[Germaniac]

Since I own my 9-5 I get the BLF message each time I start my car (which I delete), and most times the Cruise Control won't work until I lift the brake pedal. Sometimes when I have the CC on and drive over rougher roads the CC goes off and needs to be reactivated after lifting the brake pedal. Note that the brake lights are working as they should, I had also treated the contact points and connectors after cleaning them with electrical spray. No error codes, no other brake or ABS warnings.

Is the brake light switch shot or does it need some adjusting (if possible)?

 

[EdT]

I assume in Verbotenland you have installed the correct P21W or P21W5 or whatever the bulbs that Saab specified. And no Chinese bulbs, Osram seems to still be made in EU, but check. The 2002-2005 wagons used some oddball P21W4 bulbs in North America for the tailgate tail lights, not sure what was done in EU in the 2001-earlier models.

I am thinking that there is a separate brake pedal switch for the cruise control, but I haven't fired up WIS to double check. EPC is unclear..

 

[sirbow2]

I am thinking that there is a separate brake pedal switch for the cruise control, but I haven't fired up WIS to double check. EPC is unclear..

I can tell you that on my 9-5 there are two switches on the brake pedal.

 

[Germaniac]

I have changed the bulbs twice, since the ones being fitted were almost black inside. No change.
From what I have found in the WIS, "unclear" does not describe it...found nothing specific about the Cruise Control.

 

[EdT]

Well, you made me start WIS. I have to cancel the Windows installer at least ten times for WIS to start.

Look under Engine/T7 4 cylinder/cruise control.

 

[Germaniac]

Thank you very much. As far as I have understood the error must be within the brake light switch, or am I wrong?

 

[EdT]

WIS has a troubleshooting section for cruise not functioning.

 

[bob3000]

Since I own my 9-5 I get the BLF message each time I start my car

I don't know if it is related but I had the BLF every time i started my car and was convinced my brakes lights were all functioning properly however I eventually found the fault was caused by corrosion in the micro bulb connections on the third brake light.

The brake light worked but sent enough of a bad signal that set off the BLF message.

 

[horsehockey]

My dear mothers, 80s vintage Oldsmobile lost her cruise control when a bulb burnt out in the third brake light above her rear window. New bulb in rear window and cruise control immediately started working perfectly and stayed that way. I found that fix online for her car. The GM mechanics were clueless on the issue. GM wiring quirk?

 

[Germaniac]

WIS has a troubleshooting section for cruise not functioning.

...that requires a Tech2, right?

 

[Germaniac]

I don't know if it is related but I had the BLF every time i started my car and was convinced my brakes lights were all functioning properly however I eventually found the fault was caused by corrosion in the micro bulb connections on the third brake light.

The brake light worked but sent enough of a bad signal that set off the BLF message.

Yeah, that is also what I think about it as this is the only unit I have only fleetingly inspected but not replaced so far.

In the meanwhile, while working myself through the WIS, I would not being too surprised if my 9-5 turns out to be a Decepticon with everything being controlled by computers...

 

[Mimmi]

Have you double checked that pedal returning spring is intact and correct position?

Brake pedal – 9-5 2001 | SAAB Workshop Information System Online

 

[Germaniac]

Not yet, but according to the WIS there must be the option to adjust the brake light switch. Good that the weather is bad because otherwise I would have to crawl in the footwell. Wait...

 

[sirbow2]

My brake lights were stuck on after my restoration. The pedal was not coming all the way up because the booster was in a slightly different place. Afaik, they way to fix this is the adjuster nut on the brake rod. It would be worth looking in the wis to see the exact process

Edit: wis says there is some auto adjuster for the switch To fit – 9-5 2002 | SAAB Workshop Information System Online

 

[a9548925559]

Replace the switch. It's time. They automatically adjust on installation.

 

[Germaniac]

Replace the switch. It's time. They automatically adjust on installation.

Thought of this too.

 

[a9548925559]

It can't be fixed by thinking or sitting on the couch. The scientific approach demands an experiment. Thinking might pay off when there are many more variables.

 

[Germaniac]

It can't be fixed by thinking or sitting on the couch. The scientific approach demands an experiment. Thinking might pay off when there are many more variables.

But at this very moment, my couch is way more dry and warm than the driveway...besides, scientific approach demands good preparation (like a new switch) and more thinking (like "shall I order that part now or next month in regard of the inclement conditions outside?").

 

[a9548925559]

I live in Florida....

 

[Germaniac]

I live in Lower Saxony...at least we don't have hurricanes. 😁