2004 saab ignition readoutsaysitdoest recognize key how do i fix it

The key decoder at the bottom of the ignition lock cylinder needs to be checked and probably replaced.

Hi Doug...

Not currently all up on Saabs...
Many years since I worked on one...

but reading the owners manual (ALL 288 Pages)... has convinced me your configuration is fairly close to the BMW ...
(with which I am FAMILIAR).

Even though you have a "chip" key...
the lock still ought to work manually.

Battery NOT your trouble...
That would definitely give you OTHER problems
(specifically key "NOT RECOGNIZED").

On other cars ... I have experienced a similar issue caused by the steering column holding the lock lever from releasing:
If the wheels are turned against a curb... or hard in any direction... TURN THE WHEEL HARD (just "hard"... as in steering... no Samsonite Gorilla here) in THAT SAME DIRECTION and try to wiggle the key in the lock as you attempt to turn it... then try against that direction... again "HARD".

Failing that... jack up the front of the car until you can see some free-play in the steering wheel... by pushing the front tire back and forth... then try the key.

Hope this helps


Saab Owner Manuals Factory Warranty features and options and maintenance...

It is not reading the security chip. Something was set up wrong to keep it from recognizing or they don't match.

Put key in ignition.
Press unlock button on key fob.
Immobilizer should now recognize it, if it was original fob but car or fob battery was changed or is now low.

Saabs are particular about batteries that are otherwise good, but just below 12 volts.

1. Check battery - even if otherwise good, if it measures under 12 volts (even just under) it won't start. Saab's are finicky about that.

2. Does immobiliser recognize the key? If not, it won't turn. Are you using an original key mated to the car or a replacement key fob without the electronic guts?

3. Does key open the door? If so, put in ignition, turn to ON (if you can) and press Open Door button on key. Try even in Off position if not.

4. DO NOT spray anything into the ignition keyhole (as others may suggest). It will gum it up. If you have to, remove ignition keyhole and clean with alcohol.

The doors work on a different system to the ignition. The doors will unlock but the ignition key immobiliser is specific to each car. That means the car won't recognise the key. Replacing the lost key would have been the easiest fix even though it costs a lot. All you need is the vehicle details for your car. I was quoted £200 for a replacement Vauxhall key. Cheaper than replacing steering columns and associated electronics.
Your only other option is to take it to a Saab Dealer/specialist and pay the 'silly money' for them to reset and link the replacement scrap car key to your car.

PROBABLY NEED TO REPLACE IGNITION SWITCH ON THE STEERING COLUM

MAKE SURE YOU DONT HAVE THE WRONG KEY.TRY ANOTHER KEY.PUT KEY IN THE IGNITION SWITCH.TURN IGNITION TO THE ON POSITION.WHEN LED FLASHES TWICE THAT INDICATE KEY IS RECOGNIZED.IF KEY CODE NOT RECOGNIZED A MESSAGE ON THE TRIP COMPUTER WILL BE DISPLAYED.TO ENABLE ENGINE TO START WHEN KEY CODE NOT RECOGNIZED.SWITCH THE IGNITION ON.PRESS ANY KEY REMOTE TRANSMITTER BUTTON ONCE START THE ENGINE.IF ALL FAILS. THE KEY SWITCH TRANSPONDER FAILED OR THE KEY LOCK CYLINDER BROKEN, IMMOBILIZER MODULE FAULTY VECHICLE HAS TO BE SCANNED TO LOOK FOR FAULTY IMMOBILIZER MODULE.

this means oyur oringinal key has an immobilizer in it it has chip in it and car will not start unless you have original key you must get one from dealer only way or lock smith good luck

did you sovle your problem?