If you’re reading this, trust me, I feel your pain. This post will walk you through the process on how to get your Saab running after you’ve lost all of your keys. I spent countless hours of research and read several different ways/fixes to go about this, but all of this information was incomplete or spread across several different websites/forums. I’ve seen people replacing additional parts, doing unnecessary programming, etc. Below is the step by step process I took, and from my research is the easiest and cheapest way to fix.

1. Disconnect battery (leave disconnected throughout the entire process)

2. Remove CIM. YouTube video link below for specific process. (Make sure to mark the Coil spring locations as described in the video).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=di15lKokPIA

1. Purchase service and ship to eBay seller keyworksva-com . I purchased and bought an additional key as well. Current price as of today (3/14/2022) is $180 OBO for reprogramming, includes 1 FOB and $50 for each additional FOB. You do pay to ship the item to the seller (cost me $11) but the return shipping is free. Note: the key blade for the actual door is blank. There are different businesses that offer this service on eBay but this one was the cheapest with the best reviews that I had found, and no, I’m in no way affiliated with them. But good service is hard to find these days and I definitely recommend them.!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/093-12-SAAB-9-3-ALL-KEYS-LOST-replacement-immobilizer-programming-service-/234152918172?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m2548.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

1. Wait for it to be serviced and shipped back to you. (Seller shipped mine back 2 days after receiving it).

2. Reinstall CIM. (Refer to YouTube video above if needed).

3. Reconnect battery.

4. IF YOU HAVE THE KEY BLADE: If you are lucky like me, the fob just fell off the key blade and you still have the blade itself. This will save time and potentially money and requires no additional programming. A. Unlock the vehicle from the interior by pulling up the manual lock tabs. Doing this makes sure that you do not trigger the alarm during the next step. B. Starting with the drivers side door closed, insert the key blade and lock the door, then unlock it. C. Open the door, and insert the FOB. The ISM will now allow you to Turn to “ON”, wait 3 seconds, then turn to start the vehicle. And BOOM, the misery is over! Note: I did have to sync each of the FOBs individually

IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE KEY BLADE: This will definitely make things a bit more interesting and potentially a bit more expensive, but is still possible! You will need to have re-synced with a Tech 2 Scanner. Either tow to a shop, or find a friend with a Tech 2. Link below to another thread that has tips for what needs to be done with the flashing. Note: you do not need a new ISM as mentioned in this linked thread.

https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/lost-keys-found-donor-cim-lost-mind.347273/

I hope this helps anyone in this situation. For me it was a nightmare so hoping my experience can be avoided for you!

Cheers!