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16K views 31 replies 11 participants last post by  Mimmi  
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#1 · (Edited)
ABS Issue Quick Resolution

My 2009 9-3 2.0T w/6 speed manual transmission had been a very reliable car until it reached 130,000 miles last month. Almost immediately upon reaching that milestone the dreaded ABS, Traction Control and Stability Failure errors appeared. I also noticed that the odometer stopped working, although the speedometer continued to function properly, and the steering wheel lock failed to operate and remained in the unlocked position.

On this car the ABS electronics module is positioned approximately one half inch (13 mm) from the left side strut tower. I cut a section of automotive heater hose to a length of 11/16 of an inch (17mm) and wedged it between the ABS electronics module and the strut tower. I positioned it roughly in the center of the electronic module cover effectively exerting pressure on the module. To my surprise the warnings and associated problems disappeared.

I don’t know why this works.

I don’t know how long it will work.

I don’t know if it will work on other cars.

As of this posting I have driven in excess of 750 miles without any trouble. Go figure.
 

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#9 ·
ABS module failures on 2.0 cars is rare. The V6 super hot engine bay is what kills them (and other items). Are you getting a wheel lock error too or it just doesn't click anymore? If you unhook the negative on the battery it stops working for a few starts. But if your negative was loose I think you'd have other issues too. Perhaps the battery is low. Is it cranking slow?
 
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#12 ·
Todd, My "FIX" corrected all of my issues including the steering wheel lock issue. Whenever I insert the key in the ignition and hear the clunk indicating the steering wheel lock is functioning properly I get a big smile on my face. I initially had three error codes, ABS, Traction Control and Stability Failure. I did not get a failed wheel speed sensor like you report. Best of luck with your issue.
 
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#15 · (Edited)
Smokin'joe...
A deep thanks is in order. What a clever hack. At least I may now know what needs fixing.

I've a 2008 9-3 Aero and have been trying to figure out an intermittent "no-start" problem. It usually is preceded by SID messages "cornering headlights malfunction" with the following lights: engine, TCS off, Brake!, ABS. Then that is followed by SID display of "Stability control failure". Then next start is a no start. OBD2 typically reports "Error" that is it can't get a reading. If it gets a reading its a U0212 - "CIM missing" etc.

So I replaced battery with premium deep cycle battery. Nothing but now I've got a nice good battery for all my no starts. Replaced the "obviously", per the codes, defective CIM. No change. Had grounds redone. A little better, but basically no change.

So on a warm afternoon when it had last driven with codes cleared and was code free when parked two days prior; it was a no-start. The OBD2 reported "error" persistently, and removing battery ground (-) and waiting, then jumping the start relay and waiting... did nothing to resolve; I cut a piece of hardwood and wedged it in per your post. It started ...repeatedly. OBD2 read U0212, which after clearing repeatedly read "0" no codes.

This report is day one. Will see if the "fix" persists. But wanted to post while still excited about results. Will try to report back after it's old news. & will at least need to get something intended for higher heat than hardwood.

Of course, I'll immediately replace the ubiquitous and cheap ABS control module.
 
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#17 ·
Follow up. The wedged wood worked till I pulled the ABS/TCS Controller and sent to BBA Remanufacturing for fixing. While the wood was in the lights came on once, when I hit a bump. Next I parked and restarted the car started immediately.

Installed fixed ABS/TCS Control module and problem solved. Drives and starts great for 3 weeks now.
 
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#18 ·
Shasta7 said:
Follow up. The wedged wood worked till I pulled the ABS/TCS Controller and sent to BBA Remanufacturing for fixing. While the wood was in the lights came on once, when I hit a bump. Next I parked and restarted the car started immediately.

Installed fixed ABS/TCS Control module and problem solved. Drives and starts great for 3 weeks now.
Click to expand...
Hi, I realize that this thread is old but thought I'd try. I would like to know how you removed the ABS controller.
Thanks.
 
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#26 ·
Update on 2006 Saab 93 Aero. I managed to get the ABS ECU off the car without removing any brake lines.(I've lost sensation in a few fingers since)
The car used to have an intermittent start problem with ABS & TCS lights flashing.
I sent the ECU to BBA who managed to repair it. It now shows up only the TCS light after installation. "TCS Failure, contact Saab Dealer"
It starts up every time now with no issue, any suggestions to get rid of the flashing TCS light? DO I need to reprogram the ECU?
I've also bled the brakes & cleaned all ABS sensors.
Thanks.
 
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#31 ·
In my admittedly limited experience with the ABS/TCS codes a Tech2 will clear the TCS codes, however they are immediately read on startup so if the issue is not trulyvfixed they show up again instantly. Driving a bit should ensure the correct signals are being sent/received from each wheel but AFAIK it doesn't need a set routine to reset (unlike clearing a typical CEL & then checking for readiness).
 
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