How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

You can save lots of money by getting your spare key manufactured before you lose your last one. If you have only one key, it's generally 2X-10X as costly to make an original one.

The process of replacing the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy and inexpensive to do it yourself. Here's how.

Cost of a Key Replacement

The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle however, the ignition key is prone to wear out. The case can become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a major inconvenience when you're driving around. This is why it's recommended to replace the key fob as quickly as you notice any problems. This could save you lots of money over the long term and is also more efficient than putting off repairs.

You can change the SAAB's key fob yourself for less than $100. You'll need a replacement shell for your key fob, which is compatible with your car, as well as an entirely new battery. It is necessary to open the case of your old SAAB 9-3 key fob, and then carefully take out the electronics to give you an opportunity to replace the battery. Once you've completed this, you can easily fit the new battery and then reconnect the key fob to your car.

SAAB keys with the remote start system require special attention since they feature a transponder chip in them which needs to be programmed to the specific vehicle. To achieve this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of saab replacement keys uk. The tool can read the code on your keys and then use that information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this process is a bit more involved and may cost up to $500 from the dealer.

It is an excellent idea to find locksmiths who work with Saabs. They will be able of making you the new key for a much cheaper price than the dealer. They can also do other services, like key duplication and replacement, which means you'll have a backup car key in the event that it gets damaged or lost.

The majority of European cars built after 2000 have immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip that is built into the key in order to begin and recognize your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate because they contain chips. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical, with an internal resistor) don't require programming and can be duplicated relatively inexpensively. The majority of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches produced after 2000 will require a dealer to assist with key duplicates. These manufacturers don't permit their dealers to join NASTF. The group produces the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to create replacement keys.

Cost of a New Remote

It is essential to have an extra remote or key if you have a Saab with keyless entry. You can use it in the event that the original key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons this can help reduce the cost of a replacement remote.

Most car keys for cars manufactured 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 an appropriate computer designed for that purpose. This means that if your vehicle requires a new key for your vehicle, you will have to visit the dealer. The positive side is that the dealership will not charge as much as a locksmith.

The Saab 9-3s are beautiful vehicles and a lot of them are still in use today. However, there is a major issue with these vehicles and that's their ignition keys. The key is tiny and has a poor design and can fall out or get stuck easily. In reality, a lot of people find themselves without a working key after only a few years of owning the vehicle.

Luckily, you can get an extra key for your SAAB and this can be done fairly quickly. First, take out the emergency key. This is an easy process which you can complete yourself and it doesn't require any tools at all. You will need to be careful, however, because if you force it too hard then you could harm the electronics inside it.

Then, you'll have to locate a shop that offers an OEM keycase replacement for your SAAB. You might not be able to find these cases readily, however if you know where to look you should have no difficulty finding one. Once you have found a replacement case you'll need it cut and programmed to fit your vehicle.

It's expensive to purchase a brand new SAAB key however the cost is worth it. It's a lot cheaper than having to replace your entire vehicle and it can save you a significant amount of time. If you have only one key working it's best to replace it as quickly as you can. You never know when you're going to lose it, and this could result in a lot of frustration and cost.