An Easy-To-Follow Guide To Saab Ignition Key Replacement
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars built since about 1994 have an immobilizer feature made up of coded keys. Adding an extra key requires a new transponder and special programming. This is usually done at the dealer, using a specially-designed Tech2 diagnostic tool.
The issue is that this could be very expensive. This is why it is important to always have a spare key at hand.
Transponder key
The transponder key is a piece of hardware equipped with an electronic chip. It sends a signal to the car when it is inserted into ignition. The car is able to check if the signal matches the one on the key. If the signals match the car will then unlock and begin. This is a great way to guard your car against theft.
Transponder keys are an extremely popular accessory for cars, but they are not as safe as traditional keys made of metal. The metal portion of a traditional keys can be easily cut and copied, however transponders are protected by an electronic chip which protects it. The chip has a unique code that is 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. However, it is only able to do so if the key fob has an unmodified chip that has been programmed to match the original. The car won't start in the event that the key has not been programmed to match.
It's important to make sure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is particularly important when you live in a rural location that has numerous car thieves. The good part is that you can obtain a replacement key for your Saab without having to go to a dealer and pay the expensive prices that they ask. In the majority of instances, you can get a new key made on-the-spot for less than half the cost you would pay at the dealer.
Key for Wired
Saab cars typically come with two keys when they're new. If you have only one, you need to purchase an additional key as quickly as you can. This is because if you lose it, the car will need an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be expensive, especially for used cars.
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. There's no standard way to accomplish this, however it is crucial to plan the route you'll take and solder the rows and columns. For this keyboard, there are five rows and 17 columns, so there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect.
After the rows and column are soldered together, it is time to connect the key switches. To do this, you need to place a diode across each pin of the key switch and solder it. This will shield the pins of the key switch from current and stop them from being shorted. A diode allows the current to flow in a single direction, and it has the black band as a visual indicator that indicates the direction current will flow.
Some of the tools available at auto parts stores -- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro and IM508 -- can assist customers at the shop or DIY customers in certain cases create replacement keys and restore lost immobilizer data, Sanabria says. The tools connect to OBD ports and help the customer through each step which makes the process much easier than replacing the vehicle's computer.
Jumpstarting the battery
Most people keep a set of jumper cables in their trunk to use in an emergency however, jumping a battery in newer cars might not be the most efficient option. These cars have a variety of digital and computer systems that communicate with one another. A surge in voltage when a battery is connected to another one could cause damage to the parts and render your vehicle unusable.
Connect the cables to the vehicle that is working. Allow it to run for two minutes. Attach the red clip on the positive terminal of the battery that is good. (It will read "POS" or "+".) Attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted, clean metal surface under the disabled vehicle's hood. An engine block is an excellent choice. Don't connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery as this could cause an ignition spark that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.
Once the cables are connected, you should start the car and let it run for about five minutes. Then, disconnect them in reverse. Remember that the battery on your Saab 9-3 is recharged during your drive, which means it will take a while for the battery to come back down again. It's a good idea purchase a spare fob as soon as you can, because replacing the only working one requires the installation of a new computer module and special programming to convince the system that your lost keys are not trying to steal the car.
Replacement Case
Many Saab owners only have one key for their car and if they lose it, the cost will be. It's expensive to add keys and will require replacing the CIM or TWICE in the case of older models. In the event of theft, or any other catastrophe it is advisable to have an extra key. Even if the key is "new", it won't work.
Most locksmiths aren't able to help with a single working key, and the dealer will charge you top dollar to replace the computer in your car for a replacement. saab 93 key replacement can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to make it ready to accept a new key without having to replace the entire system. This can help you save money. It's also cheaper than waiting until you lose the only key.