The Saab Ignition Key Replacement Success Story You'll Never Imagine
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars produced from 1994 have an immobilizer system based on keys that are coded. The addition of a key requires a new transponder and special programming. This is usually done at the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
The problem is that it can be very costly. This is why it is important to always have a spare key on hand.
Transponder key
The transponder keys are keys with an electronic chip that sends a signal to car when it is inserted into the ignition. The car then examines the signal to determine if it matches the one on the key. If the signals are in sync, the car will unlock and begin. This is a great way to prevent car theft and keep your vehicle secure from thieves.
Transponder keys can be an increasingly popular feature for cars, but they're not as secure as traditional keys made of metal. While the metal portion of a conventional key can be cut and copied, a transponder is protected by an electronic chip. This chip contains an unique code that's programmed into the car's computer in order to identify it.
The car will recognize the Saab keyfob, and allow it to turn on. The Keylab will only recognize the key fob if the device has an unmodified chip and has been programmed to match. The car will not start in the event that the key has not been programmed to match.
It's essential to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is especially true when you live in a rural area, where there are a lot of car thieves. The good news is that it's possible to obtain a replacement key for your Saab without needing to visit a dealer and pay the high prices they ask. In the majority of instances, you can get an original key made on the spot for less than half the price of what you would pay at the dealer.
Key for Wired
Saab cars usually come with two keys when they are new. If you only have one, it is an ideal idea to purchase an extra key fob as soon as you can since if you lose it the car will require a new CIM unit, and the locking cylinders will have to be replaced. This can be costly especially for used vehicles.
The next step is connecting the wires of columns and row to your microcontroller. This is the toughest component of the project and it will require lots of soldering. There's no standard way to accomplish this, but it is important to think about the route you'll take and solder the columns and rows. For this keyboard, there are five rows and 17 columns. So there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins that you need to connect.
After the rows and column are joined It is now 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 keep them from being shorted. A diode allows current to only flow in one direction. It comes with a visual indicator that is black, that indicates the direction in which current will flow.
Some of the tools you can find at auto parts stores -- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- can help customers in the shop, or even DIY customers in some cases programme replacement keys and recover lost immobilizer information, Sanabria says. The tools plug into the OBD port and guide the user through the procedure, making it much easier than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jump-starting the battery
Most people keep a few sets of jumper cables in their trunk for emergency situations however, jumping a battery on newer cars might not be the best option. These vehicles are equipped with a number of computers and digital devices that communicate with one another. A voltage surge when a battery is connected to another battery could damage the components making your car inoperable.
Connect the cables to the vehicle that is working. Let it run for two minutes. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the good battery (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end to a clean unpainted metal surface beneath the hood of the damaged car. The engine block is an excellent choice. Don't connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery because this could cause an ignition that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.
Once the cables are connected, you can start the vehicle that is disabled and let it run for approximately five minutes before disconnecting the cables in reverse order. Be aware that the battery of your Saab 9-3 is recharged during your drive, which means it may take some time to get the battery back down again. It is a good idea to buy a spare key fob as soon as you can, because replacing the only functioning one requires the installation of a brand new computer module and a special program to convince the system that your lost keys aren't attempting to steal the car.
Replacement case
Saab owners typically only have one car key, and if that is lost, they will be charged. The reason for this is that it's not inexpensive to add a new key, and it requires replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, in addition to programming. It's recommended to have a spare key in case of theft or any other catastrophe, and the best way is to purchase an extra key as early as you can. Even if the key is "new" it will not function.
Most locksmiths can't help you in the event that you only have one working key, and the dealer will charge for the cost of replacing the computer in your car for a replacement. We can, however, reset and reprogram the computer's EEPROM to prepare it to accept an alternative key without replacing the entire system. That can save you a significant amount of money. It's also a lot cheaper than waiting until you lose your sole key.