Saab 9-3 Key Replacement Tips From The Best In The Business
How to Replace the Replacement Key Battery For the Saab 9-3
Saab owners have to follow a series of unique steps to add a second ignition key. It requires dealer assistance using a handheld computer dubbed Tech-2. Then a new car key and transponder must be purchased and then programmed into the car.
Rotate saab 9-3 key fob programming to prevent one from wearing out more than the next. This will keep your keys in perfect condition.
Replacement Case
Unlike the classic Saab keys of the past keys, the modern keys have electronic components that make it difficult to duplicate. This has made stealing cars much more difficult than it was just a few years ago. But, it has also made replacing lost keys an incredibly costly endeavor.
Every owner of a Saab 9-3 needs to have at least two functioning keys. If one of them is lost, it costs a lot of money to purchase a new one for the car since it requires replacing the CIM module and re-programming the locking cylinders. Dealers usually charge between $100-$200 to do this.
There are a few ways to avoid the high price. Some parts retailers will look up the code on an old key (usually the same one that opens the doors and turns on the ignition) and cut a new metal key blade at a fraction of the dealer's cost. The key must be the exact same as the original for it to work in your vehicle.
Follow these steps to replace the case. You'll need an flathead screwdriver and patience. With the screwdriver slowly tear the plastic away and separate the emergency keys from the case. Once you have the case open, take the electronics out and put them back into the new case. Make sure to insert the correct badge and key back inside the case, too.
Replacement Battery
The Saab 9-3 replacement battery is a budget part that can be quickly and easily replaced. This video tutorial on DIY from YouTube Cyclone Cyd will show you how to replace the battery of the remote key fob 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 locate the button that releases the backup key in the fob. This button is typically located on the back of your fob, close to the Saab Logo. Then you will need a flathead screwdriver into the small hole in this button. This should be enough to let the fob case open in order to change the battery.
After the new battery CR1632 is in place, you can reassemble the remote key fob, and then program it to your car. The entire process shouldn't take more than one hour. This is a very easy process that doesn't require any special tools.
If you lose a key the process will be slightly more complicated but it is still able to be completed. The dealer has to first verify the VIN of the vehicle before requesting a replacement TWICE module and key blade with the proper unique code. The dealer will then need to program the key using MDI, a brand new software tool.
Key Replacement Fob
The key fob comes with a battery that is used to lock and unlock your car. The batteries have a lifespan and eventually die. This is a regular issue that happens with all cars and the good news is that you can change the batteries in many key fobs without having to replace the whole case. You can buy replacement fobs from Amazon that have all the electronics already installed, so you can just pop open the case and replace the old batteries. It is important to remember that you'll need remove the emergency key first, and you can accomplish this by inserting the small screwdriver flathead into the slot located in the middle of the case. Use the screwdriver to move around the case, and it should split open, making it simple to take it out.
When you're ready to replace the keys, make sure you have a spare, as this can reduce your total cost by a substantial amount. If you have a spare you can request that the dealer cut a new key and program it into your car, which is cheaper than replacing the entire key fob.
If you do not have a spare key you can add another key to your car, however this requires a lot research and effort. It will cost you a few hundred bucks to add a second car key. The computer of the car also needs to be programmed. Professionals can accomplish this, but it's an expensive option.
Replacement Ignition
Unlike the earlier Saab cars, the modern SAAB 9-3 models have an extremely sophisticated alarm system that is dependent on a coded keys. This means that when you lose your sole working key, adding an additional one could be extremely expensive since the car has to have a unique computer module installed and it must also be specifically designed to accept a different key. Even a dealer can charge hundreds of dollars to program an additional key even if they're unable to do it.
Dealers will charge you a premium to replace your car's computer (also called the CIM or SAAB twice) if you lose the only working key. We can reprogram the existing EEPROM of your car's computer so that it's ready for an extra key. This will save you more than 50% of the cost you would have to pay a dealer.
If you've been a faithful owner of an 03-11 SAAB 9-3, you probably are aware that the ignition key isn't really all that robust. If your ignition key is not working correctly, you should consider replacing it. They can become very sticky and the buttons are known to fall off. Fortunately, replacing the ignition key isn't as complicated as it sounds, and it can be done in a short time using the right tools.