My son just passed his drivers test and we were going home when the car started making noises and then stalled. Smoke was coming out of the car and smelled like burnt rubber. My son luckily was able to get the car to the side (avoided an accident). Lifted hood thought car overheated. I tried starting the car and it sparked and started smoking again. Found out it was the electrical system, ignition discharge module. My car is a 1999 9-5 saab. I found that the 2000's had a recall due to this overheating and could cause a crash. This could of caused an accident.
1999 Saab 9-5 electrical complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 70, newest first, as owners wrote them.
1999 saab 9-5 v6 (127,000 miles). No prior related problem before this incident. Upon start up, vehicle ran rough at idle. Low power when attempting to accelerate. Parked vehicle and raised hood. Noticed smoke coming from ignition module on front side of engine, strong smell of burning plastic. Also smelled raw gas coming from exhaust. Check engine light came on. Engine stalled and would not run again. This all took place in less than 5 minutes. Vehicle was towed back home. Replacement ignition cassette currently on order.
My 1999 saab 9.5 wagon just died. It was towed to dealer. Dealer diagnosed and said ignition cassette was burned out. Dealer replaced the ignition cassette and spark plugs for $525.40 + 6.0% tax for total of $556.92. My mechanic said there was a recall on these cassettes. Dealer said my car was not covered. I paid the bill.
Stall and surging to the point the brakes would not hold the car back at a stop. Later idm failed without warning . Seen smoke coming form coil, pack.
Dt*: the contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same symptoms as the recall that is on the 2000-2002 saab 9-5s for the electrical system ignition module. The recall number is 05v399000. The dealer stated that the dealership had numerous 1999 saabs that have the same problem.
Dt*: the contact stated that two vehicles were taken to an independent mechanic for repairs on the di cassette or the id module. The mechanic determined that the two vehicles may be under recall for the parts affected. However after an investigation it was confirmed that there was no recall on these vehicles. The vehicles was repaired three times prior with the same part. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 7/19/2006 - the manufacturer refused to provide any assistance.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 60 to 65 MPH the engine lost all power without warning. There was smoke coming for the rear of the vehicle and it was pulled off the road without incident. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, upon inspection the ignition control module had failed. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v399000, regarding the electrical system: ignition control module. The model year was not included in the recall. There was also an the federal safety agency investigation, # pe5017, regarding the electrical system: ignition control module.
I have a 1999 saab 9-5, v6 and had to replace the ignition cassette module. The 2000 9-5 has had a recall for this same part. Why hasn't the 1999 been recalled?
My 1999 saab 9-5 sustained the identical failure of the ignition discharge module described in the 2000-2003 recall. Repaired by local mechanic. Was unaware of recall (as did not include 1999) but my colleague pointed it out to me. I contacted saab, sent them relevant documentation, and they refused to consider my vehicle under the recall. Clearly an ignition module smoking and burning when engine started is a very unusual event. I suspect this module also began to fail in 1999 but that too few of these events was reported to make your recall threshold, but I would maintain that such an arbitrary cutoff is inequitable. Same part; same unusual failure. Not sure what you can do about it, but I don't think that this manufacturer (usually good folk) is managing this well. Hence my formal complaint.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered followed by a loss of all power. The warning lights did not illuminate to indicate a failure. A strange burning odor was present but no flames or smoke was visible. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop; the ignition module and coil assembly were replaced. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v399000, regarding the electrical system. The vehicle had the same problems as indicated in the recall; however was not included in the recall due to the VIN. Updated 05/04/06.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 70 MPH the vehicle stalled. It was pulled off to the side of the road without incident and towed to the dealer. There is a the federal safety agency recall, # 05v399000, regarding the ignition module. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN.
I have a 99 9-5 turbo. Over the course of the past week, my vehicle has stalled on me three times. The first, I was traveling alone at 20 MPH and the car stalled when I made a left turn into a gas station, leaving me vulnerable to ongoing traffic. An hour later, I had my children in the car and we proceeded to get onto the highway. The car stalled as I was going into highway traffic. Thanks to the skillful maneuvering of the other drivers, our lives were spared. The other occurred when we reached our destination. The car stalled as we pulled into the parking space. This LED to the inability to turn sufficiently and almost hitting the neighboring cars. I have read various forums of fellow saab owners who have experienced these same life threatening incidents. It seems to me and many others that saab does not care about the safety of their dedicated consumers. We are not asking for hand outs, just the reliability and safety any one should have from a company that "allegedly" prides themselves on those things. I just hope that the next time I submit a report it doesn't include a death or dismemberment of myself, child, or another loved one because of saab's lack of integrity.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving 25 MPH the check engine light illuminated, the vehicle lost power and the speed dropped to 10 MPH. The contact managed to get the vehicle home and once the engine was turned off, it would not restart. The vehicle was towed the dealer, where the ignition cassettes and spark plugs were replaced. The dealer determined the spark plugs were damaged as a result of the ignition cassette failure. There is a the federal safety agency recall, #05v399000, regarding the ignition module. The vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall; however it is not included in the recall due to the VIN. This happened on the road where the speed limit was 30 MPH. If this would have happened at one of the highways where people are driving at 65 MPH there would have been a fatality. This vehicle would not do over 15 MPH. The contact was able to drive home. The small of the car was very bad so the contact waited 20 minutes before leaving. There was no fire. Both ignition cassettes were replaced, as well as spark plugs.
On february 15, 2006 as I was exiting my car (1999 saab 9-5 se), I was jolted by five "shocks" when I reached for the door (just below the window) after turning the ignition off and removing the keys. When I returned to the car, it would not start. It was towed to east of sweded (saab specialists) in boulder, co for diagnosis of the problem and repair. The direct ignition cassette was replaced, and the problem solved. I was informed by the mechanic that saab USA has recalled this part on the 2000, 2001, and 2002 saab 9-3 and 9-5s. I was told that the direct ignition cassette which was removed from my car is the exact same part that was recalled on the other model years, but that the 1999 had not been recalled. I still have the part in my possession.
The car developed an odd burning smell while I was driving it and the engine quit. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and required the replacement of the direct ignition cassettes.
My 1999 saab 9-5 se turbo v-6 has now had both direct ignition modules fail. The first one failed as the car was being driven at city speeds, the car stalled once was restarted and pulled off the road. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment and a strong odor coming from the engine. The ignition module was replaced and the vehicle functioned properly. Four months later the same thing happened to the other ignition module.
Dt*: the contact stated while driving the vehicle stalled. This occurred several times at no specific speed. The vehicle was taken to the local dealership for inspection. After diagnostic testing, the dealership personnel determined the idm component needed to be replaced. The brake light warning assembly was replaced. Updated 02/13/06.
Sludge in oil and faulty ignition cassette module.
1999 saab 9-5 has a faulty master cylinder, and vacuum booster which both had to be replaced at owners expense. *ts in the past the consumer had to replace the water pump. Heater fan motor, thermostat. Leaky sunroof, battery, battery cables and numerous light bulbs.
The engine stalled and would not restart due to ignition discharge module failure. The vehicle was towed to an authorized saab dealer where it was purchased. Per a conversation with the technician, the module was replaced with an identical module of the same part number.
Dt: the contact states there is a the federal safety agency recall campaign 05v399000 concerning the ignition module. This vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to VIN. The contact repaired the vehicle at his own expense. *ak updated 2/24/2006 - the faulty ignition module caused the vehicle stall suddenly without warning.
Direct ignition cassette burned causing engine to stall. I was luckily able to drive in limp-home mode. Car taken to dealership. Diagnosed as burned dic. Mechanic stated that car should have died. Very fortunate to limp home. Dic replaced with new unit at my cost (out of warranty).
1. Car was hesitating and mis-firing. Exact same symptoms as the saab recall no. 05087. 2. With family, car completely died while going up a hill. Since it was a 5 speed, I was able to roll back down the hill and subsequently have the car towed. 3. Direct ignition cassette (dic) and catalytic converter replaced. With dealer assistance, saab replace the part and related repair at minimal costs. Unlike the saab recall no. 05087, 1999 owners are being excluded from the remedy for the exact same issues and failures. Saab / gm need to remedy the exact same issue in saab recall no. 05087 for the 1999 owners. The failure and safety concerns are exactly the same.
Dt: the consumer stated that on the 1999 saab 9-5 the ignition module, failed. This happened in october of 2004. The vehicle was stalling while driving at speeds of over 50 MPH. The vehicle has since been fixed by the consumer. The ignition module was replaced in the car. The consumer bought the replacement part from the dealership and repaired the problem himself. The car was running fine since the module replacement. The consumer did contact gm, and they sent the consumer an e-mail replying that saab was an innovator and some vehicles do experience some problems. The vehicle stalled once. *ak the consumer believed the 1999 models have an ecu in which the ignition control software parameters cannot be updated unlike the 2000 and later year models.
(1) normal city driving operation for 20 minutes (2) while idling at busy intersection for left turn, car stalled and would not turn-over; burning smell came from under hood. Did not open hood so could not evaluate whether there was fire. Car towed by aaa to closest saab dealer. (3) dealer inspection identified the failure of the direct ignition cassette. This is the same failure as identified in the federal safety agency action number pe05017 and campaign recall number 05v399000. Vehicle - saab 9-5 2.3l manual transmission wagon make year - 1999 current mileage - 60k miles all servicing up to date and done by dealer.
Vehicle was not starting. Repair shop diagnosed problem as failure of direct ignition cassette, which is a known issue with this vehicle, but was not involved in a recent recall of over 300,000 vehicles. Part was replaced- will need to check if available.
Failure of direct ignition (di) unit (1) car began running rough and stalling at stop lights. A progressive worsening problem that the dealer could not diagnose after couple of mentions of problem. (2) car died in middle of street, had to call service to tow to dealership. (3) unit was replaced (under warranty at time).
Check engine light came on and indicated a misfire cyl. One. The problem continued until total failure of the engine 12 miles later. The direct ignition cassette was replaced and the problem was solved. I have read numerous complaints about the same problem throughout the 1999-2003 model year range.
While driving on a very busy l.a. Freeway on a saturday evening my car suddenly lost power with no warning to the point of almost stalling. Lucky for me I say my prayers and was able to navigate to the off ramp and coast on to the street where I was pushed out of traffic by a good samaritan (I'm a single female driver). I noticed the check engine light was on. I was able to start it again after awhile and chugged home 30 slow miles to my house ( I was all out of tows on aaa and no mechanics open at that time).next week my saab mechanic indicates that it is the di failing. Estimated cost part/labor is $550.00. I just replaced the di 9/15/2003 after a similar incident happened and all power was lost while driving, I coasted to the side of the road and had it towed to saab. Cost to me the first time was approximately $450.00 not including car rental. Needless to say this is a huge safety hazard on the '99s as all these posted complaints indicate and I'm not understanding why the current recall is not including '99s. I've held off replacing the replacement that lasted only 20,000 mi/2 years hoping to get some recognition/help from saab with this. Part is available. Obviously the current (failed) di in my car is a 2000 - 2002 saab di - so will they take responsibility for this repair? This is ridiculous! I adamantly believe saab should take responsibility for this problem on the 99s as (I have found out) it is a known problem among owners.
Regarding the federal safety agency action number : pe05017 I experienced engine stalling due to the failure of the ignition discharge module (idm)) "cassette" on my (my) 1999 saab 9-5. The engine shut down suddenly without warning and the vehicle would not restart. This incident occurred while slowing down at a red light from approximately 40 MPH. I did not confirm whether catalytic converter damage was experienced as well. My car at rest in a busy intersection was most certainly a hazardous situation, at the corner of st. Andrews blvd and glades road in boca raton, florida 33431. I replaced the idm and have kept the original for potential study of failure.
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