A Step-By-Step Guide To Saab Ignition Key Replacement

· 4 min read
A Step-By-Step Guide To Saab Ignition Key Replacement

Saab Key Programming


Saab cars built since 1994 utilize an immobilizer system that relies on key codes. A new transponder is required for addition of an additional key, as well as special programming. This is usually done at the dealer using a special Tech2 diagnostic tool.

It can be costly. This is the reason why you should always have a spare key available.

Transponder key

The transponder is a type of key that has an electronic chip. This chip sends a signal when the key is put in the ignition. The car then checks the signal to see whether it is the same as the one that is in the key. If the signals match, the car will open and start. This is a great way to prevent car theft and keep your vehicle secure from thieves.

Transponder keys are a favored feature in vehicles, but you must be aware that they're not as secure as classic metal keys. The metal component of a traditional keys can be easily cut and copied, however the transponder is protected by an electronic chip which protects it. The chip contains a unique code that is programmed into a car's computer order to identify it.

When a Saab key fob is used the car recognizes it and allows it to turn on. However, it can only do this if the fob has a non-modified chip that has been programmed to match it. In the absence of that, the car will reject the key and not start.

It's crucial to ensure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is especially true for those who live in a rural area, where there are many car thieves. The good thing is that you can find a new key for your Saab without needing to visit an auto dealer and pay the hefty prices they ask. In  saab key replacement near me  of cases, you can have a new key made on-the-spot at a fraction of the cost of what you'd pay at a dealer.

Key for Wired

Saab cars usually come with two keys when they're new. If you have only one, it's best to acquire an additional key fob as quickly as you can, because if you lose it, your car will require the replacement of a CIM unit and the locking cylinders need to be replaced. This can be expensive especially for used vehicles.

The next step is to wire the row and column wires to the microcontroller. This is the most laborious aspect of the project and will require lots of soldering. It's not a standard way to do it, but you must plan how to route and solder each column and row. There are 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect for this keyboard. It has 5 rows and 17 columns.

Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's the time to connect them to key switches. To do this, put a diode over each pin on the key switch and then solder it. This will shield the pins from current, thus preventing them from being shortened. The diode will only allow current to flow in one direction, and it has an indicator in black that indicates which way the current will flow.

Some of the tools you can find at auto parts storeslike the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- may assist customers at the shop or DIY customers in certain cases replace keys in the program and restore lost immobilizer data, Sanabria says. The tools plug into the OBD port and automatically guide the user through the process, making it easier 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 however, jumping a battery on modern vehicles might not be the best idea. These cars have a variety of electronic devices and computers that communicate with one another. A voltage surge when batteries are connected to another battery could damage the components making your car unusable.

Start the vehicle that is working and allow it to run for approximately two minutes before you connect the cables to the one that is disabled. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal on the battery that is good (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end to a clean unpainted metal surface under the hood of the affected car. The engine block is an excellent alternative. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery, as it could spark an ignition source that ignites gasoline in the engine bay.

After the cables have been connected, you should begin the car and let it run about five minutes. Then, disconnect the cables in reverse. The battery in your Saab 9-3 is recharged as you drive. It takes a while for it to return to its original state. You should consider purchasing an additional key fob as soon as possible. Replacing the 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 car and if they lose it, it's going to cost them. The reason is that it's not cheap to replace a key, and this involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, plus programming. It is best to have a second key in case of theft or other disaster the best solution is to purchase a second key as soon as you can. Even if the key is "new" it will not work.

Most locksmiths can't help you in the event that you only have one working key, and the dealer will charge you for the cost of replacing the computer in your vehicle to create a replacement. We can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to get it ready to accept a new key without replacing the entire system. This could save you a lot of money. It's more affordable rather than wait until you lose your only key.