How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

You can save a lot of money if you get your spare key before you lose your last one. When you only have one key, it's typically 2X-10X as expensive to make an original one.

It's simple, inexpensive and easy to replace the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.

Cost of Replacement Key

The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is an excellent vehicle but the ignition key can be prone to wear out. The case could become slick and the buttons can fall out. This can be a pain when driving. This is why it's important to replace the key fob as quickly you spot any issues. This can save you lots of money over the long term and is more beneficial than waiting.

You can replace the SAAB's key fob on your own for less than $100. You'll need a replacement key fob shell that can be used with your vehicle and an additional battery. To replace the battery, you'll have to carefully take the electronics off of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you have removed the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and synchronize the key fob to your vehicle.

SAAB keys that have the remote start system need special attention since they feature an embedded transponder chip which needs to be programmed to the particular vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. This tool will be able to read the code on your keys that are already in use and [empty] use this information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key, this procedure is more complicated and could cost you up to $500 from the dealer.

It is a good idea to find a locksmith that works with Saabs. They can create the key at a lower cost than the dealer. They can also perform other services, such as key replacement and duplicates, so that you can have an extra key in the event that the original one is damaged or lost.

Most European cars built after 2000 are equipped with immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip that is built into the key in order to start and recognize your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate because they are equipped with chips. However, there are some exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical and have an internal resistor) do not require programming and can be duplicated cheaply. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and saab key vehicles will require an authorized dealer to duplicate their keys. This is due to the fact that these manufacturers do not allow dealers to be part of NASTF which is the group that makes the tools that other locksmiths in the automotive industry use to create keys to replace for their customers.

Cost of Replacement Remote

It is essential to have an additional remote or key if you have a Saab with keyless entry. This will give you one in the event that your key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it will lower the cost of replacing a remote.

The majority of car keys made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. Typically, these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer specially designed for this purpose. This means that if you need an additional key for your vehicle you will need to go to the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will cost you less than a locksmith.

The Saab 9-3 is an amazing car and there are many of them still in use across the globe today. The ignition key is the most significant problem for these cars. The key is small and doesn't have a very appealing design, and it's known to lose its grip or get stuck easily. Many people have found themselves without a functioning keys within the first few years of purchasing their vehicle.

Luckily, it's possible to obtain an additional key for your SAAB and it is done quite quickly. First, you must remove the emergency key. It's a simple process that you can do yourself, and you don't require any tools. You should be careful, though as if you press the process too hard, you might damage the electronics inside of it.

You'll need to find a place that will provide an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. It is possible that you won't be able to find these cases readily, but if you know where to look, you should not have any problem finding one. Once you have found a replacement key case, you will need to cut it and programmed to your vehicle.

The process of obtaining an entirely new key for your SAAB can be expensive, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. It's a lot cheaper than replacing your entire vehicle, and it could save you lots of time. If you're left with one key that works, it's recommended to replace it immediately. You never know when the key will be lost, and this could result in a lot of frustration and expense.