Saab Key Programming

saab key replacement bristol cars built since 1994 utilize an immobilizer system that relies on keys that are coded. A new transponder is required in order to enable the addition of a second key, and special programming. This is usually handled by the dealer using the Tech2 diagnostic tool.

This can be expensive. This is the reason why you should always have a spare key available.

Transponder key

The transponder key is a piece of hardware equipped with an electronic chip. It sends a signal to car when it is put into the ignition. The car then checks to see whether the signal matches with the one on the key. If the signals are the same the car will be able to unlock itself and begin. This is a fantastic way to protect your vehicle from theft.

Transponder keys are a favored feature in automobiles, however it is important to know that they are not as secure as classic metal keys. While the metal component of a traditional key may be cut and copied however, a transponder is secured by an electronic chip. The chip has a unique code which is programmed into the car's computer in order 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 it has an unmodified chip and programmed to match. Otherwise, the car will refuse to accept the key and will not start.

It is important to have a spare Saab key. This is particularly important for those who live in a rural location that has many car thieves. The good part is that you can obtain a replacement key for your Saab without needing to visit a dealership and pay the hefty prices that they demand. In most cases, you can have a brand new key made right on the spot for less than half the cost of what you would pay at the dealer.

Wired key

Saab cars usually come with two keys upon purchase. If you only have one, it's best to acquire an extra key fob as soon as possible, because if you lose it, your car will require an entirely new CIM unit and the locking cylinders have to be replaced. This could be expensive especially if buying a second-hand car.

The next step is to connect the wires for columns and rows to your microcontroller. This is the most tedious part of the project and will require lots of soldering. There's no standard way to do it, but you should plan how to route and solder each column and row. For this keyboard, there are five rows and 17 columns. So there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect.

Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's the time to connect them to the key switches. Solder a diode to 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 allows current to only flow in only one direction. It is equipped with a visible indicator of a black line that shows the direction in which the current will flow.

Some of the tools you can find at auto parts stores -like the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- could aid shop customers or DIY users in some cases program 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 vehicle's computer.

Jump-starting the battery

Most people keep a few sets of jumper cables in their trunks for emergency situations however, jumping a battery on modern vehicles may not be the best choice. These cars are equipped with a variety of digital and computers that communicate with each other. A voltage surge when the battery is connected another one could cause damage to the parts making your car inoperable.

Connect the cables to the vehicle that is working. Let it run for two minutes. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that's good. (It will read "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 alternative. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery as it could spark an ignition that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.

Once the cables are connected, you can start the vehicle that has been disabled and allow it to run for around five minutes before disconnecting the cables in reverse order. Keep in mind that the battery on your Saab 9-3 is recharged during your drive, which means it may take some time to get the battery back to normal. It's a good idea purchase a spare fob as soon as you can, since replacing the only working one requires the installation of a new computer module and special programming to convince the system that your lost keys aren't in the process of trying to steal the car.

Replacement Case

Many Saab owners only have one key for their vehicle and if they lose it, the cost will be. The reason for this is that it's costly to purchase a new key, and this involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, as well as programming. It is best to have a backup key in case of theft or any other catastrophe and the best option is to purchase a second key as soon as you can. Even if the key is "new", it won't work.

Most locksmiths cannot help you if you have only one working key and the dealer will charge high fees to replace the computer in your vehicle for a replacement. However, we can reset and reprogram the computer's EEPROM to prepare it to accept the new key, without replacing the whole system. That can help you save money. It's also a lot cheaper than waiting until you lose the only key.