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Ignition Switch (ISM) Cleaning 12801010

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246K views 98 replies 47 participants last post by  aerojon  
D
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
Many of these ISMs that are throwing codes can most likely be saved.

First, disconnect the battery negative, then remove the module, which CAN be done in minutes by removing the left side (and correct if it's the first time) console cover (one T25 on each side, under the screwcover. Then release the ISM by pushing the stainless tabs in. Push the switch into the plastic duct slightly so the rubbery stuff isn't damaged. Release the connectors.

Then, get a hold of two red tubes with the most spray lubes and cleaners. With a small screwdriver, gently pry the cover to release the tabs and slide a spray tube down each long side to keep them released. Then remove the short sides.

Carefully clean the contact areas with a Q-tip and cleaner, buff and slightly bend the three contact points, clean any areas with prominent coffee, pop, armour etc., goo, then snap it back together. It really would be hard to mess it up. Hopefully, any codes the ISM was generating will be gone.
 
J
#2 · (Edited)
Just got done taking out the ISM cleaning & putting everything back together. And the best part is the car starts ;ol;. Won't know for a while if this will eliminate the steering column malfunction errors. It's a lot easier to do than it sounds. I followed these instructions;

http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=204339

and took apart much more than necessary IMHO. So here's a few pictures for anyone else who undertakes this job. Hopefully it'll make things easier for you

Here's the console with the front sides removed

Drivers side
Image


Passenger side
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Separate this electrical connection & move both halves out of the way

Image


Here is the switch installed, there are two stainless tabs on each side to release,

Image


Image


Image


Remove the harness from the switch & remove. It takes a little bit of work to separate the switch but the white plastic is pretty flexible. I ended up using a couple of small screwdrivers & a thin cake spreader that I use for body work to separate the halves. Here's what the inside looks like:

Image


Image


Clean the three sets of contacts & I gently bent them upwards to make sure they made good contact. Found no evidence of anything having been spilled inside the switch.

Now I'm just keeping my fingers crossed

Jim
 
#6 ·
Would an electronic duster spray be bad for the ISM??? My ism is driving me crazy. I'm getting multiple errors. Key not accepted and Steering Wheel Lock malfunction. Does that mean both are going bad. Dealer told me coffee was spilled in ISM by first owner and they cleaned it but the problems only happen every so often. If it's bad, its bad. Dont get how problems go, then reappear.
 
#8 ·
I removed my ism and the whole center console. I took the console in the house to wash it because it had coffee and food stuck in places i couldnt reach or clean while connected to car. I drived it then proceeded to clean all the gunk and stuff off the ism. I took it apart and rinsed the top half in hot water and i cleaned the bottom half with qtips with alcohol. I also sprayed it ultra duster to make use it was dry. I put it in car connected battery and got key not accepted. I took it apart again re cleaned it put back in car. This time no message and lights dont come on when key is removed. The button and spring in ism work but car is not reading ism. Also alarm led doesnt disable alarm upon insertion of key nor does it blink when key is inserted. What did i do to my car and will i be able to fix it without a dealer visit?:cry:
 
#14 · (Edited)
Key Not Accepted -Contact SAAB Dealer

Was increasingly getting the Steering Lock Malfuntion error on my 2003 9-3 Arc. It drove fine but I couldn't see or access other SID info even after clearing the error. It was essentially still there. I tried the ISM cleaning procedure and all seemed to go well. Found a good crud buildup on one of the contacts. Cleaned them all up with eraser and some rubbing alcohol/q-tip. After re-installation, the key presses down ok but wont turn in its socket. After a few seconds, I get the Key Not Accepted error on the SID. Tried disconnecting battery to reset but no change. Tried a post about re-synching key to no avail either. Same effect from both keys and key fobs still work to lock/unlock doors etc. I'm thinking the next step is to replace the ISM and after that, the CIM. Any help that can be offered would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.


btw one helpful tip to add for dissassembly of the ISM is use of the little rectangular holes on the black base. Insert a small screwdriver through the holes to pry up the white cover at each tab location. Do this job in a warm location to improve flexability of the cover.;ol;

Also, I couldn't get mine out past the duct but removing the 2 console side screws let me lift the console high enough to get past the duct.;ol;

Just got my genuine SAAB ignition switch ($124 from thesaabsite) installed and it fixed all my problems. The cleaning didn't work for me and actually made the car totally non-functional. I couldn't even close windows or sunroof. Just keep that iin mind if you need your car.
 
A
#19 ·
Like an earlier poster, my ISM died when removing it. Got the dreadful "Key not accepted" message. I could use it to lock the car though.

I ordered a new one on eBay. Do I have to recode my keys with the new one?

Has anyone been able to fix their ISM when getting the "Key not accepted" message?
 
#21 ·
Yes, it's exactly as Aerojon states and yes my key also worked to lock/unlock doors so I think you're on the right track here with your problem. Just to be sure, I followed other directions about synching the key and key worked right away for me and the new switch hasn't failed me once. My intermittent probs with 'steering lock failure' are also gone.
 
A
#22 ·
I installed my new ISM and at first it didn't work and I was terrified. Turns out I hadn't attached the cable to the ISM properly. After doing that it still first didn't work but then the key finally turned after 30 seconds or so. I read somewhere that it takes about that time to get it synched. Finally my ISM is working and all error messages are vanished. I'm a happy SAAB driver yet again. :)

My only concern. With my new ISM, it does not click when I push the key in. On my old ISM it would click when I pushed the key in, which was kind of an acknowledgement. But this new one is silent. Why?

Thanks for all your help and insight. Couldn't have done it without this thread.
 
S
#25 ·
Steering Wheel Lock Failure

I had the module replaced about 4 or 5 months ago. I costs about $450 in CT. I had a bad battery one month ago, changed that. This morning had "Steering Wheel Lock Malfunction" could not get the key out and it would not start. I disconnected the negative terminal on the battery. Re-attached. SID told me my key was "not usuable" or something like that and to "contact my dealer". I used my other spare key and the car started. I tried the original key later and it worked. The car had been in a warm and humid place when this malfunction occured. I will bring it in for service and hope it does not have to be replaced again.
 
S
#26 ·
Great write up, thank you.

So I went ahead and replaced the Switch Module, but I seem to have the same problem. I can still turn the radio on without having the car on or the key in. Is this normal? Reason I ask is becuase something is draining my battery. I was getting the crazy error codes and Im hoping those go away with the new switch.
 
#29 ·
spshond said:
So I went ahead and replaced the Switch Module, but I seem to have the same problem. I can still turn the radio on without having the car on or the key in. Is this normal? Reason I ask is becuase something is draining my battery. I was getting the crazy error codes and Im hoping those go away with the new switch.
Click to expand...
Yes, completely normal, even my '08 the radio turns on without the key. Try unplugging the Amp for a couple of days, I've heard if it has an internal fault it drains the battery. From what I understand, this was commonplace for '03-'04 models.
 
S
#27 ·
thank you for the write up!! I replaced my module today and it worked just fine. Hoping the codes go away. Now here is my other question cause I was hoping that my battery was getting drained cause of this as well. I leave the car parked for a day and the battery dies, I have to jump start the vehicle. Ive noticed that my radio can be turned on even with out the key in the switch. Is this normal??? Any ideas as too what could be causing the radio to work with no key. Cool feature but not cool when you cant start the car in the morning.
 
S
#28 ·
Ignition Issues

So I did two things which have seemed to work so far.

1. I had the computer reset using tech 2 by a registered Saab service center. The tech told me that sometimes when the battery is changed by an outside party and the computer is not reset these things happen.

2. I leave the windows open at night in my garage when the car is parked so it does not get that hot or humid inside

Sounds like your problem is some type of computer gremlin!
 
#31 ·
saabcarman22 said:
So I did two things which have seemed to work so far.

1. I had the computer reset using tech 2 by a registered Saab service center. The tech told me that sometimes when the battery is changed by an outside party and the computer is not reset these things happen.

2. I leave the windows open at night in my garage when the car is parked so it does not get that hot or humid inside

Sounds like your problem is some type of computer gremlin!
Click to expand...
How would the car get hot and humid inside, if its in your garage with the windows closed. Humidity comes from the outside air, not from inside a closed car. And it wouldn't get hot inside either, it's inside the garage not sitting in the sun. And what computer did you have reset, the car has a lot of em. Do u know what module or modules this Saab Tech reset? He probably cleared some DTC's, to bad he didn't tell you what they were. It's always good practice to go through the trouble codes before just blindly erasing them.
 
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