How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

You can save lots of money by having a spare key made before you lose the one you have. When you only have one key, it's usually 2X-10X the cost to make a new one.

It's cheap, easy and easy to change the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.

Cost of a Key Replacement

The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a fantastic car however its ignition key can be susceptible to wearing down. The case can become sticky and the buttons could be pushed out. This could be a pain when driving. It's important to replace your key fob right away whenever you notice any problems. This will help you save money over the long term as well as being more effective than putting off the task.

You can replace a SAAB's keys fob on your own for less than $100. You'll have to purchase the replacement key fob that is compatible with your vehicle and an additional battery. To replace the battery, you'll have to carefully remove the electronics from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. Once you've done this you can easily put the new battery into place and then reconnect the key fob to your car.

SAAB keys with remote start system require special attention because they have a transponder chip in them that must be programmed for SAAB key replacement your particular vehicle. You'll need the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your saab 9-3 replacement key model to do this. This tool is able to scan the code of your keys that you have and use this information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this process is a bit more involved and can cost you up to $500 from the dealer.

It is best to locate an expert locksmith who is associated with Saabs. They will be able to design and make the new key for lower cost than the dealer. They can also provide other services, like key duplication and replacement so you'll be able to keep a backup car key in the event that yours gets damaged or lost.

Most European cars built after 2000 are equipped with immobilizer systems, which rely on a microchip built into the key to identify and start your vehicle. These keys are more expensive to duplicate as they are equipped with an embedded chip. However, there are exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value within) don't require programming and are affordable to duplicate. However, the majority of 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 create replacement keys.

Cost of a Replacement Remote

It is important to have an additional remote or key if you have a Saab with keyless entry. 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 then this will help reduce the cost.

Most car keys for cars that were made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or locksmith. The keys are typically locked in a small EEPROM which can only be read by a computer that was designed specifically for this purpose. If you need an alternative key for your car, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealership will not charge as much as a locksmith.

Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a lot of them are still in operation today. The ignition key is probably the biggest issue in these cars. The key is very small and doesn't have a very appealing design and it's known to break or become stuck easily. Many people find themselves without a functioning key after just a few years of owning the car.

Fortunately, it is possible to get an extra key for your SAAB and it is a simple process. First, you must remove the emergency key. It's an easy task is done by yourself and you don't need any tools. You will need to be careful, though, because if you force it too hard, you could damage the electronics inside of it.

You will then have to locate a shop that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. You might not be able to locate these cases easily, Saab Key Replacement however if you know where to look you should have no trouble finding one. Once you've found a replacement key case, you'll need to cut it and programmed to your car.

It's expensive to buy a new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's less expensive and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. If you have only one key that is working it is recommended to replace it as quickly as you can. You don't know when you're likely to lose it, and this could result in an abundance of frustration and cost.