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.
1999 Saab 9-5: won't start
6 of the 118 complaints about the 1999 Saab 9-5 describe won't start.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 5%
- recalls
- 0
Won't start by model year
What owners say
I was shopping with my wife and 2 little children, when we came out the car would not start, required tow and alternative transportation, turned out to be the ignition module or direct ignition cassette, replaced with new one at dealer at my expense of $400.
Car was running fine and suddenly would not start. Towed to dealer, diagnosed as direct ignition cassette failure. Dealer replaced part.
Dt: the engine just shut down without warning and the vehicle was unable to be restarted. There was only a clicking noise. The engine would not turn over. This has happened twice in the middle of traffic. The first incident, the ignition cassette was replaced, and this subsequently happened again. More repair work was done and this happened for a third time. The vehicle is currently in shop. *ak the throttle body had tripped and went into limp mode on the third incident. The dealer could not detect the root cause. *sc
I parked my car in my driveway, went out to move it into the garage and it would not start. I had the car towed and learned it was an internal problem in the fuel pump. I had to purchase a fuel pump. This happened in november 2003, I owned the car less than three years. The time before that it had to be towed, it just lost speed, as I was driving on the expressway. I had to have torque seals & ring block replaced in january 2005, the oil was running out of my transmission. I just had to have the brakes replaced for the 2nd time, in five years, in january 4, 2005.
Consumer tried to start vehicle, but it would not start. He called saab roadside assistance, who advised him to refill battery fluid. He, then jump started vehicle, there was a flash from the battery and it cracked. Dealer replaced battery, and stated that battery going dry, and it was a known problem. Dash indicator did not show a problem with battery.
Service bulletins that may apply
- Expanded Availability for Remanufacture and Return (R&R) Electronic Control Modules
- Noise from the timing chain and oil sludge in the engine
- To address an external oil or coolant leak from the cylinder head gasket when no engine overheating or...
- This bulletin addresses a customer complaint of engine / exhaust noise form a cold engine or when turning...
- Incorrect engine bearing cap torque specifications
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 1999 Saab 9-5 won't start
Is won't start a common problem on the 1999 Saab 9-5?
6 of 118 owner complaints about the 1999 Saab 9-5 (5%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1999 Saab 9-5?
There are 0 recalls and 5 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1999 Saab 9-5
Stalling 27Check engine light 13Fire or smoke 9Loss of power 8Engine failure 6ABS 5Brake failure 5
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