10 Misconceptions Your Boss Shares Regarding Saab Ignition Key Replacement Saab Key Programming

Saab cars made since 1994 feature an immobilizer system based on a set of 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 problem is that it can be quite costly. It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys available.

Transponder key

The transponder is a type of key equipped with an electronic chip. The chip sends a signal when the key is placed in the ignition. The car then analyzes the signal to determine whether it is identical to the one in the key. If the signals match then the car will be able to open and start. This is a great way to protect your vehicle from theft.

Transponder keys can be an increasingly popular feature for automobiles, but they are not as safe as traditional keys made of metal. While the metal component of a conventional key can be cut and copied, a transponder is protected by an electronic chip. The chip contains a unique code that is programmed into a car's computers in order to identify it.

The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and allow it to turn on. The car will only recognize the key fob if it is equipped with a chip that is unmodified and programmed to match. If not, the car will refuse to accept the key and will not start.

It's essential to ensure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is especially true especially if you reside in a rural area where there are a lot of car burglars. You can purchase a new key for your Saab by going to the dealership without paying high prices. You can get a replacement key created on the spot for less than half of the cost you would spend at the dealership.

Key for Wired

Saab cars typically come with two keys upon purchase. If you own only one, you need to purchase an additional key as fast as you can. This is because if the key is lost and the car needs an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be costly, especially for used cars.

The next step is to wire the wires of the column and row to the microcontroller. This is the most laborious part of the project and will require lots of soldering. It's not a standard way to do it, but you must determine how to route and solder each column and row. There are 22 microcontroller wires as well as pins to connect for this keyboard. It has 5 rows and 17 column.

After the columns and rows are joined after which it is time to connect the key switches. Solder a diode on each key switch pin. This will shield the pins on the key switch from current and keep them from being shorted. A diode allows current to only flow in only one direction. It is equipped with a visible indicator that is black, that indicates which direction current will flow.

Some of the tools offered at auto parts stores -- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- could help shop customers or even DIY customers in certain instances create replacement keys and restore the lost immobilizer's data, Sanabria says. The tools plug into OBD ports and guide the user through each step which makes the process much easier than replacing the car's computer.

Jump-starting the battery

A majority of people keep the set in their trunks to jump start a car in an emergency, but this might not be a good idea for cars with more modern technology. These vehicles have many digital and electronic devices that communicate with each other. A voltage surge when the battery is connected to another could cause damage to the components, rendering your car undriveable.

Connect the cables to the vehicle working. Allow it to run for two minutes. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that is good (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end to a clear, unpainted metal surface beneath the hood of the damaged car. The engine block is a great alternative. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery as this could trigger a spark that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.


Once the cables are connected, you can start the vehicle that has been disabled and let it run for approximately five minutes before disconnecting them in reverse order. Keep in mind that the battery on your Saab 9-3 is recharged when you drive, and it could take a while for the battery to go down. You should purchase another key fob as soon as possible. Replacing the only one that works requires the installation and programming of a new computer chip.

Replacement Case

Saab owners usually only have one car key, and if it is lost, they will be charged. The reason 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, plus programming. In the event of theft, or any other calamity it is recommended to have an extra key. Don't buy a secondhand key even if it's "new." Keys that are claimed as new from a second-hand store will not work and are almost guaranteed to fail at the critical moment.

saab 9-3 key replacement to help when you only have one working key, and the dealer will charge you high fees to replace the computer in your car to make a replacement. We can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to be able to accept a replacement key without the need to replace the entire system. This can save you a great deal of money. It's also less expensive than waiting until you lose your sole key.