Three Reasons Why 3 Reasons Why Your Saab Ignition Key Replacement Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

· 4 min read
Three Reasons Why 3 Reasons Why Your Saab Ignition Key Replacement Is Broken (And How To Repair It)

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars that were built prior to 1994 have an immobilizer feature that is based on codes for keys. A new transponder is required in order to enable the addition of an additional key, as well as special programming. This is usually done at the dealer with a specialized Tech2 diagnostic tool.

The problem is that this could be very costly. This is the reason why you should always have a spare key at hand.

Transponder key

The transponder can be described as a key that is equipped with an electronic chip. The chip transmits a signal when the key is inserted in the ignition. The car then examines the signal to see whether it is the same as the one that is in the key. If the signals match the car will then unlock and start. This is a fantastic way to protect your car from theft.

Transponder keys can be 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 but a transponder key is protected by an electronic chip. This chip contains a unique code that is encoded into the car's system to identify it.

When a Saab key fob is used the car recognizes it and allows it to turn on. The car will only recognize the key fob if the device has an unmodified chip and has been programmed to match. The car won't start in the event that the key is not programmed to match.

It is essential to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is especially important if you reside in a rural area that is home to many car thieves. The good thing is that you can get a replacement key for your Saab without needing to visit an auto dealership and pay the high prices that they demand. You can have an original key made on the spot at a fraction of the price you'd pay at an auto dealer.

Key for Wired

Saab cars typically come with two keys upon purchase. If you only have one, it's a good idea to get an additional key fob as soon as possible since if you lose it, the car will require the replacement of a CIM unit, and the locking cylinders will need to be replaced. This could be expensive particularly if you are buying a used car.

The next step is to connect the wires for columns and row to your microcontroller. This is the toughest part of the project, and will require a lot of soldering. There is no standard method to do this, but it is essential to determine how you will route and solder the rows and columns. For  saab replacement keys uk , there are five rows and 17 columns. This means there will be 22 microcontroller pins and wires to connect.

After the columns and rows are soldered, it's the time to connect them to key switches. Solder a diode to 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 has a visual indicator that is black, that shows which way current will flow.

Sanabria states that some of the tools available in auto parts stores, such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO and IM508 are able to assist customers shopping or DIY customers to program replacement keys and restore immobilizer data. The tools connect to OBD ports and guide the user through each step making the process simpler than replacing the vehicle's computer.

Jump starting the battery

The majority of people have a set of jumper cables in their trunks for emergency situations however, jumping a battery in newer vehicles may not be the best option. They have numerous digital and computer systems that communicate with each other. A surge in voltage when batteries are connected to another can fry the components making your car inoperable.

Start the vehicle you are using and allow it to run for around two minutes before you connect the cables to the one that is disabled. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that is good. (It will say "POS" or "+".) Attach the other end to a clean, unpainted metal surface under the hood of the damaged vehicle. The engine block is a great choice. Don't connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery because this could cause an ignition spark that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.

Once the cables are connected, you should begin the car and allow it to run for around five minutes. Then, disconnect them in reverse. Remember that the battery on the Saab 9-3 gets recharged when you drive, so it may take some time for the battery to go back down again. It's a good idea purchase a spare fob as soon as you can, since replacing the only functioning one requires the installation of a new computer module and a special program to convince it that your lost keys are not trying to steal the car.

Replacement case

Many Saab owners have only one key for their car and if they lose it, key, it will cost them. It's expensive to purchase keys and will require replacing the CIM or TWICE for older models. In the event of theft or other catastrophe it is best to have a spare key. Don't purchase a used key even it's "new." Keys that are claimed-new from aftermarket sellers will not work and are almost guaranteed to fail at the critical moment.



The majority of locksmiths won't be able to help if you have only one working key and the dealer will charge high prices to replace the computer in your vehicle for a replacement. We can, however, reset and re-program your computer's EEPROM to accept the new key without having to replace the whole system. This could save you a lot of money. It's more affordable instead of waiting until you loose the only key.