What To Do To Determine If You're At The Right Level To Go After Saab 9-3 Key Replacement
How to Replace the Replacement Key Battery For the Saab 9-3
Saab owners have a distinct procedure to add a second key. This requires the use of a handheld computer, known as Tech-2 which is to be used by the dealer. Then a new car key and transponder need to be bought and programmed to the car.
It is an excellent idea to rotate your keys in order that one does not wear out more quickly than the other. This will keep your keys in good condition.
Replacement Case
Unlike the classic Saab keys of old keys, the modern keys have electronic components which makes it hard to copy. That has made car theft considerably more complicated than it was 20 years ago. However, it has also made the replacement of lost keys an incredibly costly endeavor.
Every owner of a Saab 9-3 needs to have at a minimum two functioning keys. If one of them is lost, it costs a lot of money to get another one for the car, as it requires replacing the CIM module and re-programming the locking cylinders. Dealers usually charge between $100 and $200 to complete this.
There are ways to cut down on these high costs. Some parts providers will use the code of the spare key to cut a brand new metal blade for a fraction of that of a dealer. The key must, however, be the same as the original one in order to function in your car.
You can also replace the case yourself by following these steps. You'll need a flathead and patience. With the screwdriver, slowly pull the plastic apart and separate the emergency key from the case. Once the case has been opened remove all electronics and put them in the new case. Put the correct key and badge inside the case.
Replacement Battery
The replacement battery for the Saab 9-3 is a cheap part that can be replaced quickly and easily. This YouTube tutorial for DIY user Cyclone Cyd explains how to replace the remote key fob battery in just four steps. This tutorial will work with any modern Saab key fob. However, the process might differ slightly.
The first step is to find the button that opens the backup key on the fob. This button is usually located on the back of your fob right next to the Saab Logo. Then use a flathead screwdriver to insert into the small hole of this button. G28CarKeys should be enough to open the case of the fob so that you can replace the battery.
After the new battery CR1632 is installed You can then reassemble the remote key fob and program it to your car. The entire process should not take more than an hour at most. This is a simple process that doesn't require any special tools.
If you lose a key, the process is a bit more involved but it is still able to be accomplished. The dealer has to first verify the VIN of the vehicle and order an alternative TWICE module, as well as a key blade with the correct unique code. Then, they'll have to cut the replacement key and then program it with a new software tool called MDI.
Replacement Key Fob
The key fob is the device that locks and unlocks your car. It has a battery inside. Batteries are able to last for a short time and eventually will die. This is a typical issue that occurs with all vehicles and the good news is that you can replace the batteries in a majority of key fobs without replacing the whole case. You can buy replacement fobs on Amazon that come with all the electronic components already installed, so you'll be able to simply open the case and replace the old batteries. It is important to note that you'll have to remove the emergency key first, and you can do this by inserting the small screwdriver flathead into the slot that is located in the middle of the case. The screwdriver should be moved around the case until it will split open, making it much easier to take it out.
If you are about to replace the keys, make sure you have a spare as this can reduce the total cost by a significant amount. If you have a spare you can have the dealer cut an additional key and program it to your car, which is much cheaper than replacing the entire key fob.
If you do not have a spare key car key, you can add an additional key to your car, however this requires a lot of research and effort. The cost for adding a second key is around a hundred dollars and it also requires the programming of the car's computer. Professionals can accomplish this however it's a costly option.
Replacement Ignition
Contrary to the earlier Saab automobiles, the new SAAB 9-3 models feature a much more sophisticated alarm system that is built around a coded key. If you lose your primary key, it may be costly to purchase a new one since the car needs to be equipped with a specific computer and also be programmed to accept a brand new key. Locksmiths typically aren't able to program this or even dealers can charge several hundred dollars just to program the new key!
If you've lost only one working key, a dealer will replace your car's computer (known as the CIM or SAAB TWICE) in order to make the replacement, and will charge a premium for it. We can reprogram the existing EEPROM of your car's computer to be ready for an additional key. This will save you more than 50% of the cost you pay at a dealer.
If you've been a faithful owner of an 03-11 SAAB 9-3, then you probably have noticed that the ignition switch isn't the most durable. If the ignition key you have isn't functioning properly, you must think about replacing it. They can become extremely sticky and the buttons are known to fall off. It's not as difficult as it seems to replace the ignition key. With the right tools, it is able to be accomplished in a short time.