2000 SAAB 9-3 from North America - Comments

I just found this about the starter / ignition problem.

Auto Recall Date: 09/14/2005

Vehicle Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

Estimated Vehicles Affected: 103202

2001 SAAB 9-3 Defect Summary:

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH B205/B235 4-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES AND B308 6-CYLINDER GASOLINE ENGINES MAY EXPERIENCE OVERHEATING AND BURNOUT OF THE ISOLATED GATED BIPOLAR TRANSISTOR (IGBT) WITHIN THE IGNITION DISCHARGE MODULE (IDM) DUE TO INCREASED SUSCEPTIBILITY TO ELECTRICAL LOADS.

Defect Consequence:

OVERHEATING OF THE IGBT OCCURS MOST OFTEN AT ENGINE START-UP, BUT IT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING. ENGINE STALLING MAY OCCUR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE WHAT VERSION IDM IS IN THE VEHICLE AND REPLACE THE IDM IF IT IS A VERSION BUILT PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF QP3. AN INTERIM LETTER WILL BE MAILED TO OWNERS IN OCTOBER 2005, INFORMING THEM OF THE CONDITION. PARTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AND OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES IN TO THE DEALERS TO HAVE THE IDM REPLACED BY LETTER DATED MARCH 13, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SAAB AT 1-800-955-9007.

Notes: SAAB CARS USA, INC., 15021.

I have a 2000 9.3 Saab convertible. Roof was slow to operated but did work. Had a small leak in the cylinders to the roof. Added oil and now the top will not come down. It tries and the back will open about 3/4" Any suggestions?

My 2000 9-3 Saab turbo was maintained and serviced by a local Saab dealership since I purchased it in 2003 with 45,000 miles. I purchased an extended warranty that covered many repairs over the last 5 years. Most recently the head gasket was replaced 11/08, water pump, belt tensioners 2/09, etc. and within a few hundred miles from the service shop who replaced the water pump, belt tensioners, etc. the turbo blew out.

The foreign repair shop indicated the turbo and engine need to be replaced. This car has been meticously maintained and remained inconsistently problematic. (Car wouldn't start/engine noises). I called Saab headquarters and they will not help in any way. Dealership informed me I have a "lemon" and not to put any more money it (of course, they didn't tell me that when it was under warranty and still paid thousands of dollars out of pocket).

Help...

My service records are detailed and might help another victim... or maybe contribute to a class action law suit...

Thanks

When cold, engine noises, etc.) The warranty ended in August 08.

I currently own a 2002 9.3 Saab convertible. I leased a Saab prior to purchasing because I loved the car. My 2002 I've had now for seven years. Up until about 2 1/2 months ago I've had similar problems that many of the others are experiencing. The Neutral Safety Switch. I've taken back to the mechanic at least every 2 weeks. It's going back today. They really can't figure out why sometimes it starts and sometimes it doesn't. Of course it starts when ever they have it in their shop. I agree... it does start when it feels like it. This is not good... I never know when it's going to start, so I'm afraid to venture too far from home.

I own a 2002 Saab 9-3 SE and am experiencing the same "not starting" problem for 2 years now. I have had the crank sensor and starter replaced, the fuel pump and ignition module checked and no one can give me an answer. Even when the repair shops have "recreated the scenario", they have no clue as to why it will randomly not start. I am a young woman in nursing school who has to drive 40 minutes everyday to get to class or clinical. I'm afraid I am going to be alone in the parking lot one night with a car that won't start and be in a lot of trouble!

Hello everyone,

I have a 2001 SAAB 93 2.0t SE Auto.

And yes, I have the same start/ non start problem. I have replaced the CPS, to no avail. I have a very talented electrician who is going to "wire in" to the circuit that leads to the starter, so I can turn the starter over without using the ignition.

3 weeks ago I was stuck for over 2Hrs, So I called out the AA (car recovery).

He checked relays, fuses etc. Checked the current leading to the starter, all OK. He came up with no explanation. Yet he did get me started by holding one end of a length of wire on the starter and the other end on the battery, (and with the key in the ON position) and lo and behold, it fired up and I made it home.

If my electrician can't "wire in" to the circuit, then I will have to try replacing the NSS.

I'll be back to inform everyone next week if the DIY fix has worked.

Regards.

Alex.