How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

Making copies of your spare key before you lose your last one can save you significant cash. It's generally 2X-10X more expensive to make a new key when you are only left with one.

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

Cost of a Key Replacement

The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a fantastic car however, its ignition key is susceptible to wearing down. The case can get sticky and the buttons are known to be pushed out, which can be a major inconvenience when you're driving around. This is why it's a good idea to replace the key fob as quickly as you notice any problems. This will save you a significant amount of cash in the long run and is also more efficient than waiting.

Replacing a SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll have to purchase a replacement key fob shell which will work with your car and also an additional battery. You'll have to open the case of your existing SAAB 9-3 key fob and then carefully remove the electronics to give an opportunity to replace the battery. After you have removed the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and synchronize your key fob to your vehicle.

SAAB keys with remote start system require particular attention because they have transponder chips which needs to be programmed to your specific vehicle. You'll need the dealer grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your saab 93 key programming model to accomplish this. The tool will read the code on your existing keys and use this information to program the replacement key. If you don't have a spare key, this procedure is more involved and may cost you as much as $500 from the dealer.

It is a good idea to find locksmiths who work with Saabs. They can make you the key at a lower cost than a dealer. They can also perform other services, such as key replacement and duplicates, so that you can 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 to recognize and start your car. This is the reason these kinds of keys are usually more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have the chip. However, there are some exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical and have a resistor inside) do not require programming and can be duplicated fairly inexpensively. The majority of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches built after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplication. This is because these manufacturers do not allow dealers to be part of NASTF which is the group that creates the tools other automotive locksmiths utilize to create keys replacements for their customers.

Cost of Replacement Remote

It is crucial to have an extra remote or key if you own 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, it can lower the cost of replacing the remote.

The majority of car keys produced after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. The keys are typically locked in a tiny EEPROM that can only read by a computer specifically designed for this purpose. If you need to replace the key in your vehicle, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will not cost as much as a locksmith.

Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a good portion of them are still in use today. However, there is a huge issue with these cars and it's their ignition key. The key is small and doesn't have a very appealing design and can be lost or stuck easily. Many have been without a functioning key in the first few years of purchasing their car.

It's easy to get a spare key for your SAAB. The first step is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple job is done by yourself and you don't require any tools. Be careful however, because if you press it too hard you could damage its electronics.

You will then need to locate a store where you can buy an OEM replacement key case for your saab 9-5 key replacement [just click the next document]. They aren't always easy to find however If you know where to look, you are likely to find one quickly. Once you've found a new key case, you will need to cut it and programmable to your car.

The process of obtaining an additional key for your saab ignition key replacement can be very expensive however it's worth it in the end. It's less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle, and it can save you a lot of time. So if you're down to one working key then it's best to get it replaced immediately. You don't know when it could be lost, and that can result in a lot of frustration and cost.