How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

Copying your spare key before you lose the previous one can save you significant cash. When you only have one key, it's generally 2X-10X the cost to make an entirely new one.

It's simple, inexpensive 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 great car but the ignition key can be susceptible to wear down. The case could become slick and the buttons can fall out. This can cause inconvenience while driving. This is the reason it's best to replace the key fob as quickly you spot any issues. This will save you money in the end and is far better than putting off the replacement.

Replacing the SAAB key fob isn't difficult and you can do it yourself for less than $100. You'll need to buy a new key fob case which will work with your vehicle, and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need remove the electronic components of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you have removed the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and synchronize your key fob with your vehicle.

Saab Key Fob Programming keys that have the remote start feature require special care because they contain a transponder chip in them which needs to be programmed to your particular vehicle. To achieve this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent to your particular model of Saab. This tool is able to analyze the codes from your existing keys and use the information to program a new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this procedure is more involved and can cost you as much as $500 from the dealer.

A good suggestion is to find locksmiths who specialize in Saabs. They can provide you with the key at a lower cost than the dealer. They can also perform other services, like key replacement or duplication so that you have another key in case yours is lost or damaged.

The majority of European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip that is built inside the key to recognize and start the car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate because they are equipped with chips. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical and have a resistor in them) do not require programming and can be duplicated fairly inexpensively. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require an authorized dealer to duplicate their keys. These manufacturers do not allow their dealers to join NASTF. The NASTF group creates the tools used by other auto locksmiths to make replacement keys.

Cost of a Replacement Remote

If you own a Saab vehicle that has keyless entry, it's important to have an extra key or remote. It can be used in the event that your original key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote can be expensive, especially if you have an insurance policy with key add-on protection, then this could help lower the cost.

The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. Typically, these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer made for this purpose. This means that if you need a new key for your vehicle you must visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will cost you less than the locksmith.

Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and a lot of remain in use in the present. However, there's one major issue with these cars and it's the ignition key. The key is tiny and not a great design and can be lost or stuck easily. Many people have found themselves without a functioning key within the first few years of purchasing their vehicle.

It's not difficult to find a spare key to use with your SAAB. First, you need to remove the emergency key. It's an easy task you can perform yourself, Saab Key fob programming and you don't require any tools. You must be careful, though, because if you force the process too hard, you might damage the electronics within it.

You will then need to locate a place that sells an OEM keycase replacement for your SAAB. They aren't always easy to come by, but once you know where to look, you should be able find one quite easily. Once you've found a replacement saab key key case, you will require it to be cut and programmable to your car.

It's not cheap to get a new SAAB key however, the expense is worth it. It's less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle, and it will save you a lot of time. If you're stuck with one working key then it's best to get it replaced immediately. You don't know when it could be lost, which can cause a lot of frustration and expense.