How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Making copies of your spare key prior to losing the previous one can save you significant money. If you only have one key, it's generally 2X-10X as costly to make an original one.
It's inexpensive, simple and simple to replace the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car however its ignition key is susceptible to wearing down. The case could become slick and the buttons can fall out. This could be a inconvenience when driving. This is why it's a good idea to replace the key fob as soon as you notice any problems. This will save you money in the long run, and is much better than waiting.
You can replace the SAAB's key fob yourself for less than $100. You'll need an additional key fob shell that is compatible with your vehicle, and a new battery. It is necessary to open the case of your existing SAAB 9-3 key fob, and then carefully take out the electronics to give the chance to replace the battery. After removing the electronics, you can replace the battery and synchronize the key fob to your vehicle.
SAAB keys that have remote start systems require particular care, since they have transponders that need to be programmed for your specific vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll require a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent to your particular model of Saab. 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 process is a bit more complex and can cost you up to $500 from the dealer.
A good idea is to find locksmiths who work on Saabs. They'll be able to design and make keys at less than the dealer. They also offer other services like key replacement and duplicates, to ensure that you have a backup key in case yours gets damaged or lost.
Most European automobiles manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that rely on a chip built into the key to identify and start your vehicle. These keys are more expensive to duplicate because they contain an embedded chip. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical, with a resistor inside) don't require programming and can be duplicated cheaply. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. This is because the manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF, which is the organization that creates the tools other locksmiths in the automotive industry use to make replacement keys for their customers.
Cost of a New Remote
If you have a Saab car that has keys-less entry systems, it's important to have a spare key or remote. You can use it in the event that your original key gets lost or breaks. If you have insurance that covers key accessories it could reduce the cost of replacing the remote.
The majority of car keys made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. The majority of these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer designed for that purpose. If you require a replacement key for your car, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will not cost as much as a locksmith.
The Saab 9-3 is a gorgeous car, and there are plenty of them still in use all over the world. But, there's a huge issue with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is small and poorly designed, and can easily fall out or become stuck. Many have been lacking a key that worked within several years of purchasing their car.
It's easy to get an extra key for your SAAB. The first step is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple process that you can perform yourself, and you don't require any tools. You must be careful, however in case you force it too hard, you might damage the electronics within it.
You'll need to locate a store where you can buy an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. They can be difficult to find however once you know where to look then you will be able to locate one fairly easily. Once how to open a saab 93 without a key have found an appropriate case replacement you'll have to get it cut and programmed to fit your vehicle.
The process of getting an additional key for your SAAB could be quite costly, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. It's cheaper and quicker than having replace the entire vehicle. So if you're down to one working key then it's ideal to replace it in the earliest time possible. You never know when you're going lose it and this can lead to a lot of frustration and cost.