How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Getting your spare key copied before you lose your last one can save you huge cash. If you have only one key, it's usually 2X-10X the cost to make the new one.
Change the battery on your SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy affordable and easy to do yourself. Here's how.
saab car keys of Replacement Key
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a fantastic vehicle however the ignition key is susceptible to wear out. The case can become sticky and buttons can fall out. This can cause discomfort when driving. It is essential to replace your key fob right away whenever you notice any problems. This will save you money over the long term, and is much better than waiting.
You can change the SAAB's key fob yourself for less than $100. You'll need to purchase a replacement shell for your key fob that will work with your vehicle and an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll have remove the electronic components from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After this is done you can easily put the new battery into place and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your vehicle.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require special attention due to a transponder chip that must be programmed for your particular vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade device called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. This tool can scan the code of your existing keys and then use this information to program your new key. This procedure can be more complicated and cost up to $500 if your don't have a spare.
It is an excellent idea to find locksmiths who work with Saabs. They will be able to design and make a new key at a much cheaper price than the dealer. They also provide other services, like key replacement and duplication so that you have an additional key in the event yours is lost or damaged.
Most European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems, which rely on a microchip built into the key in order to recognize and start your vehicle. This is why these types of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than keys without the chip. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical, but contain a tiny resistor value within) don't require programming and are relatively inexpensive to duplicate. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require an agent to duplicate the keys. This is due to the fact that these manufacturers do not allow dealers to participate in NASTF, which is the group that produces the tools other locksmiths in the automotive sector utilize to create replacement keys for their customers.
Cost of a New Remote
If you own a Saab car that has keys-less entry systems, it is important to have an extra key or remote. It can be used in the event that your original key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it could reduce the cost of a remote replacement.
The majority of car keys produced after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. Most of the time, these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by the computer specifically specially designed for this purpose. This means that if you require a new key for your vehicle, you must visit the dealer. The good news is the dealer will charge you less than a locksmith.
Saab 9-3s are beautiful cars and a good portion of them are still in use in the present. The ignition key is the main problem for these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and it is easy to lose it or get stuck. Many have been without a functioning key within a few years after purchasing their vehicle.
It is, however, possible to get an additional key for your SAAB and this can be done fairly quickly. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. This is a straightforward process that you can do yourself and it does not require any tools at all. It is important to be careful, though as if you press it too much, you could damage the electronics within it.
You will then need to find a shop where you can purchase an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. They can be difficult to come by, but if you know where to look, you should be able find one quite easily. Once you have found a replacement case it is necessary to have it cut and programmed to fit your vehicle.
The process of getting a new key for your SAAB can be expensive, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. It's less expensive and quicker than having to replace the entire vehicle. If you have only one key working it is recommended to replace it as soon as you can. You don't know when you're likely lose it and this could cause a lot of frustration and expense.