[clydesdale]

I have a good friend at work whose car has been diagnosed as needing a new computer. She was given a quote of 2G to fix it. The symptoms are abs light, cel, "lamp out", or something like that. The car is running fine, but many lights come on at odd times. Anybody have a suggestion or a comment. I am not familiar with saabs myself, but would like to help a friend. THANKS

 

[pab95]

What she probably has is a faulty ABS control module. They can be repaired for under $200. As you said a new one at the dealer is about $2500. To get it repaired you will have to remove it and send it to one of several online shops that repair them. This is a very common issue with this car. If you want to find out more info search this board for ABS module. You will find all the info you will need.

Here's a link for a repair shop that has been used quite often by members on this forum. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230106805944&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RCRX_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT&refitem=230179667465&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=active_view_item&usedrule1=CrossSell_LogicX&refwidgettype=cross_promot_widget

 

[greenmatt]

You could probably also find a used ABS or a reconditioned unit. There are also a few ECU's out there on ebay too. Is this mechanic a specialist?

 

[stipud]

Please tell me this was diagnosed at a Saab dealer... otherwise run FAR away. I haven't heard of any ECU failures really... and even then you could get a stage 1 ECU installed and "married" to the car for under $1k all said and done. Hell, have a computer taken from a junkyard car of the same year, that would probably cost $100.

 

[dzlsabe]

Check for "Green Monster", ie corrosion in the multi-pin connector at the firewall. Many of these symptoms could be explained by this.

 

[clydesdale]

Would the abs module effect the cel, and the some light about a lamp being out, yet all lights appear to work? How many computers does the car have and where are they located? I have replaced the computer on my powerstroke diesel and that is simple. But I don't really know anything about saab. A dealer did not diagnose this, but it was a saab specialist. This is a good friend of mine and I can't see her taking a 2 grand hit.

 

[pab95]

Has she ever noticed that when all the lights come on if the speedometer will drop to zero? If it does then its most definitely the ABS module. Need more specifics as to what lights are coming on. Also, did you get the code from the CEL?

There is one main ECU (computer) for the car. There is also a system called Dice/Twice that controls a lot of the electrical and other functions of the car. Can you get more specifics from the Saab specialist as to what exactly he says needs replaced?

 

[clydesdale]

ok, I got a little more info. She says that roughly 4 lights come on and stay on until she shuts the car off. She is going to pay attention as to which lights they are. She said that the other day the high beams did not work, she then turned the wipers on and the high beams worked again but "front lamp failure" came on the dash.

She does not believe that the speedo is effected. She says she has driven the car for miles with several lights on and the speedo still worked. Let me know what else you want me to find out. Thanks