How to Reduce Your saab key replacement cost [prev]

Making copies of your spare key before you lose the last one can save you huge cost. It's usually 2X-10X more costly to create a brand new key when you're down to one.

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

Cost of a Key Replacement

The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle however, the ignition key tends to wear out. The case can become sticky and buttons can be pushed out. This can be a pain when driving. This is why it's important to replace the key fob as quickly you spot any issues. This can save you lots of money over the long term as well as being more effective than waiting.

Replacing the SAAB key fob is not difficult and you can do it yourself for less than $100. You'll need an additional key fob shell that will work with your vehicle, and an additional battery. You'll have to open the case of your existing SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronic components, giving you the opportunity to change the battery. Once you've done this you can easily put the new battery into place and then reset the key fob's synchronization with your vehicle.

SAAB keys with remote start systems require special attention, as they contain a transponder that must be programmed for your specific vehicle. You'll need the dealer-grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to accomplish this. This tool can analyze the codes from your existing keys and then use the information to program your new key. This procedure can be more complex and may cost you up to $500 if you do not already have a spare.

A good tip is to locate a locksmith who works on Saabs. These professionals can make you key at a cheaper cost than the dealer. They also offer other services like key duplication and replacement so you'll be able to have a spare car key in the event that yours is lost or damaged.

Most European cars that are made after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that depend on a chip that is built inside the key to detect and start your car. This is the reason these kinds of keys are typically more expensive to duplicate than keys without the chip. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical, with an internal resistor) don't require programming and can be duplicated relatively cheaply. However, the majority of post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and saab 9-3 key replacement vehicles will require dealers to duplicate their keys. This is because these manufacturers do not allow dealers to be part of NASTF, which is the organization that produces the tools other locksmiths in the automotive industry use to make keys that can be used to replace their customers' keys.

Cost of Replacement Remote

It is important to have an additional remote or key if you own a saab replacement key with keyless entry. This way you can have one in the event that your original key is lost or broken. The cost of a replacement remote can be very costly. If you have an insurance policy that includes key add-on coverage, this can help reduce the cost.

Most car keys for cars produced after 2000 were programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. The keys are typically locked in a small EEPROM that can only read by a computer that was designed specifically for this purpose. This means that if you need an additional key for your car, you will need to go to the dealer. The positive side is that the dealership will not cost the same amount as locksmiths.

Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and many of them are still in operation today. However, there's a major issue with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is very small and not a great design and is known to break or become stuck easily. In fact, many people find themselves without a functioning key after only a few years of owning a car.

Fortunately, it is possible to get an additional key for your saab ignition key and this is a simple process. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple job you can do yourself, and you don't need any tools. Be careful however, because if you press it too hard you could harm its electronic components.

You will then have to locate a shop that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. These are not always easy to find, but once you know where to look, you should be able find one quickly. Once you've found a new key case, you will need to cut it and programmable to your car.

It's not cheap to purchase a new SAAB key however, the price is worth it. It's much less expensive and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. If you only have one key working it's best to replace it as quickly as you can. You don't know when it could be lost, and this can cause a lot of stress and expense.