For most late-model Saabs made in the United States after 1997, General Motors devised a new theft protection device called TWICE, or Theft Warning Integrated Central Electronics. It is a small unit, situated next to the ignition, that first electronically reads your key to see if it is valid and then activates the ignition. Obtaining new keys for these cars is possible, but involves a trip to your local Saab mechanic or dealership to get the key and car worked on. Owners of Saabs that were made before 1998 do not have to be concerned with the new "electronic keys."
Check the model year and make of your Saab vehicles. Owners of a 1999-2002 Saab 9-3, 2003 9-3 CV and the 1998-2011 Saab 9-5 will have an electronic key system and must be prepared to take their keys and vehicle to a Saab dealer or authorized technician to obtain a workable replacement key.
Owners of older Saabs can take their keys to any locksmith to have copies made. If all keys are missing, you will have to find a Saab mechanic and have a new ignition installed.
Look at your keys and see if you have the transponder key or the remote key. The transponder has a small chip that corresponds with the TWICE device, while a remote key acts from a distance like a garage door opener. Sometimes the remote is included with the transponder key in the form of a small "banana," so you may not have a separate key for the remote. Over all, Saab will allow you only four keys for each vehicle, two transponder keys and two remote keys.
Basically, the transponder keys come in two types, one with a plastic head and one with a rubber head. Both types of remote keys (for doors and trunks) have three buttons, labeled "Lock," "Unlock" and "Trunk," and are basically identical except for a slight difference in the shape of the shaft. However, only the ones made before 2003 are interchangeable with the transponder keys. Remotes made in 2003 or later are not interchangeable.
Purchase a new blank key and take it to your local Saab dealer, which will cut you a replacement. In most cases you can buy the blank at the dealership.
Take the newly cut key, car and all old keys to a Saab dealer or authorized technician with a Tech 2 machine, so the technician or dealer can reprogram all the keys to work with the car's TWICE system. The Tech 2 is a combination tester, scanner and computer made by General Motors for checking and diagnosing automobile problems and specifications. Special software for each make of car is available along with information needed to perform all operations. The Tech 2 is a black plastic unit that stands waist-high from the floor.
Test all keys before leaving the shop or dealer, for Saab's TWICE device only allows programmed keys to start the engine.
