[penelopepitstop]

More than 35 days at electrician !! Any help ?
I initially had some problems opening the car as key didn't seem to work, eventually it opened. Shortly after I left the car to be looked at for some other minor issue and the guy called me saying that the car would not start and had a steering wheel malfunction. Left for many days at mecchanics the battery was completely discharged. Pointless recharging it and sorting out battery/negative etc. Car was then towed to an auto electrician. This time the guy said I needed to replace the steering wheel lock with an original one and then he would have to re-code the whole lot in the ECU or something similar. No luck, still steering wheel malfunction! He is now saying that he has ordered something in the ECU as final attempt and if that doesn't work he would have to send the whole part to the UK from Italy to be re programmed. If anyone has had similar issues re-programming please let me know, the guy says he's never had similar issues with other Saabs. Really love my car but it looks like it won't be worth spending more money and selling it !! Thanks for any helpful advice.

 

[bob3000]

Do either of the shops have a Tech2 vehicle scanner?

 

[penelopepitstop]

Thank you for answering Bob3000, Yes, the auto electrician does have a Tech2.

Do either of the shops have a Tech2 vehicle scanner?

 

[tannybrown]

Steering wheel malfunction error can be caused by a few things.

First thing I'd try is cleaning the contact points on the ISM (Ignition switch module, the thing you put your key in) and/or blocking the spring in the ISM with a cut out piece of soda can. Or you can just replace the ISM as it's cheap and requires no Tech II. Link: Ism tea time struggle (so real)

If you just need to get the car started, this is where I'd start.

If the ISM is not the culprit, the next place I'd look is the CIM (Column Integration Module) which is behind the airbag. It is a DIY job to put a new one in, but you need to buy one that has a matching key or is 'virginized'. You'd need a Tech II to pair.

The least likely culprit is the steering lock itself, IMO.

 

[Mimmi]

I changed CIM in last weekend when car owner came to solve steering lock issue. He changed ISM and SCL prior visiting me.
What we learn with this: Do not replace parts randomly, read codes first.

 

[penelopepitstop]

Hi Mimmi and Tanny Brown , thanks for your tips. Think it's rather difficult to understand what an electritian does to the ISM and SCL and if he himself randomly read the codes! They all seem to be experts but then something happens and you're without a car for endless days not being able to get the car back and float around and wait.. very aggravating!!
The problem in this case persists and the electrician said that the codes do not align and car does not recognise whatever he's had to do to it.
The only solution left as he says is the UK ( at least from Italy) where apparently they can re-code the whole lot at the price of 350 euros plus a 20 to 30 day waiting list !!!
The question is something missing in the Tech 2 ? Maybe you need something different or extra or older for a Saab 2005 9.3 Convertible, could there be different tech IIs ? God knows.
On a wondernig what to do in the meantime phase..... .

 

[Mimmi]

Contact Hirschmann & Koxha, they can help you quicker than 20-30 days.

Home - Hirschmann & Koxha GbR

Defective Trionic control unit? Would you like more performance for your Saab or are you looking for affordable intake manifold injector cleaning and testing? We cover the entire range of services related to your vehicle reliably and cost-effectively.

hirschmann-koxha.de

Rey can also answer you direct if he reads this.

 

[penelopepitstop]

Contact Hirschmann & Koxha, they can help you quicker than 20-30 days.

Home - Hirschmann & Koxha GbR

Defective Trionic control unit? Would you like more performance for your Saab or are you looking for affordable intake manifold injector cleaning and testing? We cover the entire range of services related to your vehicle reliably and cost-effectively.

hirschmann-koxha.de

Rey can also answer you direct if he reads this.

Thank you ever so much Mimmi for your help, I'll keep you posted.

 

[penelopepitstop]

Thank you ever so much Mimmi for your help, I'll keep you posted.

Sorry Mimmi, Where can I find Rey? Is he to be found in the forum or do I contact Rey ie he works at Hirshmann ?

 

[Mimmi]

You need min 10 posts to PM him.
Rey Koxha: @Hirschmann & Koxha
Easiest way is fill contact form in their site.

Contact - Hirschmann & Koxha GbR

Do you have any questions about our services or a problem? We are happy to be at your disposal at any time. Just write us a message and we will contact you.

hirschmann-koxha.de

 

[penelopepitstop]

You need min 10 posts to PM him.
Rey Koxha: @Hirschmann & Koxha
Easiest way is fill contact form in their site.

Contact - Hirschmann & Koxha GbR

Do you have any questions about our services or a problem? We are happy to be at your disposal at any time. Just write us a message and we will contact you.

hirschmann-koxha.de

Thanks Mimmi, very helpful.

 

[penelopepitstop]

After many days, well actually MONTHS with no solution, I received codes from auto electritian: CIM U1501OF and CIM B144071 can anyone help with these codes ? I have been very kindly guided as to start by changing the ignition switch. Looks like if there's no luck next one will be the CIM !!

 

[Mimmi]

http://z90.pl/saab/dtc/read.php?model=9440&doc=IDA1484

http://z90.pl/saab/dtc/read.php?model=9440&doc=IDA761

I'd start with ISM (ignition switch). You do not need TECH2 with ISM change.

 

[tannybrown]

It's possible you only need to clean the contact points on the ISM (see link earlier in the thread).

 

[penelopepitstop]

Apparently the guy had already cleaned it as you suggested TannyBrown, no luck! Thank you Mimmi for the explanation of the codes that was very kind of you. So: let's start with the ISM !!! fingers crossed. I find it absolutely crazy that one ends up having to worry and look into the problem when it has been in hands of auto electritians for so long and is still there !!!

 

[Mimmi]

Now you know what difference is between auto electrician and Saab electrician.

 

[Tawnygyrl]

I'm having the same problem with my 2006 9-3.. It was suggested to change my ignition coil and plugs. So amazing if this works. Having it done today. Will let you know.

 

[penelopepitstop]

Mimmi, Saab Electritians they call themselves (Welcome to Italy)!!!!
So far: After cleaning AND changing ISM and trying an original SCL no luck so they put the old one back in ... codes were reset and car actually started BUT after two days back to not working again!! Alert with insert key and turn steering wheel !! Tawnygyrl, hope you at least can solve problem, let me know as I'll have my Saab sent over to America!!!!!

 

[Mimmi]

Change SCL and marry it to car with TECH2.
BTW, it is cheaper to send your car to Finland. You can even drive it to here.

I have been in Italy (for work) and I have learned that you MUST order potatoes etc with steak, otherwise you have steak ONLY. 😁 Fellow Italian workers laughed a lot.

 

[penelopepitstop]

Yes, very true, no veggies Mimmi if not specified, most likely the same works with an Italian Saab electritian!! Would love to drive all the way to Finland, problem is it will have to be towed !!!!