A Step-By Step Guide To Saab Ignition Key Replacement
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars made since 1994 feature an immobilizer that relies on key codes. A new transponder is required for inclusion of an additional key, as well as special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
It can be costly. It is always advisable to keep an extra set of keys at hand.
Transponder key
The transponder key is a key equipped with an electronic chip. It sends a signal to car when it is inserted into the ignition. The car will check to see whether the signal matches with the one on the key. If the signals match it will open and start. This is a great method to protect your vehicle from theft.
Transponder keys can be an increasingly popular feature for cars, but they are not as safe as traditional metal keys. While the metal component of a traditional key may be cut and copied however, a transponder is secured by an electronic chip. The chip has a unique code which is programmed into a car's computers in order to identify it.
The car will recognize the Saab keyfob, and allow it to turn on. The car will only recognize the key fob if it is equipped with a chip that is unmodified and has been programmed to match. The car will not start in the event that the key is not programmed to match.
It is vital to have a spare Saab key. This is especially true if you live in a rural area where there are numerous car thieves. You can obtain a replacement key for your Saab by going to the dealership and not paying their high cost. In most instances, you can get an original key made on the spot at a fraction of the cost you'd pay at an auto dealer.
Key for Wired
Saab cars usually come with two keys when they're new. If you only have one, it is an ideal idea to purchase an additional key fob as soon as you can as if you lose it the car will require an entirely new CIM unit, and the locking cylinders have to be replaced. This can be costly, especially for used cars.
The next step is to connect the row and column wires to the microcontroller. This is the most difficult part of the project, and it will require lots of soldering. It's not a common way to go about it, but you need to plan how to route and solder each column and row. There are 22 microcontroller wires as well as pins to connect for this keyboard. It includes 5 rows and 17 columns.
After the rows and column are soldered together after which it is time to connect the key switches. To do this, put an inverter over each key switch pin and solder it. This will protect the pins that are used for key switches from current and keep them from being shorted. The diode will only allow the flow of current to be in one direction, and it has an indicator of black color that indicates the direction current will flow.
Some of the tools you can find at auto parts stores -- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro and IM508 -- can aid shop customers or DIY customers in some cases replace keys in the program and restore the lost immobilizer's data, Sanabria says. The tools connect to the OBD port and guide the user through the procedure, making it simpler than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jumpstarting the battery
A lot of people keep a set in their trunks to jump-start a vehicle in the event of an emergency, but it may not be a good idea for vehicles that are newer. They have numerous computers and digital devices that communicate with each other. A surge in voltage while a battery is hooked up to another can fry these components, rendering your car unable to drive.
Connect the cables to the vehicle operating. Let it run for two minutes. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that is good (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end of the black cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface underneath the disabled car's hood. www.g28carkeys.co.uk would be a good choice. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery, as it could ignite an ignition that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.
Once the cables are connected, turn on the vehicle that has been disabled and let it run for approximately five minutes before disconnecting them in reverse order. Be aware that the battery in the Saab 9-3 gets recharged during your drive, which means it will take a while for the battery to go back down again. It is a good idea to invest in a spare key fob as soon as you can, because replacing the only working one requires the installation of a brand new computer module and special programming to convince it that the lost keys aren't in the process of trying to steal the car.
Replacement case
Many Saab owners have only one key for their vehicle and if they lose it, they'll be charged. It's expensive to add keys and will require replacing the CIM or TWICE for older models. In the event of theft or other catastrophe it is best to have a spare key. Even even if the key is "new" it won't work.
The dealer will charge you the most expensive dollars if you only have one working key. We can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to be able to accept a replacement key without the need to replace the entire system. This could save you a great deal of money. It's less expensive than waiting until you loose the only key.