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 .
If the engine will crank but not start, it may be the fuel pump has failed. Diagnosis may find no fuel pressure when attempting to start the engine.
The thermo contact in the AC compressor can fail, which means the compressor may fail to engage or disengage.
The shaft for the air blend door can fail creating the inability to adjust the AC or heating temperature. The AC or Heat will not maintain the proper temperature.
2.0L engines may become low on engine coolant with no cause found for the coolant loss. Our technicians tell us than in some cases the engine block may require replacement due to porosity.
A knocking noise while turning and/or a banging noise when driving on rough roads may develop in the front suspension. This type of noise is commonly caused by a front strut thrust bearing damaged due to water intrusion. Our technicians tell us revised thrust bearings are available to correct this concern.
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) and/or traction control light may illuminate. This can be caused by corrosion in the (ABS) wire harness connector at the right front wheel speed sensor due to water intrusion. Corroded connectors should be cleaned or replaced as necessary to correct this concern.
A well-documented and well-known issue with the Saab 9-3 built between 2003-2011 is harsh shifting from the 6-speed automatic transmission , and slight slippage between gears. This has been noted as hesitation to accelerate, especially from a stop.
Mainly, software issues have been to blame for these mishaps, but mechanical malfunctions related to shift solenoids and the valve body have also been major causes. Finally, the automatic transmissions in these models are sold as ‘sealed for life’, yet the transmission fluid does not seem to last the complete service life of the vehicle.
Correction of these issues often requires a simple software update, meaning the vehicle only needs to be plugged in, and the transmission controller receives new programming meant to fix these drivability concerns. In cases where this does not correct concerns, the transmission must be removed, inspected, and repaired, possibly requiring a complete rebuild.
To mitigate these issues from escalating to a full transmission rebuild, many technicians recommend replacing the transmission fluid at regular intervals, yet the manufacturer has never offered this guidance.
If the ignition switch is turned to the "lock" position when the vehicle speed is over 5km/hour, the ignition key cannot be removed from the lock cylinder. This is not a defect, but a normal design feature. In order to remove the key: Turn the ignition to the "on" position, wait several seconds, turn ignition to "lock" and remove the key.
The license plate lights may not work due to corrosion caused by water intrusion into the light assembly. Cleaning the corrosion and resealing the lamps to prevent water entry should correct this concern.
If the battery "goes dead" after sitting for several hours, but only when key is left in the ignition, in the "off/lock" position. The problem may be with the stereo amplifier staying on. Our technicians tell us reprogramming the affected control module can remedy this problem.
A high or low beam failure may be indicated on the instrument panel display even though the lamps are working properly. Our technicians tell us reprogramming the control module with upgraded software may remedy the problem.
Slow or sluggish gearshift operation may be noted on vehicles equipped with a six speed manual transmission. Our technicians remind us it is important to ensure the correct Saab approved gear oil is used. Also, Saab has revised the fill capacity from 3 liters to 2.4 liters to help address this concern.
With reverse gear engaged, the parking assist may not function correctly. Our technicians tell us updated parking assist software is available which can correct this concern.
On two wheel drive vehicles the electronic stability program (ESP) Off light may be illuminated storing a trouble code C013108 with no apparent related problem. Our technicians tell us reprogramming the control unit with updated software should resolve this issue.
related to exterior-light, brake-light
related to exterior-light, daytime-running-light
related to exterior-light, brake-light, fuse
related to exterior-light, headlight
related to interior, instrument-cluster, gauges, speedometer
related to exterior-light, headlight, replace
related to body, door, lock
related to engine-cooling, cooling-fan
related to ignition, spark-plug, replace-remove