How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

Copying your spare key before you lose your last one can save you huge money. It's typically 2X-10X more expensive to create a new key when you are down to one.

Changing the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy, cheap and simple to do by yourself. Here's how.

Cost of Replacement Key

The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a fantastic vehicle however the ignition key tends to wear out. The case may become sticky and the buttons could fall out. This could be a inconvenience when driving. This is why it's important to replace the key fob as quickly as you notice any problems. This could save you a significant amount of money in the long run as well as being more effective than putting off repairs.

Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can make it yourself for about $100. You will need to purchase an alternative shell for your key fob that's compatible with your car as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll have 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 reset the key fob's synchronization with your car.

SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require special care because they contain an embedded transponder chip which needs to be programmed to the specific vehicle. You'll need the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to accomplish this. The tool can identify the code on your keys, and use the information to program a new key. If you don't have a spare key, this procedure is more involved and may cost up to $500 from the dealer.

An excellent tip is to look for a locksmith who works on Saabs. They can make you keys at a lower cost than a dealer. They also offer other services like key duplication and replacement, making it possible to keep a backup car key in the event that yours gets lost or damaged.

Most European cars made after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that depend on a chip that is built into the key that can recognize and start your car. This is why these types of keys are generally more expensive to duplicate than keys without a chip. However, there are exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical but have a little resistor inside) don't require programming and are affordable to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. The manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF. This group develops the tools used by other auto locksmiths to make replacement keys.

Cost of a New Remote

It is vital to have an extra remote or key if you have a Saab with keyless entry. This way you can have one in the event that your 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 locksmith or dealer. They are typically stored in a tiny EEPROM chip that can only be read by the computer specifically designed specifically for this purpose. If you need an additional key for your car, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will cost you less than locksmiths.

The Saab 9-3 is a stunning automobile and there are a number of them still in operation all over the world. However, there's one major issue with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is small and poorly designed, and it is easy to lose it or become stuck. Many have been without a functioning keys within just a few years of buying their car.

It's simple to find an additional key for your SAAB. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the saab 93 key fob replacement 9-3. This is an easy process that you can do yourself, and it doesn't require any tools whatsoever. Be careful however, because if overdo it, you could damage its electronics.

You'll need to find a location where you can get an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. You may not be able find these cases easily however if you know where to look, you should not have any difficulty finding one. Once you have found a replacement case it is necessary to have it programmed and cut to fit your car.

It's not cheap to purchase a brand new SAAB key however, the expense is worth it. It is much cheaper and quicker than having to replace the entire vehicle. If you're stuck with one working key, it's ideal to replace it immediately. You don't know when it could be lost, and this could cause a lot frustration and expense.