How To Save Money On Saab Ignition Key Replacement
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars built since about 1994 feature an immobilizer mechanism made up of coded keys. A new transponder is required for the addition of a second key, as well as special programming. This is usually done at the dealer with a specialized Tech2 diagnostic tool.
It can be costly. This is the reason why you should always have a spare key at hand.
Transponder key
The transponder key is a piece of hardware with an electronic chip that sends a signal to car when it is inserted into ignition. The car will then check the signal to determine whether it matches the one on the key. If the signals are identical the car will then unlock itself and begin. This is a fantastic way to safeguard your car from theft.
Transponder keys are a popular addition to cars, but they are not as safe as traditional metal keys. While the metal portion of a conventional key can be cut and copied the transponder is protected by an electronic chip. This chip has a unique code programmed into the car's computers to identify it.
When a Saab key fob is used, the car recognizes it and allows it to turn on. The car can only recognize the key fob if it has a chip that is unmodified and has been programmed to match. Otherwise, the car would refuse to accept the key and will not start.
It is important to have an extra Saab key. This is particularly important especially if you reside in a rural region where there are many car thieves. You can get a brand new key for your Saab by visiting the dealership without paying their expensive cost. You can have an original key made on the spot for less than half what you would pay at the dealership.
Wired key
Saab cars are usually provided with two keys. If you only own one, you need to purchase an additional key as fast as you can. This is because, if it's lost and the car needs an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be costly especially if buying a used car.
The next step is connecting the row and columns wires to your microcontroller. This is the most tedious part of the project and it will require lots of soldering. There's no standard way to go about it, but you need to consider how you will route and solder each column and row. For this keyboard, there are five rows and 17 columns. So there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect.
After the columns and rows are soldered, it's the time to connect them to the key switches. Solder a diode on each key switch pin. This will shield the pins from current and prevent them from getting shorted. The diode allows current to only flow in one direction. It is equipped with a visible indicator of a black line that indicates the direction in which current will flow.
Sanabria says that some of the tools sold in auto parts stores, like the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO and IM508 will assist customers who are shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore data from the immobilizer. The tools connect to the OBD port and automatically guide the customer through the process, making it more simple than replacing the computer inside the vehicle.
Jumpstarting the battery
A majority of people keep a set in their trunks to start a car in an emergency, but this might not be a good idea for newer cars. These vehicles are equipped with numerous electronic devices and computers that communicate with each other. A surge in voltage when batteries are connected to another battery could damage the components making your car unusable.
Start the working vehicle and allow it to run for approximately two minutes before you connect the cables to the battery that is not working. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal on the good battery (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end to a clear, unpainted metal surface underneath the hood of the damaged vehicle. The engine block is an excellent alternative. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery because it could spark an ignition that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.
Once the cables are connected, you need to begin the car and allow it to run for around five minutes. Then, disconnect them in reverse. The battery in the Saab 9-3 will charge as you drive. It will take a while for it to return to its original state. It is recommended to purchase a second key fob, as soon as you can. Replacing the one that works requires the installation and programming of a brand new computer chip.
Replacement case
Many Saab owners only have one key for their car and if they lose it, they'll be charged. It's costly to add keys and will require replacing the CIM or TWICE for older models. It is recommended to have a second key in the event of theft or other disaster and the most effective way is to buy an extra key as early as you can. Even when how to open a saab 93 without a key is "new", it will not function.
Most locksmiths cannot help you with a single working key and the dealer will charge high prices to replace the computer in your car to create a replacement. We can reset and reprogram the computer's EEEPROM in order to be able to accept a new key without replacing the entire system. This can save you a great deal of money. It's also much less expensive than waiting until you lose your one key.