Saab Key Programming
Saab cars produced since 1994 utilize an immobilizer system based on keys that are coded. A new transponder is required in order to enable the addition of an additional key, and special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
This can be expensive. It is recommended to always have a spare set of keys on hand.
Transponder key
The transponder is a type of key that is equipped with an electronic chip. The chip transmits 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 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 car from theft.
Transponder keys are a common feature in automobiles, however you must be aware that they're not as secure as traditional keys made of metal. The metal portion of a traditional key can easily be cut and copied, however a transponder has an electronic chip that protects it. The chip has a unique code that is inserted into the car's computer in order to identify it.
The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and permit it to turn on. The car can only recognize the key fob when it has a chip that is unmodified and programmed to match. saab replacement keys will not start if the key is not programmed to match.
It is important to have an extra Saab key. This is particularly important if you live in a rural area, where there are many car thieves. You can obtain a replacement key for your Saab by going to the dealership without paying their high costs. In most cases, you can have a new key made on-the-spot at a fraction of the price of what you would pay at a dealer.
Wired key
Saab cars are typically delivered with two keys. If you have only one, you need to purchase an additional key as quickly as you can. This is because if you lose it the car will require a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be costly especially if you're purchasing a used 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 it will require a lot of soldering. There isn't a standard way to accomplish this, however it is important to think about the route you'll take and solder the columns and rows. There are 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect to this keyboard. It includes 5 rows and 17 columns.
After the columns and rows are soldered together, it is time to connect the key switches. Solder a diode on each key switch pin. This will protect the pins from current, preventing them from being shortened. A diode lets current only flow in one direction. It comes with a visual indicator that is black, that shows the direction in which the current will flow.
Some of the tools you can find at auto parts stores- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- could assist customers at the shop or DIY users in some cases replace keys in the program and restore lost immobilizer information, Sanabria says. The tools plug into OBD ports and help the customer through each step making the process simpler than replacing the vehicle's computer.
Jumpstarting the battery
Most people keep a set in their trunks to start a vehicle in the event of an emergency, but it might not be a good idea for newer cars. They have numerous digital and electronic devices that communicate with each other. A voltage surge while a battery is hooked up to another could cause damage to these components, rendering your vehicle unable to drive.
Connect the cables to the vehicle working. Let it run for two minutes. Attach the red clip on the positive terminal of the good battery. (It will say "POS" or "+".) Attach the other end to a clean, unpainted metal surface underneath the hood of the disabled vehicle. The engine block is a great alternative. Don't connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery, since it could spark a spark that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.
Once the cables are connected, you need to begin the car and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then, disconnect the cables in reverse. Be aware that the battery in the Saab 9-3 gets recharged during your drive, which means it will take a while to get the battery down. It's a good idea to invest in a spare key fob as soon as you can, because replacing the only working one requires the installation of a new computer module and a special program to convince it that your lost keys aren't in the process of trying to steal the car.
Replacement Case
Saab owners usually only have one car key, and if it is lost, they will be charged. The reason for this is that it's expensive to add a new key, and this involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, plus programming. In the event of theft, or other catastrophe it is advisable to have a spare key. Even when the key is "new" it will not work.
The dealer will charge you top dollar if you have only one working key. We can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to be able to accept a replacement key without replacing the entire system. This can save you a great deal of money. It's cheaper to do this than waiting until you lose the only key.