An Saab Ignition Key Replacement Success Story You'll Never Imagine

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars made since 1994 have an immobilizer feature that is based on codes for keys. To add an additional key, you need the purchase of a new transponder as well as special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.

The problem is that it can be extremely expensive. It is recommended to always have an extra set of keys at hand.

Transponder key

The transponder key is a piece of hardware equipped with an electronic chip. It transmits a signal to the car when it is put into the ignition. The car then checks to see if the signal matches the one on the key. If the signals match, the car will unlock and start. This is a great way to protect your vehicle from theft.

Transponder keys are a popular feature in automobiles, but you should be aware that they aren't as secure as classic metal keys. While the metal parts of a traditional key could be cut and copied however, a transponder is secured by an electronic chip. The chip contains a unique code which is programmed into a car's computer in order to identify it.

The car will recognize the Saab keyfob, and allow it to turn on. But, it's only able to do so if the key fob is unmodified and has a chip that has been programmed to match it. The car will not start when the key isn't programmed to match.

It is important to have an extra Saab key. This is especially true especially if you live in a rural area that is home to numerous car thieves. The good thing is that you can obtain a replacement key for your Saab without having to go to a dealership and pay the hefty prices that they demand. In most instances, you can get an original key made on the spot for less than half the price of what you would pay at an auto dealer.

Key for Wired

Saab cars are typically delivered with two keys. If you have only one, it's an ideal idea to purchase an additional key fob as quickly as you can since if you lose it, the car will require a new CIM unit and the locking cylinders need to be replaced. This can be costly, especially for used cars.

The next step is to connect the column and row wires to the microcontroller. This is the most difficult part of the project and will require a large deal of soldering. There's no standard way to accomplish this, but it is crucial to plan the routes you'll use to solder the rows and columns. For this keyboard, there are five rows and 17 columns, which means there will be 22 microcontroller pins and wires to connect.

Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's time to connect them to key switches. To do this, you need to place a diode on each pin of the key switch and solder it. This will shield the pins from current and prevent them from being cut off. A diode allows current to only flow in one direction. It is equipped with a visible indicator with a black band that shows the direction in which the current will flow.

Some of the tools offered at auto parts stores -like the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- could assist customers at the shop or DIY customers in some cases create replacement keys and restore the lost immobilizer's data, Sanabria says. The tools plug into OBD ports and help the customer through each step, making the process easier than replacing the vehicle's computer.

Jumpstarting the battery

A lot of people keep an item in their trunks to jump-start a car in an emergency, however it might not be a good idea for newer cars. These vehicles are equipped with computers and digital devices which communicate with one another. A surge in voltage when a battery is connected to another could cause damage to the components making your car inoperable.

Connect the cables to the vehicle that is operating. Let it run for two minutes. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the good battery. (It will read "POS" or "+".) Attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted, clean metal surface under the disabled car's hood--the engine block is an excellent choice. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery because this could cause an ignition source that ignites gasoline in the engine bay.

Once the cables are connected the vehicle you are not using and let it run for about five minutes before you disconnect them in reverse order. The battery in the Saab 9-3 will charge as you drive. It will take some time for it to return to its original state. It's a good idea to purchase a spare key fob as soon as you can, because replacing the one that works requires the installation of a new computer module and special programming to convince it that the lost keys aren't attempting to steal the car.

Replacement case

Many Saab owners have only one key for their car and if they lose that key, it will cost them. The reason is that it's not cheap to add a new key, and that involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, in addition to programming. In the event of theft or other catastrophe it is best to have a spare key. But don't buy a used key, even the case that it's "new." Keys that are claimed to be new purchased from third-party sellers won't work and are likely to fail at the critical moment.

Most locksmiths can't help you if you have only one working key, and the dealer will charge you top dollar to replace the computer in your car for a replacement.  saab 9-3 replacement key  can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to make it ready to accept a replacement key without having to replace the entire system. This could help you save a significant amount of money. It's less expensive than waiting until you lose your only key.