FAQ's tips and How-To's

I cannot license my car because of a VIN mismatch. Why?

If you live in a metro area with environmental quality or DEQ inspections to license your vehicle, the VIN number in the engine computer must match your actual VIN. In some areas this may only apply to 2004 and newer vehicles. If you have failed to pass a VIN inspection, contact us.

Why did the dealer tell me I cannot install a used part?

Often this is true for the dealership and the equipment they are provided. The manufacturers want to sell new parts. So, they often "lock" an ECU once it is programmed to one vehicle. When the dealer tries to program it to another vehicle, their equipment will not allow it. Our specialty is "unlocking" these modules so they can be programmed again. Or, better yet, we can often program them in-house so they are ready to go when you install them. No trip to the dealer for programming will be necessary.

9-3 Sport (2003 up) Common Faults


Remote will not open car:

You may have a dead battery in your remote or car. Many do not realize that there is a metal "emergency" key inside the remote. To remove it, press firmly on the Saab logo and pull on the key ring loop. The keys can be difficult to remove. One the key is out you can use it to unlock your car door.

If the battery is dead in your remote, the key will still start the car. However, we suggest checking the car battery before inserting the key in the ignition switch. You can of course do this with a voltmeter, but you probably don't have one with you, so turn on the headlight switch and see if the headlights illuminate brightly. If your car battery is low, we suggest you do not put the key in the switch until you have had jumper cable on the battery for a minute.

Trying to start with a low battery can cause a fault code that prevents starting, or worse, corrupt the programming in the CIM module that will require removal and reprogramming.

Remote inoperative or buttons missing:

The rubber on these keys disintegrates with time. This often leads to damaging the circuit board when trying to push the buttons after the rubber is gone. One solution is to buy a new key and then go and pay someone to program it. programming charge. Alternatively, you can ship us your damaged key so we can rebuild your key. This will save the programming charge.

Key damaged and will not start the car:

 Many times we can still recover the data from your key so you do not have to pay to have a first key programmed or remove and reprogram the CIM. We only need the damaged key for rebuilding.

 Can't turn key on:

 If you have checked the battery voltage but you still cannot turn on the key, you may have a bad             ignition switch. Due to the location of the switch in the center console, it is common for liquid or other debris to enter the switch and damage it. Even if you have not spilled anything in the switch, they will fail on their own. An inexpensive place to start diagnosis is to swap out the switch for a known good one. We have switches and can loan you a harness to make testing easy. You do not need to remove your switch to test it. Just remove a side cover and plug in our test harness and switch. If it turns on with your key, you have found your fault

 Can't turn key on:

Another possible cause can be a fault code stored in the CIM module. This is usually caused by trying to start the car with a low car battery. To fix this problem, you will need a Tech2 scan tool or good aftermarket tool to clear the codes in the CIM.

How-To:

9-3 Sport key battery replacement

        Remove "emergency" key by pressing the Saab logo. After the key is removed you will see an indentation to insert a small flat screwdriver. Twist screwdriver to separate the two halves of the remote shell. Pics soon...

9-3 / 9-5 remote key battery replacement

        coming soon...

900 remote fob battery replacement

        coming soon...

Removal Instructions: contact us

CIM removal

TWICE removal

900 Alarm module removal