Very poorly Saab :(

[Richy]

All,

As some of you may or may not know from previous threads, my Saab has been getting immobiliser and steering lock failure messages. Things have just got a lot worse so think it's worth of a new thread.

Previous symptoms(not working after error);

- Vanity mirror lights
- Computer display (but not bottom half of screen which is radio)
- Electric roof control (got stuck with the roof down, doh!)
- Nightpanel button
- Dial light control button
- Cigarette lighter
- Roof lights
- Under door lights

It seems the way to get the car to start is to quickly turn key to start, before the "Checking" completes.

I could still drive the car with the problems above. HOWEVER: my indicators now don't work!!!! Hazards work fine, and every other item on indicator stalk works fine too.

They work while the key is in without the eninge running. But as soon as the engine starts, I get 1 indicator flash the first time I try it, then nothing thereafter!

Help please

[slosaab]

have you tried to get a new battery for the car? sounds like everything is failing due to the car battery.... these cars are very sensitive to voltage drops etc...

[Richy]

Yep, new battery less than 4 months ago.

For what it's worth, the battery diagnostic light is green too..

[kombs85]

I get the steering wheel lock malfunction once a year (old battery, new battery). Just seems like one of Saabs electrical grimlins. Just a quick unplug of the battery and all is well until next year Always keep the wrench in my glove box

[Richy]

That used to fix it... Not any more

[stevedol]

Going by the immobiliser and steering lock failure messages, I would guess at the ignition switch module, the ISM is a fairly common fault.

But with the other faults you have too, I don't know

[Richy]

Thanks anyway Steve

(wonder if it's worth cleaning the ISM anyway?!)

[joy]

Did you find a solution to your problem? My 2004 9-3 conv is doing the EXACT same things. It has the same symptoms...battery is 1 yr old...put in new fuses...new batteries for remotes.
I've gotten guesses from a local shop for it being either a CIM or steering lock mechanism...1200 & 700 appx inc labor!!!
By the way my top doesn't go up or down either...spent 700 and they couldn't figure it out!!!

[Richy]

Originally Posted by joy

Did you find a solution to your problem? My 2004 9-3 conv is doing the EXACT same things. It has the same symptoms...battery is 1 yr old...put in new fuses...new batteries for remotes.
I've gotten guesses from a local shop for it being either a CIM or steering lock mechanism...1200 & 700 appx inc labor!!!
By the way my top doesn't go up or down either...spent 700 and they couldn't figure it out!!!

I wish I knew!

I also wish there was a definative way to figure out what was wrong. I took the plunge this morning and booked my car into a saab garage my wallet isnt going to like this...

[aerojon]

that sounds like an earthing problem..

[Richy]

Originally Posted by aerojon

that sounds like an earthing problem..

Interesting you say that.... battery earth strap?

[aerojon]

that's a start.then there are the ones inside the car also.bottom of the 'A' pillars & dash crossmember.

[Richy]

If it turns out to be an earthing problem, and you have just saved me £1000 + in wasted part replacement.

I will send you a bottle of whisky!!!

[g12mcgov]

Originally Posted by stevedol

Going by the immobiliser and steering lock failure messages, I would guess at the ignition switch module, the ISM is a fairly common fault.

But with the other faults you have too, I don't know

Yes this happened to me. Almost exactly how you described. My ISM shorted and they threw in another one. No problems now

[Richy]

Originally Posted by g12mcgov

Yes this happened to me. Almost exactly how you described. My ISM shorted and they threw in another one. No problems now

Thanks, its good to know it could be the less expensive problem I may take the module to bits this weekend and see if I can locate and damage... or even clean it!!

How much did it cost? or was it a warrenty item?

[g12mcgov]

Originally Posted by Richy

Thanks, its good to know it could be the less expensive problem I may take the module to bits this weekend and see if I can locate and damage... or even clean it!!

How much did it cost? or was it a warrenty item?

Yeah I mean the ISM is obviously less than the CIM but I wouldn't call it inexpensive by any means. I think if I remember correctly it was around $370 all together... could be wrong though. I have all the receipts and everything buried in my "SAAB" folder.

Lol warranty no longer applies to me after all the mods I've done to this car haha

[Richy]

Im pretty sure it wouldnt require any Tech 2 goodness so if I can get another then its spanners on sunday

Oh really, build thread?

[g12mcgov]

Originally Posted by Richy

Im pretty sure it wouldnt require any Tech 2 goodness so if I can get another then its spanners on sunday

Oh really, build thread?

Idk it might... if I'm correct PaulOliver bought a new ISM from an 03' because he wanted the green illumination behind the text on it but he wasn't able to get it to work for a reason I can't remember

[Richy]

Originally Posted by g12mcgov

Idk it might... if I'm correct PaulOliver bought a new ISM from an 03' because he wanted the green illumination behind the text on it but he wasn't able to get it to work for a reason I can't remember

Thanks mate, i might send paul a message!!

Ill let you know what happens either way...