How to Replace the Replacement Key Battery For the Saab 9-3
Saab owners have a distinct set of steps to take to add another key. It requires dealer service with a handheld computer called Tech-2. Then a new key as well as transponder are required to be purchased and then programmed into the car.
Rotate your keys to stop one from wearing out more than the next. This will also help keep your keys in top condition.
Replacement Case
The new key fobs are not like the old Saab keys. They're equipped with electronic devices that make them difficult to duplicate. This has made theft of cars a lot more difficult than it was just a few years ago. However, it has also made the replacement of lost keys a more expensive endeavor.
Every owner of a 9-3 Saab should have at a minimum two functioning keys. If one of them is lost, it costs a lot to replace it in the car, as it requires replacing the CIM module, and then reprogramming the locking cylinders. Dealers charge between $100 and $200 for this.
There are ways to reduce these costly. Some parts retailers can look up the code on an extra key (usually the same one that opens the doors and switches the ignition) and cut a new metal key blade at just a fraction of dealer cost. The key, however, must be the same as the original one to function properly in your car.
Follow these steps to replace the case. You'll require a flathead screwdriver and some patience. With the screwdriver, you can pry apart the plastic, and then take off the emergency key. Once the case is opened, take out the electronics and place them into your new case. Make sure you put the correct key and badge back into the case, as well.
Replacement Battery
The replacement battery for the Saab 9-3 is an inexpensive component that can be replaced quickly and easily. The YouTube video of Cyclone Cyd demonstrates how you can replace the remote fob battery in just four steps. This tutorial can be used for any modern-day saab key fob however the procedure might differ slightly.
This button is usually placed near the Saab logo on the back of the fob. This is usually located just below the Saab logo on the back of the fob. Then you will need a flathead screwdriver to insert into the small hole in this button. This should be sufficient to open the fob case in order to change the battery.
Once the new CR1632 battery is in place then you can reassemble your remote key fob and program it to your car. The whole process should not be more than an hour. It's a simple procedure that doesn't require any special equipment.
The process is a bit more complex if you lose your key, but it is possible. The dealer will need to determine the VIN of the car and then purchase a replacement key blade and TWICE module, both with the exact unique code. The dealer will then have to program the key using MDI, a new software tool.
Replacement Key Fob
The key fob comes with a battery that is used to lock and unlock your vehicle. The batteries have a lifespan that is a long time, and they eventually die. This is a regular issue that happens to all cars and the good thing is that you can change the batteries in most key fobs without replacing the entire case. You can purchase replacement fobs on Amazon that come with all the electronics already installed, which means you can simply open the case and replace the old batteries. It is important to note that you'll need remove the emergency key first, and you can do this by inserting the screwdriver of a small flathead into the slot that is located in the middle of the case. saab 900 key should be moved around the case, and it will split open, making it much easier to remove.
When you're ready to replace the keys, ensure you have a spare, since this will cut down your total cost by a substantial amount. If you have an extra key, you can request the dealer to cut the key and program it for your car. This is much cheaper than purchasing a new fob.
If you do not have a spare key, it is possible to add another key to your car, however this will require a lot of research and effort. It can cost a few hundred dollars to add an additional car key. The computer of the vehicle also has to be programmed. This can be done by a professional, but it's a costly option for the majority of owners.
Replacement Ignition
The modern SAAB 9-3 is a more sophisticated alarm system based on a key code. This means that should you lose only one working key, adding another one could be very expensive because the car needs to have a specific computer module added and it must also be programmed to accept an additional key. Most locksmiths can't do this, and even dealers can charge several hundred dollars to program the new key!
If you've lost only one working key, a dealer will replace the computer in your car (known as the CIM or SAAB TWICE) in order to make the replacement, and will charge you a premium price for it. Instead we can reprogram the EEPROM on your existing car computer, preparing it for a new key, slashing over 50% of what you'd pay at a dealership.
If you have owned a 9-3 from SAAB for an extended period of time you are aware that the ignition keys aren't very durable. If your ignition key is not working correctly, you should think about replacing it. They can become very sticky and the buttons can fall off. It's not as difficult as it seems to replace the ignition key. With the appropriate tools, it could be accomplished quickly.