Saab Key Programming
Saab cars manufactured from 1994 have an immobilizer system that is based on coded keys. A new transponder is required in order to enable the addition of an extra key, as well as special programming. This is usually done by the dealer using a Tech2 diagnostic tool.
The problem is that this can be very expensive. You should always keep a spare set of keys available.
Transponder key
The transponder keys are keys equipped with an electronic chip. It transmits a signal to the car when it is placed in the ignition. The car will check to see whether the signal matches with the one on the key. If the signals are identical it will open itself and begin. This is a great method to avoid auto theft and keep your vehicle safe from thieves.
Transponder keys are an extremely popular accessory for automobiles, but they are not as safe as traditional metal keys. While the metal part of a conventional key can be cut and copied but a transponder key is protected by an electronic chip. The chip is a unique code that is inserted into the car's computer in order to identify it.
When a Saab key fob is used, the car recognizes it and allows it to turn on. However, it will only do this if the key fob has a non-modified chip that has been programmed to match. Otherwise, the car will reject the key and won't start.
It's essential to ensure that you have a spare key for your Saab. This is especially important when you live in a rural area where there are a lot of car thieves. The good thing is that you can get a replacement key for your Saab without having to go to an auto dealer and pay the hefty prices they ask. You can have a replacement key made on the spot for less than half what you would spend at an auto dealer.
Wired key
Saab cars typically come with two keys when they're new. If you only have one, it's best to acquire an extra key fob as soon as you can, because if you lose it the car will require an entirely new CIM unit, and the locking cylinders have to be replaced. This can be expensive, especially for used cars.
The next step is to wire the wires for the column and row to the microcontroller. This is the most difficult aspect of the project and will require lots of soldering. There's no standard way to accomplish this, however it's important to plan out the routes you'll use to solder the rows and columns. For this keyboard, there are 5 rows and 17 columns. So there will be 22 microcontroller wires and pins that you need to connect.
After the columns and rows are soldered, it's time to connect them to key switches. Solder a diode on each key switch pin. This will protect the pins of the key switch from current and stop them from being shorted. A diode can only allow the flow of current to be in one direction, and has a the black band as a visual indicator that indicates the direction current will flow.
Sanabria states that some of the tools offered in auto parts stores, such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO and the IM508 are able to assist customers who are shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore the immobilizer's data. The tools plug into the OBD port and automatically guide the user through the process, making it easier than replacing the computer in the vehicle.
Jumpstarting the battery
The majority of people have a set of jumper cables in their trunk for emergency situations, but jumping a battery on newer automobiles might not be the best idea. These vehicles have many digital and computer systems that communicate with each other. A voltage surge when the battery is connected to another can fry the components, rendering your car undriveable.
Start the vehicle that is working and allow it to run for around two minutes before connecting the cables to the disabled one. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal on the good battery (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach the other end to a clear, unpainted metal surface underneath the hood of the affected vehicle. The engine block is an excellent choice. The black cable should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could cause sparks, which would ignite the gasoline in the engine compartment.
After the cables have been connected, you need to start the vehicle and allow it to run for around five minutes. Then, disconnect them in reverse. Keep in mind that the battery on the Saab 9-3 will be charged when you drive, and it may take some time for the battery to come down. The Keylab is a good idea to buy 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 your 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'll be charged. It's expensive to buy a key and requires replacing the CIM or TWICE in the case of older models. In the event of theft or other catastrophe, it is best to have an extra key. Even even if the key is "new" it will not work.
The dealer will charge you the highest dollars if you only have one working key. We can reset and reprogram the computer's EEEPROM to get it ready to accept a new key without replacing the entire system. This can save you a lot of money. It's cheaper to do this instead of waiting until you lose the sole key.