The History Of Saab Ignition Key Replacement

· 4 min read
The History Of Saab Ignition Key Replacement

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars produced since 1994 utilize an immobilizer system that is based on coded keys. A new transponder is required to allow the inclusion of an additional key, and special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.

It can be costly. You should always keep a spare set of keys on hand.

Transponder key

The transponder keys are keys equipped with an electronic chip. It sends a signal back to the car when it is put into the ignition. The car will check to see whether the signal matches with the one on the key. If the signals are the same, the car will unlock itself and start. This is a fantastic way to protect your car from theft.

Transponder keys can be an extremely popular accessory for cars, but they are not as safe as traditional metal keys. The metal component of a traditional key can easily be cut and copied, however transponders have an electronic chip which protects it. The chip has an unique code that is programmed into the car's computers to identify it.

The car will recognize the Saab keyfob, and allow it to be turned on. The car will only recognize the key fob if it is equipped with a chip that is unmodified and has been programmed to match. Otherwise, the car would refuse to accept the key and will not start.

It is essential to ensure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is particularly important for those who live in a rural region that has numerous car thieves. The good thing is that you can find a replacement key to your Saab without needing to visit a dealer and pay the high prices that they demand. You can have a replacement key created on the spot at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealership.

Wired key

Saab cars are usually delivered with two keys. If you have only one, you should get an extra key as soon as you can. This is because if you lose it the car will require a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced.  saab replacement key  can be expensive especially for used vehicles.

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 lots of soldering. There isn't a standard method to do it, but you must consider how you will route and connect each column and row. For this keyboard, there are five rows and 17 columns, which means there will be 22 microcontroller pins and wires to connect.

Once the rows and columns are soldered, it's time to connect them to key switches. Solder a diode to each key switch pin. This will shield the pins from current, preventing them from being shorted. The diode allows current to only flow in only one direction. It comes with a visual indicator of a black line that shows which way current will flow.

Sanabria states that a number of the tools sold in auto parts stores, such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO and IM508 are able to assist shoppers or DIY customers to program replacement keys and restore the immobilizer's data. The tools connect to the OBD port and automatically guide the user through the procedure, making it simpler than replacing the computer inside the vehicle.

Jump-starting the battery

A lot of people keep a set of jumper cables in their trunk in case of emergency, but jumping a battery on newer automobiles might not be the most efficient option. They have numerous computers and digital devices that communicate with each other. A voltage spike when the battery is connected to another could cause damage to these components and leave your car unable to drive.


Start the vehicle you are using and allow it to run for around two minutes before you connect the cables to the non-working one. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the good battery. (It will say "POS" or "+".) Attach the other end of the black cable to an unpainted, clean metal surface beneath the damaged car's hood. The engine block is a good option. The black cable is not to be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could trigger sparks, which would ignite gasoline in the engine compartment.

After the cables have been connected, you can start the vehicle and let it run for approximately five minutes. Then, disconnect them in reverse. Remember that the battery on the Saab 9-3 gets recharged while you drive, so it may take some time for the battery to come back to its original level. You should invest in an additional key fob when you can. Replacing the one that works requires the installation and programming of a new computer chip.

Replacement Case

Saab owners usually have only one car key, and if that is lost, they'll be charged. The reason is that it's not cheap to buy a new key, and it involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, and programming. It's best to have a second key in case of theft or any other catastrophe the best solution is to buy an extra key as soon as you are able to. Don't buy a secondhand key even the case that it's "new." Claimed-new keys purchased from third-party sellers won't perform and are almost certain to fail at the crucial moment.

The dealer will charge you the highest dollar if you have only one working key. We can, however, reset and re-program the computer's EEPROM in order to prepare it to accept a new key without replacing the whole system. This could save you lots of money. It's more affordable instead of waiting until you lose your only key.