How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save lots of money by having your spare key made prior to the time you lose your first one. It's generally 2X-10X more expensive to create a new key if you're down to one.
It's easy, cheap and easy to change the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a fantastic car however its ignition key can be susceptible to wear down. The case can get sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this can be a major inconvenience when you're driving. It's essential to replace your key fob immediately when you notice any issues. This can save you a significant amount of money in the end as well as being more effective than waiting.
Replacing the SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You will need to purchase an alternative shell for your key fob that will work with your car and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need remove the electronic components of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you have removed the electronics, you can replace the battery and then synchronize your key fob to your vehicle.
SAAB keys that have remote start systems require special attention, as they contain transponders that need to be programmed for your specific vehicle. You'll require the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to do this. This tool can read the code from your existing keys and then 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 as much as $500 from the dealer.
A good suggestion is to try and find locksmiths who work on Saabs. They will be able to create an entirely new key at an affordable cost compared to the dealer. They can also provide other services, like key duplication and replacement, so you'll be able to keep a backup car key in the event that it gets damaged or lost.
saab replacement keys of European cars made after 2000 have immobilizers that rely on a chip built inside the key to detect and start your car. This is the reason why these types of keys tend to be more expensive to duplicate than keys without a chip. However, there are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical and have a resistor in them) do not require programming and can be duplicated fairly inexpensively. The majority of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches made after 2000 will require a dealer to assist with key duplicates. This is because these brands do not allow dealers to be part of NASTF, which is the group which makes the tools other locksmiths for automobiles make keys replacements for their customers.
Cost of Replacement Remote
It is vital 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 key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons this can help reduce the cost of replacing a remote.
Most car keys for cars that were made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. They are typically locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by the computer specifically specially designed for this purpose. This means that if it is necessary to get a new key for your car, you have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will charge less than locksmiths.
Saab 9-3s are beautiful cars and a lot of are still in use today. However, there's one huge issue with these cars and it's the ignition key. The key is small and has a poor design and is known to fall out or get stuck easily. In reality, many find themselves without a functioning key after just a few years of owning the car.
Fortunately, it is possible to obtain an additional key for your SAAB and this is a simple process. First, you need to remove the emergency key. This is a simple process which you can complete yourself, and it doesn't require any tools whatsoever. Be cautious though, as if you force it too hard you could damage its electronic components.
You will then need to locate a store where you can buy an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. It is possible that you won't be able to find these cases easily but if you know where look, you should not have any trouble finding one. Once you've found the replacement key case, you'll need to have it cut and programmable to your car.
It's expensive to purchase a new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle. It also can save you a significant amount of time. If you're only left with one key that works, it's ideal to replace it in the earliest time possible. You don't know when you're likely to lose it, which can lead to lots of frustration and expense.