How to Reduce Your saab 9-3 key fob replacement Key Replacement Cost
(Image: https://g28carkeys.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/happy-african-american-businessman-holding-car-key-2022-12-16-16-36-17-utc-min-scaled.jpg)You can save a significant amount of money by getting your spare key made before you lose your previous one. If you have only one key, it's usually 2X-10X as costly to make an original one.
Changing the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do by yourself. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a great car, but its ignition key can be prone to wearing down. The case could become slick and the buttons can fall out. This can cause pain when driving. This is the reason it's best to replace the key fob as soon you spot any issues. This will help you save money over the long term and is also more efficient than putting off the task.
Replacing a SAAB key fob is not too difficult, and you can do it yourself for around $100. You'll need to purchase an additional shell for your key fob, which is compatible with your vehicle as well as a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need take the electronics off of your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. After you've done this you can simply insert the new battery into place and then reconnect the key fob to your car.
SAAB keys that have remote start systems require particular care, since they have an electronic transponder that needs to be programmed specifically for your vehicle. You'll need the dealer grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to accomplish this. The tool will detect the code on your keys that are already in use, and then use this information to program your replacement key. This procedure can be more complicated and cost up to $500 if you don't already have a spare.
It is recommended to find a locksmith that works with Saabs. They can provide you with the key at a lower price than the dealer. They can also do other services such as key duplication and replacement which means you'll have a backup car key in the event that yours gets lost or damaged.
Most European automobiles manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems, which rely on a microchip built into the key to recognize and start your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate because they have chip. There are exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical but have a little resistor value inside) do not require programming and are relatively inexpensive to duplicate. Most BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches built after 2000 will require a dealer to assist with key duplication. This is because the manufacturers do not permit their dealers to join NASTF, which is the organization that produces the tools other locksmiths for automobiles use to make keys to replace for their customers.
Cost of a New Remote
It is important to have an additional remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. This will give you one in the event that your key is Lost Car Key or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key accessories it will lower the cost of a remote replacement.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. The majority of these keys are stored in a tiny EEPROM chip that can only be read by a specific computer specially designed for this purpose. If you require to replace the key in your vehicle, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealership will not cost the same amount as locksmiths.
Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a good portion of remain in use today. The ignition key is the biggest issue in these cars. The key is very small and is not the most attractive design and can fall out or get stuck easily. Many people find themselves without a functioning key after only a few years of owning a car.
It is, however, possible to obtain an additional key for your SAAB and it can be done fairly quickly. First, you must remove the emergency key. This is a simple process that you can carry out yourself and does not require any tools at all. Be cautious though, as if you overdo it you could damage the electronics.
In the meantime, you'll be required to find a retailer that sells an OEM keycase replacement for your saab replacement key. You might not be able to find these cases easily, but if know where to look, you should have no problem finding one. Once you've found the replacement key case, you'll require it to be cut and programmed to your car.
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. If you're left with one working key, it's best to get it replaced immediately. You never know when it might be lost, and this can cause a lot frustration and cost.