How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost

You can save a lot of money by having your spare key manufactured before you lose the one you have. It's generally 2X-10X more expensive to create a brand new key when you're only left with one.

Switching the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do it 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 could become sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this can be a real pain when you're driving around. This is the reason it's best to replace the key fob as soon you spot any issues. This will save you money in the long run, and is much better than waiting.

Replacing the SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll need a replacement key fob shell that can be used with your vehicle, and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need take the electronics off of your saab 93 key fob 9-3 keyfob. Once you've completed this it's easy to put the new battery and then restart the key fob's synchronization to your vehicle.

SAAB keys with remote start system need special attention since they feature an embedded transponder chip which needs to be programmed for your particular vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for the model you have of Saab. This tool will be able to read the code on your keys that are already in use and then use that information to program the replacement key. This process could be more complex and can cost up to $500 if you don't already have an extra.

A good idea is to try and find locksmiths who specialize in Saabs. These professionals will be able to make you the new key for a much cheaper price than the dealer. They can also do other services such as key duplication and replacement making it possible to have a spare car key in the event that yours is lost or damaged.

Most European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems that utilize a chip embedded into the key that can recognize and start your vehicle. This is why these types of keys are generally more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have a chip. However, there are some exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical with a resistor inside) don't require programming and can be duplicated fairly cheaply. However, most 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 develops the tools used by other automotive locksmiths to create replacement keys.

Cost of Replacement Remote

If you own a Saab vehicle that has a keyless entry system then it is important to have a spare key or remote. It can be used in the event that your primary key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it will reduce the cost of replacing the remote.

The majority of car keys that were made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. These keys are usually locked in a small EEPROM that can only be read by a computer specifically designed for this purpose. This means that if you require an additional key for your car, you have to visit the dealer. The positive side is that the dealer isn't going to cost as much as a locksmith.

Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a large number of them are still in use today. However, there's a huge issue with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is small and not a great design and can be lost or stuck easily. Many people have found themselves lacking a key that worked within several years of purchasing their car.

It's easy to get a spare key to use with your saab 9-5 key replacement. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the saab 93 key fob replacement 9-3. This is a simple process that you can perform yourself and it does not require any tools whatsoever. You must be careful, though when you push it too hard then you could cause damage to the electronics inside it.

You will then need to locate a place that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. You may not be able find these cases readily, but if you know where to search, you should have no problem finding one. Once you find a replacement case it is necessary to have it programmed and cut 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 less expensive than having to replace your entire vehicle, and it can save you a significant amount of time. If you only have one key working you should replace it as soon as you can. You never know when it might be lost, and this can cause a lot of frustration and expense.