How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

You can save a lot of money by getting your spare key made before you lose your last one. If you only have one key, it's typically 2X-10X as costly to make a new one.

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

Cost of a Key Replacement

The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great car, but the ignition key is susceptible to wear out. The case may become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a huge hassle when driving around. It's important to replace your key fob as soon as possible in the event of any issues. This can save you a lot of cash in the long run and is more beneficial than putting off repairs.

Replacing the SAAB key fob isn't difficult and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll need to purchase an additional shell for your key fob, which is compatible with your car, as well as an entirely new battery. You'll need to open up the case of the existing SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronics to give you the chance to replace the battery. After you have removed the electronics, you can replace the battery and synchronize the key fob to your car.

SAAB keys with the remote start system require particular care because they contain an embedded transponder chip that needs to be programmed to the specific vehicle. To achieve this, you'll need an instrument designed for dealers called the Tech 2 or the equivalent to your particular model of Saab. This tool can analyze the codes from your existing keys and then 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 idea is to try and find locksmiths who specialize in Saabs. They can provide you with the key at a lower cost than a dealer. They can also provide other services, such as key duplication and replacement which means you'll have a backup car key in the event that it gets lost or damaged.

Most European automobiles manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems that depend on a chip that is built into the key to recognize and start your vehicle. This is why these kinds of keys are typically more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have the chip. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value within) don't require programming and are relatively affordable to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and saab key battery vehicles will require an agent to duplicate the keys. The manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF. The group produces the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to create replacement keys.

Cost of Replacement Remote

If you have a Saab car that has keyless entry, it could be necessary to have an extra key or remote. This way, you will have one in the case that your original key is lost or broken. The cost of a replacement remote could be quite costly, and if you have an insurance policy that provides key add-on coverage, it can reduce the cost.

The majority of car keys that were made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or locksmith. These keys are usually locked in a tiny EEPROM that can only read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. This means that if it is necessary to get an additional key for your vehicle, you will have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealership will not charge the same amount as locksmiths.

Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and a lot of them are still in use in the present. However, there's a major issue with these cars and it's their ignition key. The key is small and poorly designed, and it is easy to lose it or get stuck. Many have been without a functioning keys within the first few years of purchasing their vehicle.

It is, however, possible to find an additional key to your SAAB and it is done quite quickly. First, take out the emergency key. This is a straightforward process that you can do yourself and does not require any tools whatsoever. It is important to be careful, though, because if you force the process too hard, you might harm the electronics inside it.

Then, you'll need to locate a place that offers an OEM keycase replacement for your SAAB. You might not be able to find these cases readily, but if you know where to look, you should not have any problem finding one. Once you find an appropriate case replacement, you'll need to have it programmed and Saab Key Replacement Cost cut to fit your car.

The process of obtaining an entirely new key for your saab key code can be very expensive, but it is definitely worth it in the end. It's less expensive than having to replace your entire vehicle and it will save you a lot of time. So if you're down to one working key, it's best to get it replaced in the earliest time possible. You never know when it will be lost, and this could cause a lot frustration and expense.