How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a lot of money by having a spare key made before you lose your last one. If you have only one key, it’s usually 2X-10X as costly to make an entirely new one.
Switching the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy, cheap and simple to do it yourself. Here’s how.
Cost of a Key Replacement
The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle however the ignition key is prone to wear out. The case may become sticky and buttons can be pushed out. This can cause discomfort while driving. It’s important to replace your key fob right away when you notice any issues. This will help you save money in the end and is also more efficient than putting off repairs.
Replacing the saab centre milton keynes key fob isn’t difficult and you can do it yourself for less than $100. You’ll need to purchase an additional key fob shell that can be used with your vehicle and an additional battery. You’ll need to remove the case of your old saab key fob 9-3 key fob, then carefully remove the electronics to give you the opportunity to change the battery. After removing the electronics, you can replace the battery and then synchronize the key fob to your vehicle.
SAAB keys with remote start systems require special 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 9-3 key fob programming model to do this. This tool is able to identify the code on your existing keys and then use that information to program your new key. This process can be more complex and can cost up to $500 if you don’t have a spare.
An excellent tip is to locate a locksmith who works on Saabs. These professionals can make you keys at a lower cost than the dealer. They can also perform other services like key replacement and duplication so that you can have another key in case yours gets lost or damaged.
Most European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems, which depend on a microchip that is built into the key in order to start and recognize your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate since they have an embedded chip. However, there are some exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical, with an internal resistor) don’t require programming and can be duplicated fairly cheaply. However, most post-2000 BMWs, Mercedes, Porsches and saab 9-3 key programming vehicles will require an agent to duplicate the keys. This is due to the fact that these manufacturers do not allow dealers to participate in NASTF, which is the organization that produces the tools other locksmiths for automobiles utilize to create keys replacements 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 way you can have one in the case that your original key is lost or broken. If you have insurance that covers key add-ons it will lower the cost of replacing a remote.
The majority of car keys produced after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. The keys are typically locked in a small EEPROM that can only be read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. This means that if you need an additional key for your vehicle you have to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer isn’t going to cost as much as locksmiths.
The Saab 9-3s are beautiful vehicles and a large number of them are still in operation today. However, there’s one major issue with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is small and has a poor design and is known to be lost or stuck easily. Many people are left without a functioning key after only a few years of owning a car.
It is, however, possible to get an additional key for your SAAB and this is a simple process. First, remove the emergency key. It’s an easy task you can do yourself, and you don’t require any tools. You must be careful, however in case you force it too hard, you might damage the electronics inside of it.
Then, you will have to locate a shop that sells an OEM keycase replacement for your SAAB. They can be difficult to find, but when you know where to look then you will be able to locate one quickly. Once you’ve found a replacement key case, you will require it to be cut and programmed to your car.
The process of obtaining an additional key for your SAAB can be expensive but it’s worth it in the long run. It’s much less expensive and quicker than having replace the entire vehicle. So if you’re down to one key that works, it’s best to get it replaced in the earliest time possible. You don’t know when you’re likely to lose it, and this could cause an abundance of frustration and expense.