15 Surprising Stats About Saab Ignition Key Replacement
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars manufactured since 1994 use an immobilizer system based on coded keys. The addition of a key requires a new transponder and special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
This can be expensive. Always keep a spare set of keys on hand.
Transponder key
The transponder key is a key with an electronic chip that sends a signal to car when it is placed in the ignition. The car then checks to see whether the signal is the same as the one on the key. If the signals are the same the car will be able to unlock itself and start. This is a great way to protect your vehicle from theft.
Transponder keys may be an extremely popular accessory for automobiles, but they are not as safe as traditional keys made of metal. The metal part of the traditional key can be easily cut and copied, whereas transponders are protected by an electronic chip that protects it. The chip has an 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. But, it's only able to do this if your key fob has an unmodified chip that has been programmed to match it. In the absence of that, the car will refuse to accept the key and will not start.
It is important to have an extra Saab key. This is particularly important especially if you live in a rural area with numerous car thieves. The good news is that it's possible to find a replacement key to your Saab without having to go to an auto dealership and pay the hefty prices that they demand. You can have a replacement key made on the spot for less than half what you would pay at an auto dealer.
Wired key
Saab cars typically come with two keys upon purchase. If you have only one, you need to purchase an additional key as fast as you can. This is because if the key is lost the car will require an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This could be expensive especially if purchasing a used car.
The next step is connecting the row and columns wires to your microcontroller. This is the most laborious aspect of the project and it will require lots of soldering. There isn't a standard way to do this, but it is important to think about the way you'll route and solder the rows and columns. For this keyboard, there are 5 rows and 17 columns, so there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect.
After the columns and rows are soldered, it's the time to connect them to the key switches. Solder a diode on each key switch pin. This will protect the pins that are used for key switches from current and stop them from being shorted. A diode permits current to only flow in only one direction. TheKeyLab comes with a visual indicator with a black band that indicates which direction current will flow.
Some of the tools available at auto parts storeslike the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- can aid shop customers or DIY users in some cases programme replacement keys and recover the lost immobilizer's data, Sanabria says. The tools connect to OBD ports and guide the customer through each step making the process simpler than replacing the vehicle's computer.
Jump starting the battery
A lot of people keep a set of jumper cables in their trunk to use in an emergency however, jumping a battery in newer vehicles may not be the best choice. These vehicles are equipped with many electronic devices and computers that communicate with each other. A voltage spike when the battery is connected to another one could cause damage to the parts and render your vehicle unusable.
Start the vehicle you are using and allow it to run for around two minutes before connecting the cables to the non-working one. 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 vehicle. The engine block is an excellent option. The black cable is not to be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could result in sparks that could ignite the gasoline in the engine compartment.
After the cables have been connected, you can start the car and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then, disconnect them in reverse. Be aware that the battery of the Saab 9-3 gets recharged when you drive, so it can take a while to get the battery back down again. It is a good idea to invest in a spare key fob as soon as you can, because replacing the one that works requires the installation of a new computer module and special programming to convince it that the lost keys aren't in the process of trying to steal the car.
Replacement case
Saab owners typically only have one car key, and if that is lost, they'll be charged. It's expensive to add the key and also requires replacing the CIM or TWICE in the case of older models. In the event of theft or any other catastrophe it is advisable to have an extra key. However, don't purchase a secondhand key, even if it's "new." Keys that are claimed-new purchased from third-party sellers won't work and are likely to fail in the most critical moment.
The majority of locksmiths won't be able to help in the event that you only have one working key and the dealer will charge you top dollar to replace the computer in your car to make a replacement. However, we can reset and re-program the computer's EEPROM to prepare it to accept an alternative key without replacing the entire system. This could save you a lot of money. It's cheaper to do this rather than wait until you lose the sole key.
