What To Do To Determine If You're Ready For Saab 9-3 Key Replacement
How to Replace the Replacement Key Battery For the Saab 9-3
Saab owners must follow a set of steps that are unique to add a second ignition key. It requires dealer service with a handheld computer called Tech-2. Then, a new transponder and key must be purchased.
Change your keys regularly to prevent one from wearing out faster than the next. This will also help keep your keys in good condition.
Replacement Case
The new key fobs are not like the older Saab keys. They're equipped with electronic devices that make it difficult to duplicate. This has made stealing cars significantly more difficult than it was just a few years ago. It has also made it more costly to replace keys that were lost.
Every owner of a Saab 9-3 needs to have at minimum two working keys. If one of them is lost, it is expensive to add another to the vehicle because it requires replacing the CIM module and re-programming the locking cylinders. Dealers charge between $100-$200 to do this.
There are ways to cut down on these costly costs. Some parts suppliers will search for the code from an extra key (usually the same one that opens the doors and switches the ignition) and cut a brand new key blade out of metal for only a fraction of the dealer's cost. The key must be exactly the same as the original to allow it to work in your vehicle.
You can also change the case yourself by following these steps. You'll require a flathead and patience. Using the screwdriver, slowly tear the plastic away and then separate the emergency key from the case. Once the case is open, remove the electronic components and place them inside your new case. Make sure you put the correct key and badge back in the case too.
Replacement Battery
The Saab 9-3 replacement battery is a cheap component that can be easily and quickly replaced. This DIY video from YouTube Cyclone Cyd, a user on YouTube, explains how to replace the battery for the remote key fob in only four steps. This tutorial should work with any modern Saab key fob. However, the procedure might differ slightly.
The first step is to locate the button that releases the backup key on the fob. The button is usually found on the back of the fob next to the Saab Logo. Then you will need the flathead screwdriver to insert into the tiny hole in this button. This should be enough to let the fob case open so that you can replace the battery.
After you have installed the CR1632 batteries, you can put back together your remote key fob. You can then program it into your car. The whole process should take more than a half hour at the most. This is a simple process that doesn't require any special tools.
The procedure is a little more complicated in the event that you lose your key, but it is possible. The dealer has to first verify the VIN of the vehicle and order a replacement TWICE module and key blade that is matched to the unique code. After that, they'll have to cut the replacement key and then program it using a brand new tool for programming called MDI.
Replacement Key Fob
The key fob is the piece that locks and unlocks your car, it's got batteries inside. The batteries have a lifespan, and they will eventually fail. www.g28carkeys.co.uk is a problem that happens with all cars and the good news is that you can replace the batteries in a majority of key fobs and not have to replace the entire case. You can buy fobs replacements on Amazon that come with all the electronic components already installed, which means you can just pop open the case and replace the batteries that were in the case. You'll need to remove the emergency key before you can replace the batteries. To do this, insert a small flathead screwsdriver into the slot that is in the middle. The case should split when you work the screwdriver all around it.
When you're ready to replace the keys, ensure you have a spare, since this will cut down your total cost by a significant amount. If you do have a spare, you can ask the dealer cut a new key and program it to your car, which is much cheaper than replacing the whole key fob.
If you do not have a spare key one, you can add another key to your car, however this will require a lot of research and effort. Adding a second key costs several hundred dollars and it also requires the programming of the car's computer. Professionals can do this but it's not a cheap option.
Replacement Ignition
The modern SAAB 9-3 features a more sophisticated alarm system built around a key code. If you lose only one key, it may be costly to purchase a new one because the car must have a special computer added and also be programmed to accept a brand new key. Even a dealer can charge hundreds of dollars to program the new key if they are unable to do it.
If you've lost your only working key, a dealer will repair 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 EEPROM of your car's computer so that it's ready for an additional key. This will save you more than 50% of the cost you would spend at the dealer.
If you've been a long time owner of an 03-11 SAAB 9-3, you probably have noticed that the ignition switch isn't the most durable. If the ignition key you have isn't working properly, you should think about replacing it. They can become extremely sticky and the buttons can fall off. Luckily, replacing the ignition key isn't as difficult as it sounds and is fairly easy to do with the right tools.