2002 Saab 9-3 Engine Dies while Driving Or Will Crank but not Start

The direct ignition cassette can fail causing the engine to die while driving, and/or it will crank but start. Diagnosis may also discover trouble codes for random misfires .

Affected Model Years

This issue affects Saab 9-3 model years 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, .

39 people reported this problem

  • 2002 221,675 Miles
    Car lost power while driving. It is believed that it is the Ignition cassette that needs to be replaced. Cost Est $ 700.00

  • 2002 52,000 Miles
    My 2001 Saab 9-3 will misfire while driving and sometimes die if I have to stop at a light unless I keep my foot on the gas. It also won't start back up until the engine cools down. Had diagnosis scan done and codes came up as a faulty ignition coil pack and bad spark plugs. Replaced those and car is still having problems.

  • 2002 146,000 Miles
    There is no spark or pulse from the injectors. It cranks just fine.

  • 2002 137,000 Miles
    Drove to Ann Arbor and back to Brownstown. ON the freeway on the way back, the oil and engine light came on and my car just lost all power and shut down. I got it jumped and it started again but ran rough and then shut off again. I thought the motor was ceased but it has oil and most mechanics dont know about Saabs. Im taking ie shop tomorrow.. glad I found this page, saved me from buying a new engine. I love my Saab!

  • 2002 0 Miles
    Car cranks but won't turn over

  • 2002 135,000 Miles
    Changed plugs and DIC also changed Crank Position Sensor as a precaution.

  • 2002 210,000 Miles
    code P1213 misfire crack in DIC and spark plugs show oil foul damage. Replacing both