Saab Key Programming
Saab cars made since 1994 feature an immobilizer mechanism made up of coded keys. To add an additional key, you need an entirely new transponder and programming. This is usually done at the dealer, using a specially-designed Tech2 diagnostic tool.
The problem is that this could be extremely expensive. This is why you should always have a spare key on hand.
Transponder key
The transponder keys are keys with an electronic chip that sends a signal to car when it is inserted into ignition. The car will check to see whether the signal is the same as the one on the key. If the signals are in sync it will unlock and start. This is a fantastic way to safeguard your car from theft.
Transponder keys may be an increasingly popular feature for cars, but they're not as secure as traditional metal keys. While the metal part of a traditional key can be cut and copied the transponder is protected by an electronic chip. The chip is a unique code which is programmed into a 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 your key fob has an unmodified chip that has been programmed to match it. The car will not start if the key is not programmed to match.
It's important to make sure that you have an extra key for your Saab. This is especially important if you reside in a rural location that has numerous car thieves. The good news is that it's possible to find a replacement key to your Saab without needing to visit a dealership and pay the high prices that they demand. You can get the replacement key on the spot at a fraction of the cost you would pay at a dealership.
Wired key
Saab cars are usually supplied with two keys. If you own only one, you should get an additional key as soon as you can. This is because if it's lost and the car needs an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be expensive especially for cars that are used.
The next step is to connect the wires for columns and rows to your microcontroller. This is the toughest aspect of the project and it will require a lot of soldering. It's not a standard way to go about it, but you should determine how to route and connect each column and row. There are 22 microcontroller wires and pins that you can connect for this keyboard. It has five rows and 17 column.
After the columns and rows are soldered, it's time to connect them to the key switches. To do this you must place an inverter over each key switch pin and solder it. This will shield the key switch pins from current and also prevent them from being shorted. A diode only allows the current to flow in a single direction, and it comes with a an indicator of black color that indicates which way the current will flow.
Sanabria says that a few of the tools that are sold in auto parts stores, such as the Autel MaxiIM IMM608PRO and IM508 can assist customers shopping or DIY users to program replacement keys and restore data from the immobilizer. The tools plug into OBD ports and guide the user through each step which makes the process much easier than replacing the vehicle's computer.
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 in newer vehicles might not be the best option. They have numerous digital and electronic devices that communicate with one another. A surge in voltage when the battery is connected to another battery could damage the components making your car unusable.
Start the vehicle you are using and allow it to run for approximately two minutes before connecting the cables to the battery that is not working. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that is good (it will have "POS" or "+" on it). Attach G28CarKeys of the black cable to an unpainted, clean metal surface under the disabled car's hood. The engine block would be a good choice. The black cable should not be connected to the negative terminal of the dead battery. This could trigger sparks that could ignite the gasoline that is in the engine compartment.
Once the cables are connected, start the disabled vehicle and let it run for approximately five minutes before disconnecting them in reverse order. The battery in your Saab 9-3 is recharged while you drive. It takes a while for it to recharge again. It's a good idea purchase a spare fob as soon as you can, since replacing the only working one requires the installation of a brand 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, they'll be charged. The reason for this is that it's expensive to buy a new key, and it requires replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, plus programming. It is recommended to have a backup key in case of theft or any other catastrophe and the best option is to buy an extra key as soon as you are able to. However, don't purchase a secondhand key even if it's "new." Keys that are claimed to be new from a second-hand store will not work and are likely to fail in the most critical moment.
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 be able to accept a new key without replacing the entire system. This can save you a significant amount of money. It's more affordable instead of waiting until you lose your only key.