How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a lot of money by having your spare key before you lose your first one. It's typically 2X-10X more expensive to make a new key if you're down to one.
Switching the battery in the
SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy, cheap and simple to do yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a fantastic vehicle however the ignition key is prone to wear out. The case can get sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this can be a real pain 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 help you save money in the end and is also more efficient than putting off repairs.
You can replace a SAAB's keys fob yourself for less than $100. You will need to purchase a replacement shell for your key fob that's compatible with your car, as well as an entirely new battery. You'll need to open up the case of the existing
saab key replacement near me 9-3 key fob and then carefully remove the electronics to give the opportunity to replace the battery. Once you've completed this you can simply insert the new battery into place and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your car.
SAAB keys with the remote start feature require special attention because they have transponder chips which needs to be programmed to the particular vehicle. You'll need the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your
saab key programming near me replacement keys uk -
Bravejournal published a blog post, model to do this. The tool can analyze the codes from your existing keys and use the information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this procedure is more involved and can cost you up to $500 from the dealer.
A good suggestion is to find locksmiths who specialize in Saabs. They'll be able to create an entirely new key at a much cheaper price than the dealer. They can also perform other services, such as key replacement and duplication, so that you can have an additional key in the event yours gets lost or damaged.
Most European cars manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip incorporated into the key in order to begin and recognize the car. This is the reason these kinds of keys tend to be more expensive to duplicate than keys without chips. There are exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical, but contain a tiny resistor value in them) don't require programming and are relatively inexpensive to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require an authorized dealer to duplicate their keys. These manufacturers don't permit their dealers to join NASTF. This group makes the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to make replacement keys.
Cost of Replacement Remote
If you own a Saab vehicle that has keyless entry, it's important to have a spare key or remote. This will give you one in the case that your original key is lost or broken. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it will reduce the cost of a remote replacement.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. They are typically stored in a small EEPROM that can only read by a computer designed for this purpose. If you need a replacement key for your car, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will charge less than a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a gorgeous car and there are many of them that are still in use all over the world. The ignition key is the biggest issue in these cars. The key is very small and not a great design, and it's known to be lost or stuck easily. Many have been without a functioning key in the first few years of purchasing their car.
Luckily, you can get an extra key for your SAAB and it is done quite quickly. First, you must remove the emergency key. It's an easy task you can do yourself, and you don't require any tools. You should be cautious however, because if press it too hard, you could damage its electronics.
In the meantime, you'll need to locate a place that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. These are not always easy to find however when you know where to look, you are likely to find one easily. When you locate an appropriate case replacement it is necessary to have it programmed and cut to fit your car.
The process of getting a new key for your
saab key fob could be quite costly however it's worth it in the end. It's less expensive than having to replace the entire vehicle, and it can save you a lot of time. If you only have one key that is working you should replace it as quickly as you can. You never know when it might be lost, and this can cause a lot of frustration and cost.
