Are You Responsible For The Saab Ignition Key Replacement Budget? 12 Best Ways To Spend Your Money
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars made since 1994 utilize an immobilizer system that relies on key codes. A new transponder is required in order to enable the addition of an additional key, and special programming. This is usually done by the dealer with a specialized Tech2 diagnostic tool.
This can be expensive. Always keep a spare set of keys available.
Transponder key
The transponder is a type of key that has an electronic chip. This chip sends out a signal when the key is placed in the ignition. The car will then check the signal to see whether it is the same as the one in the key. If the signals match, the car will unlock and begin. This is a great way to protect your car from theft.
Transponder keys are a favored feature in vehicles, but you must be aware that they aren't as secure as traditional keys made of metal. While the metal portion of a conventional key can be cut and copied but a transponder key is protected by an electronic chip. The chip is a unique code that's programmed into a 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 will only do this if the fob has a non-modified chip that has been programmed to match the original. Otherwise, the car will reject the key and won't start.
It is vital to have a spare Saab key. This is particularly important when you live in a rural area, where there are a lot of car burglars. The good news is that you can get a replacement key for your Saab without needing to visit a dealer and pay the expensive prices they ask. In most instances, you can get a new key created on-the-spot at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at an auto dealer.
Key for Wired
Saab cars are usually supplied with two keys. If you only have one, it is a good idea to get an additional key fob as quickly as you can as if you lose it, your car will require the replacement of a CIM unit, and the locking cylinders will need to be 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 it will require a lot of soldering. There is no standard method to do this, but it's important to plan out 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.
Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's the time to connect them to the key switches. Solder a diode to each key switch pin. This will shield the pins from current, preventing them from being shorted. A diode can only allow the flow of current to be in one direction, and it also has a an indicator of black color that indicates which way the current will flow.
Sanabria says that some of the tools available in auto parts stores, including the Autel MaxiIM IMM608PRO and IM508 will assist customers who are shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data. G28 Car Keys into OBD ports and guide the customer through each step, making the process easier than replacing the car's computer.
Jumpstarting the battery
Most people keep a few sets of jumper cables in their trunk for emergency situations however, jumping a battery in newer vehicles might not be the most efficient option. These vehicles are equipped with a number of computers and digital devices that communicate with each other. A voltage surge while the battery is connected to another could cause damage to these components and leave your vehicle undriveable.
Start the vehicle you are using and allow it to run for around two minutes before connecting the cables to the one that is disabled. 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 beneath the damaged car's hood--the engine block is a good choice. The black cable should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could trigger a spark, which would ignite the gasoline inside the engine compartment.
Once the cables are connected, start the disabled vehicle and allow it to run for around five minutes before you disconnect the cables in reverse order. The battery in your Saab 9-3 will be recharged while you drive. It takes a while for it to return to its original state. It is a good idea to purchase a spare fob as soon as you can, since 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 trying to steal the car.
Replacement Case
Many Saab owners only have one key for their vehicle and if they lose that key, it will cost them. The reason is that it's not cheap to purchase a new key, and this involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, in addition to programming. In the event of theft or any other calamity it is recommended to have an extra key. Don't purchase a used key, even if it's "new." Keys that are claimed as new from a second-hand store will not work and are almost guaranteed to fail in the crucial moment.
The dealer will charge you the highest dollar if you only have one working key. We can, however, reset and reprogram the computer's EEPROM to prepare it to accept an alternative key without replacing the entire system. This can save you a significant amount of money. It's cheaper to do this instead of waiting until you loose the only key.