How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

You can save lots of money by having your spare key made prior to the time you lose your last one. It's typically 2X-10X more expensive to make a new key if you're down to just one.

Switching the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do yourself. Here's how.

Cost of Replacement Key

The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car however its ignition key is susceptible to wearing down. The case may become sticky and the buttons could fall out. This can be a inconvenience while driving. It's essential to replace your key fob right away in the event of any issues. This could help you save money in the end and is more beneficial than putting off repairs.

Replacing the SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for less than $100. You'll need an appropriate shell replacement for your key fob that's compatible with your car, as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll have remove the electronic components from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you've done this it's easy to put the new battery and then reconnect the key fob to your vehicle.

SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require particular attention because they have a transponder chip that must be programmed to the particular vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. This tool is able to read the code from your existing keys and then use that information to program your new key. This process can be more complicated and will cost you up to $500 if you don't already have an extra.

A good tip is to find a locksmith who works on Saabs. They will be able to make you keys at an affordable cost compared to the dealer. They also provide other services, such as key replacement and Saab Key Fob duplication, to ensure you have an additional key in the event yours is lost or damaged.

The majority of European cars made after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that rely on a chip built into the key to identify and start your vehicle. This is the reason why these types of keys are typically more expensive to duplicate than keys without chips. 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. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. This is due to the fact that these manufacturers do not allow dealers to join NASTF which is the organization that creates the tools other automotive locksmiths use to create replacement keys for their customers.

Cost of a New Remote

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

The majority of car keys made after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. These keys are usually stored in a small EEPROM that can only read by a computer that was designed specifically for this purpose. This means that if you require an additional key for your vehicle you will have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will not charge as much as a locksmith.

Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and many of are still in use today. The ignition key is probably the biggest problem for these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and can easily fall out or become stuck. In reality, a lot of people have a non-functioning key after just a few years of owning the car.

It is, however, possible to get an extra key for your SAAB and SAAB key fob it is done quite quickly. The first step is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. This is a simple process which you can complete yourself, and it doesn't require any tools at all. You should be cautious though, as if you force it too hard you could damage the electronics.

Then, you will have to find a store that offers an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. You might not be able to find these cases readily, however if you know where to search, you should have no problem finding one. Once you find an appropriate case replacement you'll have to get it cut and programmed to fit your car.

The process of obtaining an entirely new key for your SAAB could be quite costly however, it's worth it in the end. It's less expensive and faster than having to replace the entire vehicle. If you only have one key working it is recommended to replace it as quickly as you can. You never know when it might be lost, and that can cause a lot frustration and expense.