You can save a lot of money by having a spare key made before you lose your previous one. If you have only one key, it's typically 2X-10X the cost to make the new one.
It's cheap, easy and easy to replace the battery in your SAAB 9-3 remote. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle however, the ignition key can be prone to wear out. The case may become sticky and the buttons are known to fall out, and this can be a huge hassle while driving. It is essential to change your key fob promptly when you notice any issues. This will save you money in the end and is much better than waiting.
You can replace a SAAB's keys fob for less than $100. You will need to purchase an appropriate shell replacement for your key fob that will work with your car, as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll have to carefully remove the electronics from your SAAB 9-3 keyfob. Once you've completed this you can simply insert the new battery into place and then resynchronize the key fob with your vehicle.
SAAB keys that come with a remote start system require particular attention since they feature a transponder chip in them that needs to be programmed for your particular 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 this information to program your new key. If you don't have a spare key available, this process is a bit more involved and may cost you as much as $500 from the dealer.
An excellent tip is to try and find a locksmith who works on Saabs. They can create a key for a lower cost than the dealer. They also provide other services like key replacement and duplicates, so that you have an extra key in the event that yours gets damaged or auto keys r Us lost.
The majority of European cars that are made after 2000 have immobilizers that depend on a chip that is built into the key that can recognize and start your vehicle. This is why these kinds of keys are typically more expensive to duplicate than keys that do not have the chip. However, there are exceptions. For example, VATS keys (which are mechanical but contain a small resistor value in them) don't require programming and are cheap to duplicate. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches, and Saab vehicles will require an authorized dealer to duplicate their keys. This is because these brands do not allow dealers to be part of NASTF which is the organization which makes the tools other automotive locksmiths utilize to create replacement keys for their customers.
Cost of a Replacement Remote
It is important to have an additional remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. It can be used in the event that the original key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key accessories it could reduce the cost of replacing a remote.
The majority of car keys produced 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 positive side is that the dealer will not charge you as much as locksmiths.
Saab 9-3s are beautiful cars and a large number of remain in use today. But, there's a major issue with these vehicles and it's their ignition key. The key is small and poorly designed, and it is easy to lose it or become stuck. Many have been without a functioning Auto Keys R Us within several years of purchasing their vehicle.
Luckily, it's possible to get an extra key for Auto Keys R Us your SAAB and it can be done fairly quickly. The first step is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. This is a straightforward process that you can perform yourself and it does not require any tools at all. You will need to be careful, however, because if you force it too hard, you might cause damage to the electronics inside it.
The next step is to locate a store where you can buy an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. You may not be able find these cases readily, however if you know where to look, you should have no difficulty finding one. Once you've found the replacement key case, you'll need to have it cut and programmed to your car.
The process of getting an additional key for your SAAB can be expensive, but it is definitely worth it in the end. It's less expensive and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. So if you're down to one key that works, it's ideal to replace it immediately. You don't know when you're likely to lose it and this could lead to many frustrations and cost.
