How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
Getting your spare key copied prior to losing the previous one can save you big cost. It's generally 2X-10X more expensive to make a new key if you're down to one.
Switching saab key fob TheKeyLab in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy and inexpensive to do it yourself. Here's how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is an excellent car but the ignition key is susceptible to wearing down. The case can become sticky and the buttons are known to be pushed out, which can be a huge hassle when you're driving. It's crucial to replace your key fob immediately in the event of any issues. This can save you a significant amount of money over the long term as well as being more effective than putting off the task.
You can change the SAAB's key fob by yourself for less than $100. You'll need to buy a new key fob case that will work with your vehicle and a new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need remove the electronic components from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. Once you've completed this you can easily put the new battery and then resynchronize the key fob with your car.
SAAB keys that have the remote start system require particular attention because they have a transponder chip that needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle. To accomplish this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool known as the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. This tool will be able to scan the code on your keys and use this information to program your replacement key. If you don't have a spare key available, this process is a bit more complex and can cost you as much as $500 from the dealer.
A good tip is to locate a locksmith who works on Saabs. These experts will be able to make you the new key for less than the dealer. They also offer other services like key replacement or duplication so that you can have an additional key in the event yours gets damaged or lost.
Most European cars manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip incorporated into the key in order to identify and start your car. This is the reason these kinds of keys are generally more expensive to duplicate than those that do not have a chip. However, there are exceptions. VATS keys, for example (which are mechanical with a resistor in them) do not require programming and can be duplicated fairly inexpensively. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and Saab vehicles will require an agent to duplicate the keys. This is because these manufacturers do not permit dealers to join NASTF, which is the organization that produces the tools other locksmiths in the automotive industry utilize to create replacement keys for their customers.
Cost of a New Remote
It is essential to have an additional remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. It can be used in the event that your original key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote can be very costly. If you have an insurance policy that offers key add-on insurance, this will help reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys made after 2000 can be programmed by a dealer or locksmith. Typically, these keys are locked in a small EEPROM chip that can only be read by an appropriate computer made for this purpose. If you require to replace the key in your vehicle, you'll have to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealer will not cost as much as locksmiths.
Saab 9-3s are beautiful cars and a lot of remain in use today. The ignition key is the main problem in these cars. The key is small and poorly designed, and it is easy to lose it or become stuck. Many have been without a functioning keys within just a few years of buying their vehicle.
It's easy to get a spare key to use with your SAAB. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's an easy task you can perform yourself, and you don't require any tools. You should be careful, however in case you force the process too hard, you might damage the electronics inside of it.
You'll need to locate a store that will provide an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. You might not be able to locate these cases easily, but if know where to look, you should not have any trouble finding one. Once you have found a replacement key case, you will need to cut it and programmable to your car.
The process of getting an entirely new key for your SAAB can be very expensive but it's worth it in the end. It's much less expensive than replacing your entire vehicle. It also can save you a lot of time. So if you're down to one key that works, it's recommended to replace it immediately. You never know when you're going to lose it, which can lead to many frustrations and expense.