[///e30freak]

I have an embarrassing amount of dollars and hours getting my car back on the road. The short story is that my ignition won't unlock, and I'm trying to add a new cim (and key) with my tech II using globaltis with security access. (downloaded using the links from saabcentral). The car is a 2003 linear 5 speed.

I get all the way through the process: installing, adding keys, picking options the last step I get to is (turning the key on, off, on, off I get the message "add/ remove ecu failed"

If you have any thoughts please let me know. I don't think it's the cim because I've tried adding the old one again, and doing other tech II things and get the same error.

Full disclosure, after the last test ride I went on (after replacing balance shaft tensioner), I pinched the o2 wire in the valve cover, and the car shut off on its own in my garage after a five mile shake down, I fixed that. Since then, the ignition refuses to unlock, I've done all the tricks, I've been living with a bad Cim for a long time before my water pump stopped turning. I don't think those details are pertinent but they are factual. The car has a brand new battery that stays on a charger, and tests 12.5 all day.

 

[dspargo]

Check out this post:

https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=719528

It's for the engine ECU (ECM) but should be similar for the CIM.

There are all sorts of issues that can come up with that error.

Have you been able to add other ECUs in the past?

 

[///e30freak]

https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=719528
Have you been able to add other ECUs in the past?

I can try the procedure in the link, however step 2 is not possible for me lol.

I have never added or swapped an ECU, but that is my next step finding a spare to mess around with.

 

[jglenn93]

Are you trying to add the ECU or add the CIM?

I recently added a new CIM to my ‘05 9-3. When doing the add via Tech 2 I would get the same error message as you “Add/Remove ECU Failed” which was confusing since I was trying to add the CIM. I eventually got it to add the second or third time.


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[aerojon]

make sure the battery is full charged..the ism won't turn if the battery is low..

 

[///e30freak]

Are you trying to add the ECU or add the CIM?
I recently added a new CIM to my ‘05 9-3. When doing the add via Tech 2 I would get the same error message as you “Add/Remove ECU Failed” which was confusing since I was trying to add the CIM. I eventually got it to add the second or third time.

Thank you, I am trying add the CIM, I tried it multiple times with both the new and old CIM. However when I get back out there I will give it a few more since you had luck!

make sure the battery is full charged..the ism won't turn if the battery is low..

HAH! the battery was the first thing I did, I'm running a brand new battery actually, before, during and after I mess with it it stays on a charger as well.

 

[jglenn93]

Make sure you’re selecting all the correct options as well. Not sure about your year’s model but I was mistakenly selecting one of the wrong options for Sentronic controls. That might have also contributed to the Tech II failing to add the cim.

Btw did you have any DTCs?


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[///e30freak]

Make sure you’re selecting all the correct options as well. Not sure about your year’s model but I was mistakenly selecting one of the wrong options for Sentronic controls. That might have also contributed to the Tech II failing to add the cim.
Btw did you have any DTCs?

So the first time through I was very diligent for the options, from the default there is only one item that's not the default. after the first two of three times through I was picking different items just to see if anything would happen.

If I recall correctly, I had a DTC for steering angle, or something steering related. at the time I dismissed it as part of the CIM problem. I will double check I'm planning on getting out there after work.

 

[Mimmi]

Are both CIMs at same P/N?

 

[///e30freak]

Are both CIMs at same P/N?

I did not check the P/N on the replacement. My understanding was that I could use any North American CIM to replace my N/A CIM since they all have ESP or whatever. I will double check this though and see if I'm way off.

The replacement did show up as having the same key/signal or whatever 433hz as the original while I was programming it, or attempting to program it.

 

[///e30freak]

btw did you have any dtc?

These are the DTC with the old cim.

b1440 57
b3908 0f

 

[uSAABy]

So the first time through I was very diligent for the options, from the default there is only one item that's not the default. after the first two of three times through I was picking different items just to see if anything would happen.

If I recall correctly, I had a DTC for steering angle, or something steering related. at the time I dismissed it as part of the CIM problem. I will double check I'm planning on getting out there after work.[/QUOTE]

So the non-original CIM that you want to install... Where did it come from? Junk yard or brand new purchase. The code for the steering angle sensor could be messing it up. Has someone tried to replace just the steering angle sensor on the CIM? I have had this same issue. My issue had a root issue at the ESP/ABS module was faulty...at least the electronic component was. After changing this out I had no other issues. I'm not saying this could be your issue but there may be something else on the i-bus causing the issue and it is getting mixed up too. It took me a year to track down the issue and I was miserable the whole time. Every mechanic and SAAB Specialist I went to could not figure out what was going on.

 

[///e30freak]

So the non-original CIM that you want to install... Where did it come from? Junk yard or brand new purchase. The code for the steering angle sensor could be messing it up. Has someone tried to replace just the steering angle sensor on the CIM? I have had this same issue. My issue had a root issue at the ESP/ABS module was faulty...at least the electronic component was. After changing this out I had no other issues.

The CIM is used, I pulled it from a car who's ignition turned on no problems at all, was getting parted out and I got there early enough it still had a battery in it to test.

Thanks for the tip, something to look into for sure. Were you able to use your ignition? Were you able to make changes using tech 2 that would re write ecu?

 

[///e30freak]

In case anyone has been thinking about me 😊

Ok so I removed the ism from the console and used a pick to push back the plunger that locks the ignition. I did try turning ignition to "on" and I jumped the starter relay but no luck firing.

So with this new ability, I was able to finally read my dtc's fully. See attached. I was able to add my BCM successfully after, then I tried CIM but no luck. I got cold so I came inside but my next steps are to address each DTC by re adding the modules and parts until something good happens.

 

[///e30freak]

I have a question for anyone who has added a CIM, at the end of the process I have to remove and insert my key like three or four times, should I be able to hear my steering column lock engage when I do that?

 

[Mimmi]

Drive few hundred meters and steering lock will engage again.

 

[///e30freak]

Drive few hundred meters and steering lock will engage again.

Haha, yeah I can't do that. My ignition won't unlock, and I can't add a new CIM.

 

[Mimmi]

You have bad CIM.

 

[///e30freak]

You have bad CIM.

I've tried two different replacements CIMs, both used, working when removed. Same results.

 

[Mimmi]

You have bad CIM.

CIM could work with original car, but not in different car.
Use new CIM and you can even use existing keys.