How to Replace the Replacement Key Battery For the Saab 9-3 Saab owners have a unique procedure to add another key. It requires dealer support using a handheld computer called Tech-2. Then a new key as well as transponder need to be bought and then programmed to the car. Make sure to rotate your keys in order to prevent one from wearing out quicker than the other. This will help to keep your keys in good condition. Replacement Case Unlike the classic Saab keys of old, the new key fobs are equipped with electronics that make it difficult to duplicate. This has made stealing cars considerably more difficult than it was twenty years ago. https://www.thekeylab.co.uk/saab-car-keys/ has also made it more costly to replace keys that were lost. Every owner of a Saab 9-3 needs to have at least two working keys. It's expensive to replace a lost key, as it requires replacing the CIM module, and changing the locking cylinders. Dealers typically charge between $100 and $200 for this. There are a few ways to avoid these expensive. Some parts retailers will search for the code on a spare key (usually the same one that opens the doors and turns the ignition) and cut a brand new key blade from metal for just a fraction of dealer cost. The key must be the exact same as the original for it to function in your vehicle. You can also change the case yourself by following these steps. You'll require a flathead and a lot of patience. Using the screwdriver, slowly pull the plastic apart and then separate the emergency key from the case. Once the case is open remove all electronics and place them in the new case. Make sure you insert the correct badge and key back into the case as well. Replacement Battery The replacement battery for the Saab 9-3 is an affordable component that can be replaced quickly and easily. This YouTube DIY video Cyclone Cyd, a user on YouTube, explains how to replace the battery in the remote key fob in just four steps. This tutorial is compatible 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 is usually located just below the Saab logo on the back of the fob. Use a flathead to insert the screwdriver into the small hole on this button. This should be enough to unlock the fob's case to allow you to replace the battery. After the new battery CR1632 is installed then you can reassemble your remote key fob. You can then program it to your car. The whole process should not exceed an hour. It's a simple process that doesn't require any special tools. The procedure is a little more complicated if you've lost your key, but it is possible. The dealer will first need to read the VIN of the vehicle and then order an additional TWICE module and key blade that has the correct unique code. The dealer will then need to program the key using MDI, a brand new software tool. Replacement Key Fob The key fob contains an internal battery that is used to lock and unlock your vehicle. The batteries last for a period of, and they will eventually fail. This is a regular issue that happens with all cars and the good thing is that you can change the batteries in a majority of fobs, without replacing the entire case. Amazon sells replacement fobs with all the electronics installed. It is easy to open the case and replace the batteries. You'll need to remove the emergency key before you can replace the batteries. To do this, place a small flathead screwsdriver into the slot that is in the middle. The case will split when you move the screwdriver around it. If you are about to replace your keys, ensure that you have spare keys, since this will cut down the total cost by a significant amount. If you do have a spare, you can request that the dealer cut an additional key and program it into your car, which is much cheaper than replacing the entire key fob. If you don't have a spare one, you can add another key to your car, however it requires a lot of research and effort. The cost of adding a second key is a few hundred dollars, and also requires programming of the car's computer. This can be done by a professional, however it's a costly choice for most owners. Replacement Ignition As opposed to the earlier Saab cars, the modern SAAB 9-3 models feature an upgraded alarm system that is built around a coded key. If you lose your sole key, it may be costly to get another one because the car must have a special computer added and also be programmed to accept a new key. Dealers can even charge hundreds of dollars to program an entirely new key, when they are not able to complete the task. Dealers will charge you top dollar to replace your car's computer (also known as the CIM or SAAB twice) if you lose your only functioning key. We can reprogramme the existing EEPROM of your car's computer so that it is ready to accept an additional key. This will save you more than 50% off the price you'd pay a dealer. If you've owned a SAAB 9-3 a long time, you know that the ignition keys aren't very durable. They can be extremely sticky and the buttons can fall off of them at times, so you should consider buying a new one if the one you have isn't working properly. It's good to know that replacing the ignition key isn't as difficult as it sounds and can be done in a short time with the right tools.