Some users struggle to obtain the PIN for Saab’s and cannot program via OBD. So today we show you the method that will overcome this problem- remove the CIM unit from this Saab 9-3 and program a new key using Xhorse VVDI2 & VVDI Prog with EEPROM adapter.

It’s a bit more involved, we have to take the SIM module out from behind the steering wheel to allow us to code the key.

Step 1: Put the original key into the ignition so can turn the steering.

Step 2: Release the airbag.

• Turn the steering wheel on the back if the steering wheel there’s two slots.
• What you need to do is insert a screwdriver or a flat pick or something like that push the spring downwards and it will pop the airbag off on that side, so we do it one side then the other side.

Step 3: Remove the key, disconnect the battery, leave it about 5 minutes for the airbag to discharge.

• Disconnect the yellow plug in the middle of the airbag
• Then on the back, got the two connectors (gently pass the yellow middle sections out with the locks and then plug off)

• Place the airbag somewhere safe

Step 4: Disconnect the steering wheel.

• There are two clips in the middle of the steering wheel which we need to move to get the airbag off. Push them over.

• Straightened the steering wheel up ready, then got an 8 mil allen key bit to loosen the bolt

• Start to wiggle off and remove the steering wheel. Just make sure there’s no wires attached

Step 5: Pull the squib off.

• Loosen the three screws with a screwdriver

• Disconnect it from around this edge
• There are two clips at the back have to gently lift up and pull forward. Disconnect the wiring off the back
• Disconnect the multi plug off the back so it just slides across and clips

Remove the SIM module successfully

Step 6: Remove the back cover and separate the back.

• If there are screws on the back, then need to remove them.

Make sure the connection is still in the upright position.

Step 7: When exposes the circuit board, then use a video microscope to identify the chip that needed reading.

Once we found the chip, we noticed that we couldn’t see what number the chip it is

Spaying the chip with some brake cleaner, did the trick.

Don’t worry, this is safe and won’t cause any damage.

Step 8: Connect all devices properly.

Once it dried, desolder the chip and solder it to the EEPROM adaptor included with Xhorse VVDI Prog

Connect VVDI2 and VVDI programmer with EEPROM Adaptor mounted to PC via USB cable

Step 9: Read and save chip data.

Then run VVDI Prog software

Select type: 1-EEPROM&FLASH, brand: MICROCHIP, Chip: 93C/LC/AA66A (8PIN)

Then click “Read” to read original chip data

Once the chip has been read, click “Save” to save the data to your PC

Step 10: Make dealer key.

Go to “Transponder Programmer”

Select “Immobilizer Data Tool” and choose the vehicle by changing Area, Factory, Car and Type

(Area: Euro, Factory: Saab, Car: 9-3, Type: 2003-93C66)

Then click “Load EEPROM dump” to load the file just saved

Select one key unused

Then put the new key into VVDI2 key programmer coil

Click “Make Dealer Key” and pick “PCF 7936 (PCF 7946)” as your transponder type

Prepare dealer key successfully

Step 11: Write new dump file back to chip.

Now can use the new key has been programmed to start the engine after write back new dump file or learn it to car.

Save the new dump file to PC

Open the new dump file and write into chip

Once data has been written successfully, click “Verify”

Check successfully

Finally, reassemble SIM unit and install back into the car. Once complete, reconnect the car battery. Then use the working key and new key programmed to check if the car can start normally.

Devices used:

Xhorse VVDI2 Key Programmer:

https://www.xhorsetool.com/wholesale/vvdi2-full-version.html

Xhorse VVDI PROG Programmer with EEPROM adapter:

https://www.xhorsetool.com/wholesale/vvdi-prog-programmer.html