One Saab Ignition Key Replacement Success Story You'll Never Remember
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars produced from 1994 have an immobilizer system based on keys that are coded. A new transponder is required in order to enable the inclusion of an additional key, and special programming. This is usually handled by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
It can be costly. It is always advisable to keep an extra set of keys available.
Transponder key
The transponder is a key that is equipped with an electronic chip. This chip sends a signal when the key is inserted into the ignition. The car then checks to see whether the signal is the same as the one on the key. If the signals are in sync it will open and start. This is a great method to stop auto theft and keep your car safe from thieves.
Transponder keys could be a popular addition to cars, but they are not as safe as traditional metal keys. The metal portion of a traditional key is easily cut or copied, while transponders have an electronic chip that protects it. The chip contains a unique code that's programmed into the car's computer in order to identify it.
When a Saab key fob is used, the car recognizes it and allows it to turn on. But, it's only able to do so if the key fob has an unmodified chip that has been programmed to match the original. Otherwise, the car will reject the key and not start.
It is essential to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is especially true especially if you live in a rural area that is home to numerous car thieves. The good news is that you can find a new key for your Saab without needing to visit a dealer and pay the hefty prices that they demand. In the majority of cases, you can have a new key made on-the-spot for less than half the cost you'd pay at dealerships.
Key for Wired
Saab cars are usually supplied with two keys. If you only own one, you should purchase an additional key as quickly as you can. This is because, if it's lost, the car will need a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be expensive particularly for used cars.
The next step is to wire the row and column wires to the microcontroller. This is the most difficult part of the project and will require a good amount of soldering. There isn't a standard way to do this, but it's important to plan out how you will route and solder the rows and columns. For this keyboard, there are 5 rows and 17 columns, so there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect.
After the rows and column are joined, it is time to connect the key switches. Solder a diode to each key switch pin. This will shield the key switch pins from current and also prevent them from being shorted. A diode only allows current to flow in one direction, and has a the black band as a visual indicator that indicates which way the current will flow.
Sanabria states that some of the tools sold in auto parts stores, including the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO or IM508 can assist shoppers or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data. The tools plug into the OBD port and automatically guide the user through the procedure, making it simpler than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jump starting the battery
The majority of people have a set of jumper cables in their trunks for emergencies, but jumping a battery on modern vehicles may not be the best idea. These vehicles are equipped with computers and digital devices which communicate with each other. A voltage spike when a battery is connected to another one could cause damage to the parts making your car unusable.
Start the vehicle that is working and allow it to run for approximately two minutes before connecting the cables to the one that is disabled. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that's good. (It will say "POS" or "+".) Attach saab 900 key to a clean, unpainted metal surface beneath the hood of the affected vehicle. The engine block is a great alternative. The black cable is not to be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could create sparks, which would ignite gasoline in the engine compartment.
Once the cables are connected, you should start the vehicle and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then disconnect the cables in reverse. The battery in the Saab 9-3 will charge while you drive. It takes a while for it to return to its original state. You should purchase a second key fob, as soon as possible. Replacing the original one that works requires the installation and programming of a brand new computer chip.
Replacement case
Many Saab owners have only one key for their vehicle and if they lose it, key, it will cost them. It's expensive to add the key and also requires replacing the CIM or TWICE in the case of older models. It is recommended to have a second key in the event of theft or other disaster and the best option is to buy an extra key as early as you can. Even if the key is "new", it will not function.
Most locksmiths aren't able to help 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. We can reset and reprogram the computer's EEEPROM to be able to accept a replacement key without the need to replace the entire system. This can save you a lot of money. It's more affordable rather than wait until you lose your only key.