be programmed for your specific vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade device called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. This tool can scan the code of your existing keys and then use this information to program your new key. This process is more complicated and cost up to $500 if your don't have a spare.
An excellent tip is to look for a locksmith who is proficient in Saabs. They will be able of making you keys at lower cost than the dealer. They can also provide other services, like key duplication and replacement so you'll be able to 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 depend on a chip that is built into the key that can recognize and start your vehicle. These keys are more expensive to duplicate as they are equipped with a chip. However, there are exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical, with a resistor in them) don't require programming and can be duplicated inexpensively. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. This is because these manufacturers don't allow their dealers to join NASTF which is the group that creates the tools other locksmiths in the automotive industry use to make keys to replace for their customers.
Cost of a New Remote
If you have a Saab car that has keyless entry, it is important to have an extra key or remote. This way, you will have one in the event that your key is lost or broken. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it will reduce the cost of replacing a remote.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. The keys are typically locked in a small EEPROM which can only be read by a computer designed for this purpose. This means that if you need an additional key for your vehicle you have to visit the dealer. replacement key for saab 93 is that the dealer will charge you less than a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a gorgeous car, and there are a lot of them still in operation across the globe today. The ignition key is the main issue for these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and is easy to lose it or become stuck. In reality, many are left without a functioning key after only a few years of owning the vehicle.
It is, however, possible to obtain an additional key for your SAAB and this is done quite quickly. First, you must remove the emergency key. This is a straightforward process that you can do yourself and doesn't require any tools at all. It is important to be careful, though, because if you force it too much, you might harm the electronics inside it.
You will then need to find a shop where you can get an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. It is possible that you won't be able to find these cases readily, but if you know where to look you should have no difficulty finding one. Once you've found a new key case, you will need to have it cut and programmable to your car.
It's costly to get a new SAAB key however, the expense is worth it. It's much less expensive than having to replace your entire vehicle. It also can save you a significant amount of time. If you only have one key that is working it is recommended to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when you're going to lose it and this could lead to many frustrations and expense.