Saab Key Programming Saab cars made from 1994 have an immobilizer system based on coded keys. To add an additional key, you need an entirely new transponder and programming. This is usually handled by the dealer using the Tech2 diagnostic tool. The problem is that this could be quite costly. It is always advisable to keep an extra set of keys at hand. Transponder key The transponder can be described as a key that is equipped with an electronic chip. The chip sends a signal when the key is inserted into the ignition. https://www.thekeylab.co.uk/saab-car-keys/ checks to see whether the signal matches with the one on the key. If the signals are identical the car will then unlock itself and begin. This is a great way to prevent auto theft and keep your vehicle secure from thieves. Transponder keys are an increasingly popular feature in vehicles, but you must be aware that they aren't as secure as classic keys made of metal. While the metal parts of a traditional key can be cut and copied, a transponder is protected by an electronic chip. The chip has an unique code that is embedded into the car's computer to identify it. The car will recognize the Saab keyfob and allow it to turn on. The car will only recognize the key fob if it has an unmodified chip and has been programmed to match. If not, the car will refuse to accept the key and will not start. It is crucial to have a spare Saab key. This is especially true especially if you reside in a rural location where there are a lot of car burglars. You can get a new key for your Saab by going to the dealership without paying their expensive cost. In the majority of instances, you can get a brand new key made right on the spot for less than half the price of what you would pay at an auto dealer. Wired key Saab cars usually come with two keys upon purchase. If you have only one, you should purchase an additional key as quickly as you can. This is because if you lose it and the car needs an entirely new CIM and the locking cylinders replaced. This can be expensive, especially for used cars. The next step is to connect the wires for columns and row to your microcontroller. This is the most challenging part of the project and will require a large deal of soldering. There isn't a standard method to do it, but you must consider how you will connect and solder each column and row. There are 22 microcontroller wires and pins to connect to this keyboard. It has five rows and 17 column. After the columns and rows are soldered, it's the time to connect them to key switches. To do this, place a diode on each pin on the key switch and then solder it. This will protect the pins from current, thus preventing them from being shortened. The diode allows current to only flow in one direction. It features a visual indicator with a black band that shows the direction in which the current will flow. Sanabria states that a number of the tools sold in auto parts stores, such as the Autel MaxiIM IM608PRO and IM508 can assist customers shopping or DIY customers to program replacement keys and restore immobilizer information. The tools plug into OBD ports and guide the customer through each step making the process simpler than replacing the vehicle's computer. Jump starting the battery A lot of people keep a set of jumper cables in their trunks for emergencies, but jumping a battery in newer vehicles may not be the best choice. These vehicles have many electronic devices and computers that communicate with each other. A voltage surge when the battery is connected another could cause damage to the components, rendering your car undriveable. Start the vehicle that is working and allow it to run for around two minutes before you connect the cables to the one that is disabled. Attach the red clip to the positive terminal of the battery that is good. (It will read "POS" or "+".) Attach the other end to a clear, unpainted metal surface under the hood of your disabled vehicle. The engine block is a good option. Don't connect the black cable to the negative terminal on the dead battery, since it could spark an ignition spark that ignites the gasoline in the engine bay. Once the cables are connected the disabled vehicle and allow it to run for around five minutes before you disconnect the cables in reverse order. Be aware that the battery of your Saab 9-3 is recharged when you drive, so it could take a while to get the battery back down again. You should purchase an additional key fob when you can. Replacing the only one that works requires the installation and programming of a new computer chip. Replacement Case Many Saab owners only have one key for their car and if they lose it, it's going to cost them. The reason is that it's not inexpensive to replace a key, and that involves replacing the CIM (Column Integration Module) or TWICE on older models, plus programming. It's best to have a second key in the event of theft or other disaster and the best option is to purchase an additional key as early as you can. Don't buy a secondhand key, even when it's "new." Keys that are claimed to be new from a second-hand store will not work and are almost guaranteed to fail in the most critical moment. The dealer will charge the highest dollar if you have only one working key. We can reset and reprogram the computer's EEEPROM to get it ready to accept a replacement key without the need to replace the entire system. This could save you a significant amount of money. It's cheaper to do this rather than wait until you lose the only key.