What's Holding Back This Saab Ignition Key Replacement Industry?

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

Saab Key Programming

Saab cars made since 1994 feature an immobilizer mechanism made up of coded keys. A new transponder is required to allow the addition of an extra key, and special programming. This is usually handled by the dealer using the Tech2 diagnostic tool.

The issue is that it can be very costly. You should always keep a spare set of keys in your possession.

Transponder key

The transponder can be described as a key that is equipped with an electronic chip. This chip sends out a signal when the key is put into the ignition. The car will then check the signal to determine whether it is identical to the one that is in the key. If the signals are identical the car will be able to unlock itself and begin. This is a fantastic way to protect your vehicle from theft.

Transponder keys are a popular feature in automobiles, but you should be aware they're not as secure as traditional metal keys. While the metal parts of a traditional key can be cut and copied, a transponder is protected by an electronic chip. The chip has a unique code which is programmed into a car's computer order to identify it.

When a Saab key fob is used, the car recognizes it and allows it to turn on. But, it's only able to do this if the fob is unmodified and has a chip that has been programmed to match the original. Otherwise, the car would reject the key and won't start.


It's crucial to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is especially true for those who live in a rural area with many car thieves. You can get a brand new key for your Saab by going to the dealership, without having to pay their pricey costs. In most instances, you can get a brand new key made right on the spot for less than half the cost of what you would pay at a dealer.

Key for Wired

Saab cars typically come with two keys when new. If you only have one, you should get an extra key as soon as you can. This is because, if it's lost and the car is damaged, it will require a new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be costly especially for cars that are used.

The next step is to wire the row and column wires to the microcontroller. This is the most laborious part of the project and it will require lots of soldering. There isn't a standard method to go about 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 wires and pins to connect.

After the columns and rows are joined, it is time to connect the key switches. To do this you must place a diode across each key switch pin and then solder it. This will shield the key switch pins from current and keep them from being shorted. A diode allows the flow of current to be in one direction, and it comes with a an indicator of black color that indicates the direction in which current will flow.

Some of the tools offered at auto parts storeslike the Autel MaxiIM IM608 Pro and IM508 -- may help shop customers or even DIY users in some cases program replacement keys and restore lost immobilizer information, Sanabria says. The tools connect to OBD ports and guide the customer through each step which makes the process much easier than replacing the car's computer.

Jump-starting the battery

A majority of people keep a set in their trunks to jump start a vehicle in an emergency, but this might not be the best idea for vehicles that are newer. These cars are equipped with a variety of computers and digital devices which communicate with each other.  how to get a saab replacement key G28CarKeys  when the battery is connected to another can fry the components and render your vehicle unusable.

Start the vehicle that is working and allow it to run for approximately two minutes before you connect the cables to the non-working one. Attach the red clip on the positive terminal of the battery that's good. (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 should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could trigger sparks, which could ignite the gasoline inside the engine compartment.

Once the cables are connected the vehicle that has been disabled and let it run for approximately five minutes before you disconnect them in reverse order. The battery in your Saab 9-3 is recharged as you drive. It takes a while for it to fall back. It's a good idea to purchase a spare key fob as soon as you can, since replacing the only working one requires the installation of a new computer module and special programming to convince the system that your lost keys aren't in the process of trying to steal the car.

Replacement case

Many Saab owners only have one key for their car and if they lose it, the cost will be. It's expensive to purchase a key and requires replacing the CIM or TWICE in the case of older models. It is recommended to have a backup key in the event of theft or other disaster and the best option is to purchase an extra key as soon as you can. However, don't purchase a secondhand key even the case that it's "new." Claimed-new keys from sellers selling aftermarket keys won't work and are almost guaranteed to fail in the crucial moment.

The dealer will charge you top dollar if you only have one working key. However, we can reset and re-program your computer's EEPROM to accept a new key without replacing the entire system. This could save you a lot of money. It's also less expensive than waiting until you lose your one key.