What's Holding Back In The Saab Ignition Key Replacement Industry?

· 4 min read
What's Holding Back In The Saab Ignition Key Replacement Industry?

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars produced since 1994 feature an immobilizer that relies on key codes. A new transponder is required for addition of a second key, as well as special programming. This is usually done at the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.

It can be costly. Always keep an extra set of keys available.

Transponder key

The transponder is a key that is equipped with an electronic chip. This chip sends out a signal when the key is put in the ignition. The car then checks the signal to see whether it is identical to that of the key. If the signals match the car will then unlock and begin. This is a great method to guard your car against theft.

Transponder keys are a common feature in vehicles, but you should be aware they're not as secure as traditional metal keys. While the metal portion of a conventional key can be cut and copied however, a transponder is secured by an electronic chip. The chip has 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. However, it is only able to do so if the key fob is equipped with a chip that is not modified that has been programmed to match. If not, the car will reject the key and not start.

It's essential to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is especially true when you live in a rural region where there are a lot of car burglars. The good part is that you can find a new key for your Saab without having to go to a dealer and pay the high costs that they ask. In most instances, you can get a new key made on-the-spot at a fraction of the price of what you would pay at dealerships.

Key for Wired

Saab cars are usually delivered with two keys. If you only have one, it is best to acquire an extra key fob as soon as is possible as if you lose it, the car will require an entirely new CIM unit and the locking cylinders will have to be replaced. This can be costly particularly if you are buying a used car.

The next step is to connect the wires for the column and row to the microcontroller. This is the toughest part of the project, and it will require a lot of soldering. There's no standard way to do this, but it is crucial to plan the way you'll route and solder the columns and rows. There are 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect for this keyboard. It has five rows and 17 columns.

Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's the time to connect them to the key switches. To do this you must place an inverter over each pin on the key switch and then solder it. This will protect the pins from current and prevent them from being cut off. A diode allows the flow of current to be in one direction, and it also has a an indicator of black color that indicates the direction in which current will flow.

Sanabria says that some of the tools that are sold in auto parts stores, including the Autel MaxiIM IMM608PRO and IM508 can assist customers shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore data from the immobilizer.  saab fob key replacement  into the OBD port and automatically guide the customer through the process, making it more simple than replacing the computer inside the vehicle.

Jumpstarting the battery

The majority of people have an item in their trunk to jump-start a vehicle in an emergency, but it might not be a good idea for cars with more modern technology. These cars have a variety of electronic devices and computers that communicate with one another. A surge of voltage when batteries are connected to another can fry the components making your car unusable.

Connect the cables to the vehicle that is working. Allow it to run for two minutes. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the good battery (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end to a clean unpainted metal surface beneath the hood of the affected vehicle. The engine block is a good alternative. The black cable should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could create a spark, which would ignite the gasoline inside the engine compartment.

Once the cables are connected, start the disabled vehicle and let it run for approximately five minutes before you disconnect them in reverse order. Be aware that the battery of the Saab 9-3 will be charged during your drive, which means it can take a while for the battery to go back to its original level. You should purchase a second key fob, as soon as you can. The replacement of the one that works requires the installation and programming of a new computer chip.

Replacement case


Many Saab owners only have one key for their car and if they lose it, the cost will be. The reason for this is that it's costly to buy a new key, and it requires replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, as well as programming. In the event of theft or any other calamity it is best to have an extra key. Even if the key is "new" it won't work.

Most locksmiths cannot help you in the event that you only have one working key and the dealer will charge you high prices to replace the computer in your car to make a new 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 help you save a significant amount of money. It's also cheaper than waiting until you lose your one key.