Replacing your 2007 Saab Key Fob can be a straightforward process, but it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls, especially when looking for cost-effective solutions. Like many Saab owners, finding a replacement key fob becomes necessary over time due to wear and tear or the need for an additional key. This article will guide you through the experience of replacing a Saab key fob, drawing on real-world experiences to help you make informed decisions.
One Saab owner in Ontario, Canada, faced this exact situation with their 2003 Saab 9-3 Linear. Upon purchasing the vehicle, they were promised two keys but only received one. Unfortunately, the dealership went out of business before fulfilling their commitment to provide a spare. After three years of use, the buttons on the original key fob wore out, prompting the need for a replacement.
The Pitfalls of eBay Key Fobs
Seeking a potentially cheaper alternative, the Saab owner turned to eBay to purchase a replacement fob. This decision turned out to be a misstep. Attempting to program an eBay-sourced key fob at a Saturn Saab Hummer dealership proved unsuccessful. The dealership informed them that the eBay fob was still programmed to another vehicle and could not be reprogrammed for their Saab. This highlights a crucial point: used key fobs, especially from online marketplaces like eBay, can often be problematic due to their previous programming.
Dealer Solutions and Pricing
Fortunately, the dealership offered a viable solution. They had new, blank key fobs in stock for a reasonable price of $60 CAD. This was significantly less than a previous quote of $150 CAD from another source. Opting for the dealer’s key fob, the owner paid $60 for the fob itself and an additional $60 for the programming service. While the initial attempt with the eBay key incurred an extra charge, the final cost for a brand new, dealer-programmed key fob was ultimately reasonable and successful.
Exploring Alternative Options and Cost Savings
It’s worth noting that the Saab owner also discovered another local shop that offered key fob programming services for $45 CAD, assuming the customer provided their own key fob. This suggests that independent automotive shops specializing in key programming can be a more affordable option if you already possess a compatible blank key fob. However, if you need to purchase the fob as well, dealer pricing can be competitive and offer the assurance of a guaranteed working product.
Reusing the Unusable eBay Fob
Despite the eBay key fob’s failure to program, it wasn’t a complete loss. The owner decided to retain the eBay fob for a practical reason: to potentially swap out the internal chip if the buttons on their new dealer-purchased fob wear out in the future. This demonstrates a resourceful approach to salvage some value from the unusable eBay purchase, using it as a donor for parts in the long run.
Key Takeaways for 2007 Saab Key Fob Replacement
Based on this experience, here are key takeaways for anyone needing a 2007 Saab key fob replacement:
- Exercise Caution with eBay and Used Key Fobs: Used key fobs from online marketplaces may not be reprogrammable and could lead to wasted time and expense.
- Dealer Key Fobs Can Be Reasonably Priced: Don’t immediately dismiss dealerships as expensive. In this case, the dealer offered a competitively priced key fob and successful programming service.
- Explore Independent Shops for Programming: If you have a blank key fob, independent shops specializing in key programming might offer lower labor costs.
- Consider Button Wear and Tear: Keep in mind that key fob buttons can wear out over time. Thinking ahead about potential future replacements or part sourcing can be beneficial.
Ultimately, replacing a 2007 Saab key fob requires careful consideration of your options. While the allure of cheaper online alternatives like eBay can be strong, the reliability and guaranteed programming of dealer-sourced key fobs often make them the most effective and stress-free solution.
