How to Reduce Your Saab Key Replacement Cost Making copies of your spare key before you lose the previous one could save you a lot of money. If you only have one key, it's usually 2X-10X as costly to make the new one. Switching the battery in your SAAB 9-3 key fob is simple and inexpensive to do it yourself. Here's how. Cost of Replacement Key The SAAB 9-3 03-11 is a great vehicle but the ignition key tends to wear out. The case may become sticky and the buttons can be pushed out. This could be a inconvenience while driving. It's important to change your key fob promptly in the event of any issues. This will save you money in the long run, and is more effective than waiting. Replacing a SAAB key fob isn't too difficult, and you can do it yourself for less than $100. You'll need to purchase an appropriate shell replacement for your key fob that is compatible with your car as well as an entirely new battery. You'll need to open up the case of the existing SAAB 9-3 key fob and carefully remove the electronic components to give you the opportunity to replace the battery. After removing the electronics, you can simply replace the battery and then synchronize the key fob to your vehicle. SAAB keys that have remote start systems require special attention since they come with transponders that need to be programmed for your specific vehicle. To do this, you'll need a dealer-grade tool called the Tech 2 or the equivalent for your specific model of Saab. This tool can scan the code on your existing keys and then use this information to program your replacement key. This process is more complicated and cost up to $500 if you don't have an extra. It is an excellent idea to find locksmiths who work with Saabs. These experts will be able of making you keys at a much cheaper price than the dealer. They can also provide other services, like key replacement or duplication to ensure that you have an extra key in the event that yours gets damaged or lost. The majority of European cars manufactured after 2000 come with immobilizer systems that depend on a microchip that is built into the key to recognize and start your car. These keys are more expensive to duplicate as they are equipped with a chip. There are exceptions. VATS keys, for instance (which are mechanical with a resistor inside) don't require programming and can be duplicated relatively cheaply. The majority of BMWs, Mercedes and Porsches produced after 2000 will require a dealer for key duplication. This is because these manufacturers don't allow their dealers to join NASTF which is the group that creates the tools other automotive locksmiths use to make keys to replace for their customers. Cost of a Replacement Remote It is essential to have an extra remote or key if you own a Saab with keyless entry. This way, you will have one in the event that your key is lost or broken. The cost of a replacement remote could be very costly. If you have an insurance policy that provides key add-on coverage then this will help reduce the cost. Most car keys for cars manufactured after 2000 are programmed by the dealer or a locksmith. These keys are usually locked in a tiny EEPROM that can only be read by a computer specially designed for this purpose. This means that if you require an additional key for your vehicle, you will need to go to the dealer. The good thing is that the dealer will charge you less than the locksmith. Saab 9-3s are stunning cars and many of are still in use today. However, there's one big problem with these cars and that is their ignition key. The key is tiny and doesn't have a very appealing design, and it's known to lose its grip or get stuck easily. In reality, a lot of people are left without a functioning key after only a few years of owning the car. It's not difficult to find an additional key for your SAAB. First, you need to remove the emergency key. It's an easy task you can complete yourself and you don't require any tools. You'll need to be careful though, as if you overdo it, you could damage its electronics. In the meantime, you'll be required to find a retailer that sells an OEM replacement keycase for your SAAB. You might not be able to locate these cases easily, however if you know where to look, you should not have any problem finding one. Once you find an appropriate case replacement it is necessary to have it cut and programmed to fit your car. The process of obtaining the new key for your SAAB isn't cheap however, it's worth it in the long run. It's less expensive and quicker than having to replace the entire vehicle. If you have only one key that is working it's best to replace it as soon as you can. You never know when you're going lose it and this can lead to many frustrations and expense.