How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a lot of money by having a spare key before you lose your last one. It's generally 2X-10X more expensive to originate a new key when you are down to just one.
Change the battery on your SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple affordable and easy to do yourself. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great car however, the ignition key is susceptible to wear out. The case could become slick and the buttons may be pushed out. This could be a pain when driving. It's crucial to change your key fob promptly if you notice any issues. This will save you a lot of money in the long run and is also more efficient than putting off repairs.
Replacing saab keys fob isn't difficult and you can do it yourself for about $100. You'll need an additional shell for your key fob that will work with your vehicle, as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll have to carefully remove the electronic components from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After this is done, you can easily fit the new battery into place and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your vehicle.
SAAB keys that have remote start systems require special care, since they have transponders that must be programmed for your specific vehicle. To achieve this, you'll need a dealer-grade device called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your model of Saab. This tool can analyze the codes from your keys that you have and use that information to program your new key. This process is more complicated and cost up to $500 if you don't already have an extra.
A good tip is to look for a locksmith who is proficient in Saabs. They can create key at a cheaper cost than a dealer. They can also provide other services, such as key replacement and duplicates, so that you can have another key in case the original one is damaged or lost.
The majority of European cars manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that depend on a microchip incorporated into the key in order to identify and start your vehicle. These keys are more expensive to duplicate since they contain chips. However, there are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical, with a resistor inside) don't require programming and can be duplicated fairly cheaply. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. This is because the manufacturers do not permit dealers to participate in NASTF, which is the group that creates the tools other automotive locksmiths utilize to create keys replacements for their customers.
Cost of a Replacement Remote
If you own a Saab vehicle that has keys-less entry systems, it may be important to have an extra key or remote. It can be used in the event that your original key gets lost or breaks. If you have insurance that covers key accessories this can help reduce the cost of a remote replacement.
The majority of car keys made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. These keys are usually stored in a tiny EEPROM that can only read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. This means that if you need an additional key for your vehicle you will have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will not charge as much as a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a stunning car, and there are plenty of them still in operation around the world today. However, there is a major issue with these cars and that's their ignition keys. The key is small and poorly designed, and can easily fall out or become stuck. Many have been without a functioning key within just a few years of buying their car.
Fortunately, it is possible to get an extra key for your SAAB and this is a simple process. First, you must remove the emergency key. It's an easy task you can perform yourself, and you don't need any tools. Be cautious however, because if you overdo it, you could damage its electronic components.
The next step is to find a shop that will provide an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. They can be difficult to come by however when you know where to look, you should be able to find one fairly easily. Once you find a replacement case you'll have to get it programmed and cut to fit your car.
It can be expensive to get a new SAAB key, but the cost is worth it. It's much less expensive than replacing the entire vehicle, and it could save you lots of time. If you're only left with one working key, it's recommended to replace it as soon as possible. You never know when you're going to lose it and this could lead to an abundance of frustration and cost.