Is Technology Making Saab Ignition Key Replacement Better Or Worse?
Saab Key Programming
Saab cars made since 1994 utilize an immobilizer system that is based on key codes. Adding an extra key requires the purchase of a new transponder as well as special programming. This is usually handled by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
It can be costly. This is why it is important to always have a spare key at hand.
Transponder key
The transponder is a piece of key with an electronic chip. The chip sends a signal when the key is placed into the ignition. The car is able to check whether the signal matches the one on the key. If the signals match then the car will be able to open and start. This is an excellent way to protect your vehicle from theft.
Transponder keys can be a popular addition to cars, but they're not as safe as traditional keys made of metal. The metal component of the traditional key is easily copied and cut, but a transponder has an electronic chip that safeguards it. This chip contains an unique code that is inserted into a car's computer in order to identify it.
The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and allow it to be turned on. However, it can only do this if the key fob has a non-modified chip that has been programmed to match. Otherwise, the car will refuse to accept the key and will not start.
It's important to make sure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is especially important if you live in a rural location where there are numerous car thieves. You can get a new key for your Saab by going to the dealership and not paying their high cost. In most instances, you can get a new key made on-the-spot at a fraction of the cost of what you would pay at a dealer.
Wired key
Saab cars usually come with two keys upon purchase. If you only own one, you need to purchase an additional key as quickly as you can. This is because if the key is lost and the car is damaged, it will require an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be costly especially if you're buying a used car.
The next step is connecting the wires for columns and row to your microcontroller. This is the most tedious component of the project and will require lots of soldering. There is how to open a saab 93 without a key to accomplish this, however it's important to plan out the routes you'll use to solder the columns and rows. There are 22 microcontroller pins and wires to connect to this keyboard. It has 5 rows and 17 columns.
After the columns and rows are joined then it's time to connect the key switches. To do this you must place a diode over each key switch pin and solder it. This will protect the pins from current, and prevent them from being cut off. A diode only allows the flow of current to be in one direction, and it comes with a a black band visual indicator that indicates the direction in which current will flow.
Some of the tools offered at auto parts stores- such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608 PRO and IM508 -- may help shop customers or even DIY customers in some cases create replacement keys and restore lost immobilizer data Sanabria says. The tools connect to the OBD port and guide the customer through the process, making it more simple than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jump starting the battery
The majority of people have a set in their trunk to start a vehicle in an emergency, but it might not be a good option for vehicles with newer technology. These vehicles have many digital and computer systems that communicate with one another. A surge in voltage while a battery is hooked up to another one could damage the components and render your vehicle undriveable.
Start the working vehicle and allow it to run for approximately two minutes before connecting the cables to the disabled one. 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 clear, unpainted metal surface under the hood of the disabled vehicle. The engine block is a great option. The black cable should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could result in sparks, which would ignite the gasoline in the engine compartment.
Once the cables are connected, you need to start the vehicle and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then, disconnect the cables in reverse. The battery in your Saab 9-3 is recharged as you drive. It will take a while for it to fall back. It is a good idea to invest in a spare key fob as soon as you can, since replacing the only working one requires the installation of a brand new computer module and a special program to convince it that the lost keys aren't attempting to steal the car.
Replacement case
Saab owners usually have only one car key, and if that is lost, they will be charged. The reason is that it's not inexpensive to buy a new key, and this involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, and programming. In the event of theft or any other disaster it is advisable to have an extra key. Even it's "new" it will not function.
The dealer will charge you top dollar if you only have one working key. We can reset and reprogram the EEEPROM of your computer to make it ready to accept a replacement key without the need to replace the entire system. This can save you lots of money. It's cheaper to do this instead of waiting until you lose your only key.