Lost Ignition Key - how do I remove the lock barrel to check it's S/no. ?

[effsweet]

Hi guys,

I've lost an ignition key/immobiliser, & I'm twitchy about only having one, so I want to get another, & have it married to the car. The key is the 3 button type which is integrated with the key, not the key & 'slug"

AFAIK it has never had a lock change, but I'm told the certain way is to remove the ignition key barrel & check the Serial Number.

The first step is to remove the transponder around the key - has anyone experience of this?  I've removed the key & twisted the transponder slightly clockwise [about 10 - 15 degrees] but it does not lift off easily, as I think it should.

Does anyone know if it should lift off without using force?

TIA,  effsweet

 

[sgould]

I haven't twisted my ignition off for a long time.  I think there's a slight bayonet type lug at the end.  So maybe push down slightly at the last bit?

But I thought that a Saab garage could order a complete key on the cars's VIN number.

With a 9-5 you could use the existing key as the patten and get a blank cut (or order it from Saab) and find a secondhand key and reprogramme the electronics etc. on that.  it's only the new keys on the 9-3 Sport Saloon that are single use only.  I won't be home until late, but there is a part number for a blank key blade.

[effsweet]

  Thanks should

I spoke to Alistair at Luscombe Saab [were Robert Bowkett] in Leeds, sgould is correct you can order a key knowing the VIN No [giving the Registration. No. finds that our car is a black 2.3l auto {& hence obviously the database shows the VIN as I didn't quote it}],   -    but if the locks have been changed the original keys won't fit.
My understanding is that the definitive way to get the correct key is to read off the Lock S/No from the barrel.

Hence my original query as it's the first step to making absolutely certain the locks haven't been changed.
I was warned by Alistair that brand-new keys into 13year old worn lock barrels sometimes give problems, so would you suggest cutting a new blank key using my wife's key as a pattern might be a better solution?

Thanks for your prompt feedback - I hoped you might be keeping an eye on the site!
Any more advice will be welcome.
My plan was to order a cut key with transponder fitted & have it married up locally.

effsweet

[sgould]

Popped back home for a quick snack!

This is listed for 2001-2003.  Is that your car?

[sgould]

According to the parts list, the all-in-one three button key changed in mid-2003

And now I'm confused.  For your year, the blank key is only listed as being supplied with a transmitter.  And when you copy the blank key part number and paste it in here (see below) it asks for the key code when ordering....?

Article : Key with transmitter
PartNo : 400128898
Supplementary Description : state key code  Sheet of labels 52 63 694 must be ordered separately.
Not for US, CA, AU, JP, KR.
Ch. --33026906
Order Quantity : 1

[sgould]

I found this!!


Article : Key
PartNo : 5183025
Usage : NLS-USE 30584617
Supplementary Description : blank
Order Quantity : 1

Part 30584617 is listed at Saab at a bit over £25 + VAT

Maybe a bit cheaper here:  http://saabpartsdirect.co.uk/?page_id=5


The key with transmitter 400128898 in the previous post is cut and is about £70 +VAT and comes without the cover or battery.

[effsweet]

 

More useful info sgould [Will?]

My key is indeed as your illustration. The car is a Y Reg 2001 model

Its very helpful to know that the battery 9 {I keep spare batteries in the car} & the back cover 10 are separate items. The transmitter {electronics} is 8.

Sounds like thats' what Alistair was quoting me, for 7 & 8 of your illustration. I'll check that in due course
 
Article : Key with transmitter
PartNo : 400128898

I'll keep people posted on progress, but I'm tempted to go ahead & order without physically checking the lock number, as I haven't yet managed to remove the transmitter ring. It feels as if it "clicks" into a detent when turned to the installed position, but I still am not happy trying to lift it upwards when I've turned it as far clockwise as it wants to go. I presume the key should be out of the lock when you do this ?

Thanks for the info so far

effsweet [frank]

[sgould]

Yes, I'm really Will.

Sitting here in London waiting for a train home.

Be aware that the key has three parts. The metal key. The transponder which is recognised by the immobiliser, and the transmitter which is powered by the battery and only operates the door locks.

Just make sure you get what you pay for. And get the quote to include the marrying to the car security system.

[effsweet]

Hi guys,

an update & a warning.

In the end I didn't check the ignition lock barrel for ID. I  took a chance that the original locks were still fitted {I'd no reason to think there had been any lock changes}

I ordered a new key [blade part only] for the car, from a well known Saab dealership. I had the key last Wednesday.
Inspection showed it wasn't identical although the profile seemed to be the same?
It wouldn't turn in the ignition switch, I read all the advice - lubrication, tapping it, easing the highspots, which to be honest I didn't fancy trying.

I called an auto locksmith this morning, who by chance or luck had a personal 9 5, which had needed a replacement key ordered from our local Saab dealer [an S reg car key replaced 2 or 3 years ago]

The locksmith read the Key code which matched the key No supplied, then he read the cuts on the original key & the new key supplied, they were different! This confirms that the dealer ordered the correct key, but that Saab have cut it wrongly

The Locksmith confirmed the new key would never ever operate in the ignition switch & that he had exactly the same thing happen to him

Moral, always be suspicious! Has anyone else had the same experience & been supplied with incorrect keys?

Next step is to have a blank key sent to me, which I shall get the AutoLocksmith to cut to the cuts on the original key.

I'll keep you all posted on the situation

Happy Saabing: Frank

[Audax]

Moral, always be suspicious! Has anyone else had the same experience & been supplied with incorrect keys?

On several occasions when I ordered keys for customers they would not work, the keys looked pretty much identical but the key would not work, placing a new order would almost certainly get a working key. The answer from Saab was always that the barrel must have been worn but that never explained how a new key made it work.