How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost Making copies of your spare key prior to losing the previous one can save you huge cash. If you only have one key, it's usually 2X-10X as costly to make an entirely new one. Change the battery on the SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple affordable and easy to do yourself. Here's how. Cost of Replacement Key The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a great car but the ignition key can be prone to wear down. The case can become sticky and the buttons can fall out, and this can be a major inconvenience when you're driving around. It's important to replace your key fob immediately whenever you notice any problems. This will save you money in the end and is more effective than waiting. Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can make it yourself for about $100. You'll need to purchase a replacement shell for your key fob that will work with your vehicle, as well as an entirely new battery. You'll need to remove the case of your current SAAB 9-3 key fob, then carefully remove the electronic components to give you the opportunity to change the battery. Once you've completed this it's easy to put the new battery and then reset the key fob's synchronization with your vehicle. SAAB keys with the remote start system require particular care because they contain a transponder chip in them that needs to be programmed for your specific vehicle. To achieve this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. The tool can analyze the codes from your existing keys and then use the information to program a new key. If you don't have a spare key, this process is a bit more complicated and could cost as much as $500 from the dealer. It is recommended to find an expert locksmith who is associated with Saabs. They'll be able to create an entirely new key at less than the dealer. They can also provide other services like key replacement or duplication to ensure you have an additional key in the event the original one is damaged or lost. Most European cars made after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that rely on a chip built into the key to recognize and start your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate as they contain chips. However, there are exceptions. For instance, VATS keys (which are mechanical, but contain a tiny resistor value inside) don't 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 due to the fact that these manufacturers do not allow dealers to join NASTF, which is the organization that creates the tools other locksmiths in the automotive sector make replacement keys for their customers. Cost of a Replacement Remote If you have a Saab car that has keys-less entry systems, it is important to have a spare key or remote. This way you can have one in the event that the original key is lost or damaged. If you have insurance that covers key accessories, it can lower the cost of replacing the remote. lost saab key for cars made after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or locksmith. The keys are typically locked in a small EEPROM which can only be read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. If you require an additional key for your car, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge less than the locksmith. Saab 9-3s are gorgeous cars and a large number of are still in use in the present. However, there's one big problem with these cars and that's their ignition keys. The key is extremely small and not a great design and it's known to fall out or get stuck easily. In reality, many are left without a functioning key after just a few years of owning a car. Fortunately, it is possible to get an additional key for your SAAB and this can be done quickly. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. This is an easy process that you can do yourself, and it doesn't require any tools at all. You must be cautious, however as if you press it too much, you might cause damage to the electronics inside 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 find these cases easily, but if know where to search, you should have no problem finding one. Once you've found a replacement key case, you will need to have it cut and programmed to your vehicle. The process of getting a new key for your SAAB can be expensive however it's worth it in the long run. It's much less expensive and faster than having replace the entire vehicle. If you're only left with one working key then it's ideal to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when you're going to lose it and this could lead to lots of frustration and cost.
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