How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost
You can save a significant amount of money by having your spare key made prior to the time you lose your previous one. It's typically 2X-10X more expensive to originate a new key if you're down to just one.
Changing the battery in the SAAB 9-3 key fob is easy affordable and easy to do by yourself. Here's how.
Cost of Replacement Key
The 03-11 SAAB 9-3 is a fantastic car however its ignition key can be prone to wear down. The case can become sticky and the buttons may be pushed out. This can cause pain while driving. It's essential to replace your key fob immediately in the event of any issues. This will save you money in the long run, and is far better than putting off the replacement.
You can replace a SAAB's keys fob for less than $100. You'll need a replacement shell for your key fob, which is compatible with your vehicle as well as an entirely new battery. To replace the battery, you'll need to carefully 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 vehicle.
SAAB keys with the remote start system require particular care because they contain transponder chips that must be programmed to the particular vehicle. You'll need the dealer grade Tech 2 tool or its equivalent for your Saab model to do this. The tool can read the code of your keys and then use that information to program the replacement key. This process could be more complex and can cost up to $500 if your don't have an extra.
saab key fob The Key Lab is to look for a locksmith who is proficient in Saabs. They can create keys at a lower cost than the dealer. They can also provide other services, such as key duplication and replacement so you'll keep a backup car key in the event that yours is damaged or lost.
Most European cars manufactured after 2000 have immobilizer systems, which rely on a microchip built into the key in order to start and recognize your vehicle. These keys are more expensive to duplicate since they have chip. However, there are exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical and have an internal resistor) don't require programming and can be duplicated relatively cheaply. Most BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches manufactured after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplication. This is because these brands do not allow dealers to be part of NASTF, which is the group that creates the tools other locksmiths in the automotive industry use to make keys replacements for their customers.
Cost of Replacement Remote
It is crucial to have an extra remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. This will give you one in the event that your key is lost or damaged. The cost of a replacement remote can be very costly. If you have an insurance policy that includes key add-on coverage then this can help reduce the cost.
The majority of car keys manufactured after 2000 can be programmed by a locksmith or dealer. These keys are usually stored in a tiny EEPROM that can only be read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. If you require an alternative key for your car, you'll need to visit the dealer. The good news is that the dealership isn't going to cost as much as locksmiths.
The Saab 9-3 is a beautiful car, and there are plenty of them that are still in use around the world today. However, there's a major issue with these vehicles and that's their ignition keys. The key is small and poorly designed, and it can easily fall out or become stuck. Many people have found themselves without a functioning key in just a few years of buying their car.

It is, however, possible to obtain an additional key for your SAAB and it can be done fairly quickly. The first thing to do is to remove the emergency key from the SAAB 9-3. It's a simple procedure that you can do yourself and does not require any tools at all. Be careful however, because if push it too hard, you could damage its electronics.
The next step is to find a location where you can purchase an OEM replacement key case for your SAAB. You may not be able find these cases easily but if you know where look, you should not have any problem finding one. Once you've found a new key case, you'll require it to be cut and programmed to your vehicle.
The process of getting the new key for your SAAB could be quite costly however it's worth it in the end. It is much cheaper and faster than having to replace the entire vehicle. If you have only one key working you should replace it as soon as you can. You never know when it will be lost, which can cause a lot frustration and cost.