Why We Are In Love With Saab Ignition Key Replacement (And You Should Also!)
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars made since 1994 come with an immobilizer system that is based on codes for keys. Adding an extra key requires a new transponder and special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using the Tech2 diagnostic tool.
It can be costly. Always keep a spare set of keys at hand.
Transponder key
The transponder is a type of key equipped with an electronic chip. This chip sends out a signal when the key is put in the ignition. The car will then check the signal to see whether it is the same as that of the key. If the signals are the same the car will be able to unlock itself and begin. This is a great method to avoid car theft and keep your vehicle safe from thieves.
Transponder keys are an increasingly popular feature for cars, but they are not as safe as traditional keys made of metal. While the metal portion of a traditional key can be cut and copied however, a transponder is secured by an electronic chip. The chip is a unique code which is 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 car can only recognize the key fob when it has an unmodified chip and has been programmed to match. The car will not start in the event that the key is not programmed to match.
It is essential to have a spare Saab key. This is particularly true especially if you live in a rural region that has many car thieves. The good news is that you can find a replacement key to your Saab without having to go to an auto dealership and pay the hefty prices that they ask. In most instances, you can get a new key made on-the-spot for less than half the price of what you'd pay at the dealer.
Key for Wired
Saab cars usually come with two keys upon purchase. If you only have one, it is recommended to get an additional key as quickly as you can. This is because if it's lost, the car will need a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be costly particularly for used cars.
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 is no standardized way to do this, but it is crucial to plan the way you'll route 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.
Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's time to connect them to key switches. Solder a diode on each key switch pin. This will shield the pins from current, preventing them from getting shorted. A diode allows current to flow in one direction, and has a the black band as a visual indicator that indicates which way the current will flow.
Some of the tools you can find at auto parts stores -like the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- can aid shop customers or DIY customers in certain cases replace keys in the program and restore the lost immobilizer's data, Sanabria says. The tools plug into the OBD port and guide the customer through the procedure, making it simpler than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jump starting the battery
Most people keep a set of jumper cables in their trunks in case of emergency, but jumping a battery on newer cars might not be the best choice. These vehicles are equipped with a number of computers and digital devices that communicate with one another. A surge of voltage when a battery is connected to another could cause damage to the components making your car 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 to a clean and unpainted metal surface underneath the hood of the disabled car. The engine block is a good option. The black cable should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could result in sparks that could ignite gasoline in the engine compartment.
Once the cables are connected the vehicle you are not using and let it run for approximately five minutes before disconnecting them in reverse order. Keep in mind that the battery on the Saab 9-3 gets recharged when you drive, so it can take a while to get the battery back to its original level. It's a good idea buy a spare key fob as soon as you can, because replacing the only working one requires the installation of a brand new computer module and special programming to convince it that your lost keys aren't trying to steal the car.
saab key fob have one key for their car and if they lose it, key, it will cost them. It's expensive to add an additional key and it requires replacing the CIM or TWICE for older models. In the event of theft, or other catastrophe, it is best to have an extra key. Don't buy a secondhand key even when it's "new." Claimed-new keys from aftermarket sellers will not work and are likely to fail at the critical moment.
Most locksmiths can't help you with a single working key and the dealer will charge high prices to replace the computer in your car for a replacement. We can, however, reset and re-program the computer's EEPROM to accept a new key without replacing the entire system. This can save you a significant amount of money. It's cheaper to do this than waiting until you lose your only key.