Saab 9-3 Convertible check engine light comes on

Filed Aug 23, 2013 · Electrical · 86,500 miles · AR

Had the engine light on for three months then I was driving on the highway yesterday and suddenly the engine wouldn't take gas. I was able to pull over off the highway slowly and it stopped completely after I made the exit. The mechanic told me that I need a new ignition cassette! So dangerous!

Filed Nov 24, 2010 · Transmission · 46,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3 convertible. The contact was traveling 65 MPH when the transmission failed; the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were approximately 46,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2009 · Electrical · 74,000 miles · GA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 saab 9-3 convertible. The engine light has been illuminated for 3 weeks. A mechanic stated that there was a problem with the direct ignition cassette failure and needed to be replaced. The mechanic also confirmed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The federal safety agency campaign id number: 05v399000 pe05017 the federal safety agency action number: pe05017 component: electrical system:ignition:module is related to the failure. The contact is concerned about the safety risk and the potential number of units affected per the recall. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN nor year, make and model of her vehicle was related to the recall. The current and failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Jun 3, 2008 · Electrical · 78,077 miles · TX

After doing some research, I have found that I have spent $494.97 on what was a recall previously, I have a saab 93 convertible and was driving on the freeway when the engine light came on and started losing power. Took to the dealership and need the di-cassette replaced. On this vehicle I have also had the alternator replaced 3 times in 2 years.

Filed Sep 14, 2005 · Electrical · 62,360 miles · FL

The check engine light came on while I was highway driving; I parked the vehicle as soon as possible and didn't use it until the mechanic was available. The diagnostic test showed direct ignition failure, the part was replaced with a new part. Being a long-time saab owner, of several models, I am aware that certain models have associated problems, such as this part.

Filed Jul 20, 2005 · Electrical · 38,000 miles · CA

I have a 1999 9-3 convertible, bought certified pre-owned from the dealer (santa monica saab) in 2002. Last summer, the cel came on at about 38k, so I had the engine serviced at the dealer and was informed by the manager that the codes indicated a di cassette failure and also possible oxygen sensor failure as a result. At that time, I hadn't experienced any engine stalling or failure as a result of this problem but was warned that it might fail without warning while driving if the di cassette wasn't replaced. I took that risk, driving only limited distances (in/around town only) for a few months w/the cel intermittently on but otherwise no discernable problems. After doing some research, I found a saab mechanic and asked him to replace the di cassette on april 1, 2005 (labor cost was minor; the part, however, was $500). I also had the o2 sensor replaced as well but since then have experienced some stalling at idle, the cause of which is still to be determined (through a process of elimination...and continued visits to my mechanic). I should note that I was told by both the dealer service manager and my mechanic that the di cassette failure happens rather frequently. But considering that my car at the time of failure had less than 40k and was well-maintained, I was surprised that this happened, in my opinion, through no fault of my own. Through reading of and posting to the saabcentral forum, I've discovered quite a few other saab owners with the same problem, all of us wondering what gm/saab is doing to address the problem. Some owners, it seems, have resigned themselves to frequent di cassette failures. Though I didn't experience the engine failure as some drivers have, I still think that a $500 part shouldn't fail so early and often,and I find the suggested solution (driving around w/a spare di cassette) unacceptable.

Filed Oct 4, 2004 · Transmission · 65,401 miles · VA

Vehicle began shifting poorly and would not go into reverse unless turned off (5 speed manual trans). Saab dealership opened tarnsmission and found it needed full replacement (60,000 miles) and also needed a new clutch. Since that time the check engine light continues to come on and go off erraticly. Saab can't seem to figure out why the light keeps coming on. Very expensive replacements and diagnostics!

Filed Sep 8, 2004 · Electrical · 38,000 miles · NH

While driving on highway, auto shut down completely, no power steering, brakes, etc. Coasted to side of road. Car would not restart. Burnt electrical smell from engine. Car was towed to repair shop, where a failed ignition cassette was diagnosed. The "check engine" light comes on periodically since day one, in some cases for days at a time. I have asked about this problem at several dealers and have been told that it could be because of a loose gas cap and not to worry about it (saab USA claims that they don't know anything about this problem). The check engine light was on at the time of this incident, but because it comes on so often, I ignored it. $900 repair bill!

Filed Dec 18, 2003 · Tires, Wheels · CA

Request for reimbursement for problems recurring with pirelli tires and factory rims.*mr saab refused to provide a warranty explanation on the consumers tires and rims that were replaced and refused to offer any types of explanation on the integrity and safety of these specific tires and rims. The consumer received one payment but wants to remind saab about the remainder of payments which he was entitled to. *cb the consumer stated the left and right front tires ballooned out 12 inches on the inside. The consumer had to replace the rims and the tires. The check engine light illuminated.

Filed Oct 20, 2003 · Electrical · FL

At 75 MPH on a major highway, my car simply shut down, engine would not restart. Had to coast across three lanes of busy traffic to get to shoulder. Car would not restart, burning electrical smell and smoke came from engine. Car was towed to dealership, where failed the cassette was diagnosed. Is still in shop 4 days later. Check engine light has been coming on for 8 months, have been told repeatedly by saab that it's because I am not tightening the gas cap enough. Check engine light was on, as usual, but I ignored it, as it's on half the time I drive the car. Dealership seemed to know immediately that the cassette was blown. This defect needs to be remedied. Very dangerous.