What's Holding Back The Saab Ignition Key Replacement Industry?
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars made since 1994 come with an immobilizer system based on coded keys. Adding an extra key requires the purchase of a new transponder as well as special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using the Tech2 diagnostic tool.
The issue is that it can be extremely expensive. This is the reason why you should always keep a spare key in your possession.
Transponder key
The transponder is a key that is equipped with an electronic chip. This chip sends a signal when the key is inserted into the ignition. The car will check to see whether the signal matches the one on the key. If both signals match it will open itself and begin. This is a great method to deter auto theft and keep your car safe from thieves.
Transponder keys may be an increasingly popular feature for cars, but they're not as secure as traditional keys made of metal. The metal part of the traditional key can be easily cut or copied, while a transponder has an electronic chip which protects it. This chip has a unique code that is embedded into the car's computer to identify it.
The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and permit it to turn on. The car can only recognize the key fob if it is equipped with a chip that is unmodified and has been programmed to match. In the absence of that, the car will refuse to accept the key and will not start.
It is essential to have an extra Saab key. This is especially true when you live in a rural area that is home to many car thieves. The good news is that you can obtain a replacement key for your Saab without having to go to a dealership and pay the hefty prices that they ask. In the majority of cases, you can have a new key created on-the-spot for less than half the cost of what you'd pay at dealerships.
Key for Wired
Saab cars are usually delivered with two keys. If you have only one, you should purchase an extra key as soon as you can. This is because, if it's lost and the car is damaged, it will require a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be expensive particularly for used cars.
The next step is to connect the wires for columns and rows to your microcontroller. This is the most tedious part of the project and it will require a lot of soldering. It's not a standard way to do it, however, you should think about how to route and solder each column and row. For this keyboard, there are 5 rows and 17 columns. This means there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins that you need to connect.
Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's the time to connect them to the key switches. To do this, you need to place an inverter over each pin on the key switch and then solder it. This will shield the pins from current and prevent them from getting shorted. The diode will only allow current to flow in one direction, and it also has a a black band visual indicator that indicates the direction in which current will flow.
Sanabria states that some of the tools that are sold in auto parts stores, like the Autel MaxiIM IMM608PRO and IM508 are able to assist customers shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data. The tools plug into the OBD port and automatically guide the user through the procedure, making it much easier than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jumpstarting the battery
Most people keep the set in their trunks to jump-start their vehicle in the event of an emergency, but this might not be the best option for vehicles with newer technology. These vehicles are equipped with many digital and computers that communicate with one another. A voltage surge while the battery is connected to another battery could fry these components and render your vehicle undriveable.
Connect the cables to the vehicle 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 beneath the damaged car's hood. The engine block is an excellent choice. The black cable is not to be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could result in sparks, which could ignite gasoline in the engine compartment.
After the cables have been connected, you need to begin the car and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then, disconnect the cables in reverse. Remember that the battery on the Saab 9-3 gets recharged when you drive, so it can take a while for the battery to go back to its original level. It's a good idea purchase a spare fob as soon as you can, because replacing the one that works requires the installation of a new computer module and a special program to convince it that the lost keys aren't attempting to steal the car.
Replacement Case
Saab owners usually only have one car key, and if that is lost, they'll be charged. The reason is that it's costly to add a new key, and it involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, as well as programming. In the event of theft, or any other calamity it is recommended to have an extra key. Even if www.g28carkeys.co.uk is "new", it will not function.
The dealer will charge you top dollar if you only have one working key. We can, however, reset and re-program your computer's EEPROM in order to prepare it to accept an alternative key without replacing the whole system. This can save you a significant amount of money. It's less expensive than waiting until you lose your only key.