Why We Are In Love With Saab Ignition Key Replacement (And You Should, Too!)

· 4 min read
Why We Are In Love With Saab Ignition Key Replacement (And You Should, Too!)

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars that were built prior to 1994 feature an immobilizer mechanism based on coded keys. To add an additional key, you need an entirely new transponder and programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.

The issue is that this can be very costly. This is why you should always have a spare key at hand.

Transponder key

The transponder is a key that has an electronic chip. This chip sends a signal when the key is put into the ignition. The car checks to see whether the signal matches the one on the key. If the signals match it will open itself and start. This is an excellent way to safeguard your car from theft.

Transponder keys can be a popular addition to cars, but they're not as secure as traditional metal keys. The metal portion of a traditional keys can be easily copied and cut, but transponders have an electronic chip which protects it. This chip contains a unique code that is encoded into the car's system to identify it.

The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and allow it to be turned on. However, it can only do so if the key fob has an unmodified chip that has been programmed to match. Otherwise, the car will reject the key and refuse to start.

It's important to make sure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is especially true if you live in a rural area where there are a lot of car thieves. You can get a new key for your Saab by going to the dealership without paying their expensive prices. In the majority of cases, you can have a new key made on-the-spot for less than half the cost you'd pay at an auto dealer.

Wired key

Saab cars are usually supplied with two keys. If you only own one, you should purchase an additional key as soon as you can. This is because, if it's 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 are purchasing a used car.

The next step is to wire the column and row wires to the microcontroller. This is the most laborious component of the project and it will require lots of soldering. It's not a common way to go about it, but you must think about how to route and solder each column and row. There are 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect to this keyboard. It has 5 rows and 17 columns.


After the columns and rows are soldered together, it is time to connect the key switches. To do this, you need to place an inverter over each pin of the key switch and solder it. This will protect the pins from current, preventing them from being cut off. A diode can only allow the current to flow in a single direction, and it has a black band visual indicator that shows the direction in which current will flow.

Sanabria states that a number of the tools sold in auto parts stores, including the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO and IM508 are able to assist customers who are shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore data from the immobilizer.  saab 93 key fob replacement  into OBD ports and guide the customer through each step making the process simpler than replacing the car's computer.

Jumpstarting the battery

A majority of people keep a set in their trunks to jump-start their vehicle in an emergency, but this might not be the best option for vehicles with newer technology. These vehicles are equipped with a number of computers and digital devices that communicate with one another. A voltage surge when a battery is connected to another can fry the components and render your vehicle unusable.

Connect the cables to the vehicle that is working. Allow it to run for two minutes. 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 clear, unpainted metal surface underneath the hood of the disabled car. The engine block is a great choice. Do not connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery, since it could spark an ignition that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay.

Once the cables are connected, you can begin the car and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then disconnect them in reverse. The battery in your Saab 9-3 will recharge while you drive. It will take some time for it to recharge again. You should purchase an additional key fob as soon as you can. Replacing the original one that works requires the installation and programming of a new computer chip.

Replacement Case

Saab owners often only have one car key, and if it is lost, they'll be charged. The reason for this is that it's costly to buy a new key, and that involves 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 a spare key. But don't buy a used key, even the case that it's "new." Claimed-new keys from sellers selling aftermarket keys won't be effective and are almost guaranteed to fail in the most critical moment.

The dealer will charge you the most expensive dollar for only one working key. We can, however, reset and reprogram the computer's EEPROM in order to prepare it to accept an alternative key without replacing the whole system. This can save you a significant amount of money. It's cheaper to do this than waiting until you lose the only key.