Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Methods For Saying Saab Ignition Key Replacement

Buzzwords De-Buzzed: 10 Other Methods For Saying Saab Ignition Key Replacement

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars manufactured since 1994 feature an immobilizer mechanism based on coded keys. To add an additional key, you need an entirely new transponder and programming. This is usually done at the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.

This can be expensive. You should always keep an extra set of keys available.

Transponder key

The transponder is a piece of key equipped with an electronic chip. This chip sends out a signal when the key is placed in the ignition. The car then examines the signal to determine if it matches the one in the key. If both signals match it will open itself and start. This is a great way to safeguard your car from theft.

Transponder keys may be an extremely popular accessory for automobiles, but they are not as secure as traditional keys made of metal. While the metal portion of a traditional key may be cut and copied however, a transponder is secured by an electronic chip. The chip has a unique code embedded into the car's computer to identify it.

The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and allow it to be turned 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 will reject the key and won't start.

It's crucial to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is particularly important when you live in a rural location 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 an auto dealership and pay the high costs that they ask. In the majority of instances, you can get a new key made on-the-spot at a fraction of the price of what you would pay at dealerships.

Wired key

Saab cars usually come with two keys when new. If you only have one, you need to purchase an additional key as fast as you can. This is because if you lose it, the car will need a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be expensive particularly for used cars.

The next step is to connect the row and column wires to the microcontroller. This is the most tedious part of the project, and will require a lot of soldering. There isn't a standard method to do it, but you should plan how to connect and solder each column and row. For this keyboard, there are 5 rows and 17 columns. This means there will be 22 microcontroller pins and wires to connect.

Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's the time to connect them to key switches. To do  G28 Car Keys , put a diode across each pin on the key switch and then solder it. This will shield the key switch pins from current and prevent them from being shorted. A diode lets current only flow in only one direction. It is equipped with a visible indicator with a black band that indicates which direction current will flow.


Some of the tools available at auto parts stores -- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro and IM508 -- may help shop customers or even DIY customers in some cases create replacement keys and restore lost immobilizer data, Sanabria says. The tools connect to OBD ports and help the customer through each step which makes the process much easier than replacing the car's computer.

Jumpstarting the battery

The majority of people have a set of jumper cables in their trunk for emergencies however, jumping a battery for newer automobiles might not be the most efficient option. These vehicles are equipped with electronic devices and computers that communicate with one another. A voltage spike when the battery is connected another can fry the components making your car unusable.

Start the vehicle you are using and let it run for about two minutes before connecting the cables to the non-working one. 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 under the hood of the damaged vehicle. The engine block is a good option. Don't connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery as it could ignite an ignition source that ignites gasoline in the engine bay.

Once the cables are connected, you need to start the car and let it run for about five minutes. Then disconnect the cables in reverse. Be aware that the battery of your Saab 9-3 is recharged when you drive, so it can take a while for the battery to go back to its original level. It is recommended to purchase another key fob as soon as possible. The replacement of 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 that key, it will cost them. It's costly to add a key and requires replacing the CIM or TWICE in the case of older models. In the event of theft, or other catastrophe it is advisable to have an extra key. Even even if the key is "new", it will not function.

Most locksmiths cannot help you with a single working key, and the dealer will charge you high prices to replace the computer in your car to make a replacement. We can reset and reprogram the computer's EEEPROM in order to get it ready to accept a replacement key without replacing the entire system. That can save you a lot of money. It's more affordable rather than wait until you lose the only key.