How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Getting your spare key copied before you lose the previous one can save you huge cash. It's usually 2X-10X more costly to originate a new key when you are 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 SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great car however, the ignition key is susceptible to wear out. saab 900 key could become slick and buttons can fall out. This could be a issue when driving. This is why it's a good idea to replace the key fob as soon you spot any issues. This can save you a lot of money over the long term as well as being more effective than waiting.
Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't difficult and you can make it yourself for about $100. You'll need a new key fob case that can be used with your vehicle and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need to carefully take the electronics off of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you've done this you can easily put the new battery into place and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your car.
SAAB keys with remote start feature require special attention since they feature transponder chips that needs to be programmed to the particular vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll require a dealer-grade device called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. The tool can scan the code of your keys that you have and use that information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this process is a bit more complex and can cost you as much as $500 from the dealer.
An excellent tip is to try and find a locksmith who works on Saabs. These professionals will be able to design and make a new key at an affordable cost compared to the dealer. They can also do other services such as key duplication and replacement, which means you'll have a spare car key in the event that it gets damaged or lost.
Most European cars made after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that rely on a microchip embedded inside the key to recognize and start your car. This is why these types of keys are typically more expensive to duplicate than keys that do not have a chip. However, there are exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value inside) do not require programming and are cheap to duplicate. Most BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches produced after 2000 will require a dealer to assist with key duplicates. This is because these manufacturers do not allow dealers to participate in NASTF which is the group that makes the tools that other locksmiths for automobiles make keys that can be used to replace their customers' keys.
Cost of Replacement Remote
It is essential to have an extra remote or key if you have a Saab with keyless entry. It can be used in case your original key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote can be very costly. If you have an insurance policy that provides key add-on insurance, this could help lower the cost.
The majority of car keys produced after 2000 were programmed by the dealer or locksmith. The keys are typically locked in a tiny EEPROM that can only be read by a computer designed for this purpose. This means that if you need a new key for your vehicle you will have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealership isn't going to cost the same amount as a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a gorgeous car, and there are plenty of them still in operation across the globe today. But, there's a big problem with these cars and it's their ignition key. The key is tiny and has a poor design, and it's known to lose its grip or get stuck easily. Many have been without a functioning keys within several years of purchasing their vehicle.
It's simple to find a spare key for your SAAB. First, take out the emergency key. It's an easy task you can perform yourself, and you don't need any tools. You should be careful, though in case you force it too much, you might cause damage to the electronics inside it.
Then, you'll be required to find a retailer that sells an OEM keycase replacement for your SAAB. You may not be able find these cases easily however if you know where to look you should have no problem finding one. Once you've found a replacement key case, you will need to have it cut and programmed to your car.
It's expensive to buy a new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's much less expensive and faster than having to replace the entire vehicle. If you're left with one working key then it's ideal to replace it as soon as you can. You don't know when it could be lost, and that can cause a lot of stress and expense.