Ignition Module problems of the 1999 SAAB 9-3

The contact owns a 1999 SAAB 9-3. The contact attempted to start his vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The vehicle cranked, but he received no spark. He attempted to change the fuel pump, which did not repair the failure. He also removed the spark plug wires and noticed that various parts were cracked underneath the ignition. A junkyard mechanic stated that the ignition was the cause of the malfunction. The contact discovered NHTSA campaign id number 05v399000 (electrical system:ignition:module), which pertained to the 2000-2002 SAAB 9-3's. The dealer stated that the repair would cost $464. The failure mileage was 118,356.

While driving at freeway speeds for about 20 minutes, my 1999 SAAB 9-3 experienced a loss of power and the engine stopped running. There was no warning of a probem until a single "clunking noise" was detected and then there was no power in 5th or 4th gear. By the time I downshifted to 3rd gear, the engine had stalled and the check engine, battery/alternator, and oil pressure warning lights lit. The car was not able to be resarted. I was able to bring the car to the distress lane and summon help (911). The car needed to be towed for repairs. The local SAAB dealer determined the ignition discharge module (idm) had failed (burned up). The dealer also informed me of a recent recall (I believe it's 05v-399) for the 2000 - 2002 model years and that perhaps the idm on my car had a similar defect. The dealer installed a new idm (replacement part 55-561-132) and 4 new spark plugs which had been fouled from my repeated efforts to restart the car. I did not receive old parts back.

Direct ignition cassette failed on my 1999 SAAB 9-3. A recall has been issued for 2000-2002 SAAB 9-3 and I feel this recall should include the '99 model as well because this part has a less than reasonable life.

The direct ignition failed on my 1999 SAAB 93. It is not covered under the recall. The "service engine soon" light came on which alerted us to the problem. My authorized SAAB mechanic informed me that it was the wisest course to replace this faulty part before it failed completely. The cost to do so $500 out of my own pocket to replace this inherently faulty part.

1999 SAAB 9-3 ignition cassette failure.

I believe my 1999 SAAB 9-3 should have been included in recent SAAB ignition module recalls, my ignition module is no different than the 2000 models, the recent failure of this part involves safety factors same as the 2000 models, replacement cost is over 400. 00 and should be reimbursed.

Direct ignition cassette (ignition discharge module) failed. Engine would not start after being turned off. Car was towed, evaluated, and the ignition discharge module was replaced. The ignition discharge module that failed was identical to the idm that is currently under recall for 2000-2002 model years. I am requesting that the recall be extended to include the 1999 model year. I have retained the failed part.

The contact stated vehicle stalled while in a parking lot. He tried to restart it ten minutes later but it would not start. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, and they replaced the direct ignition cassette. There was a recall for later model vehicles and the part was the same unit that was in this vehicle. Updated 11/29/05. Updated 11/29/2005.

In the couple of months previous to this incident, my vehicle's check engine light has come on three times, stayed on for a day or two, and then shut off. Each time the light came on (first it blinks, then remains steady until turning itself off) I experienced what I thought was some kind of ignition failure. On the morning of the incident, I was traveling in the passing lane heading north/east on route 365 from verona to rome, NY when I experienced a complete ignition failure. The check engine light came on (first blinking, then steady) and I had complete loss of power. I moved the vehicle to the right lane preparing to coast to a stop on the shoulder, but the vehicle regained power after about 15 seconds and I continued on. The check engine light remained illuminated until it shut itself off later in the day as I was returning home (a two and one half hour trip). I plan to take the vehicle to the dealer where I purchased it to have the problem diagnosed.

Direct ignition cassette (aka direct ignition module, idm, di, dic) has died on my 1999 9-3 2 times. I have owned the car since new, it now has 66,000 miles. When the di cassette dies the engine immediately shuts down which can result in a dangerous situation if one is driving in traffic. My di cassette first died at 50,000 miles. The car simply would not start, no prior warnings. A brand new di cassette from SAAB was put in. The 2nd di cassette died at 63,000 miles, while I was driving. There was no prior warning again. The car shut down as I was driving, and I lost power steering. I was able to pull off to the side of the road since I was going slow. Di cassette was replaced again, so I am currently on di cassette #3. The part is unchanged, so I fear it could die again at any moment. I've had to pay out of pocket for all of the di cassettes.

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.

: 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 -.

Dic (direct ignition cassette) failure, also known as the idm cassette or ignition coil. I have read several other complaints of the ignition cassette failing and this is a major safety issue. It is an expensive repair, as well. Appears that there is a pending recall on the 2000-2002 models and I would like to see the recall extend to the 1999 models; same module. I would not have been aware of the pending recall on the 2000-2002 models except that I have a friend who received a letter and I decided to investigate. Please advise why the defect investigation pe05017 was closed pending gm's actions on the 2000-2002 models. The 1999 model and any other affected models should be covered by any recall, as well. I'm sure many people are not aware of ability to report issue and realize that it is a major defect. Please advise.

While traveling down I-70, the direct ignition cassette failed on my 1999 SAAB 9-3. The engine stopped immediately which affected the power steering and brakes. Fortunately I was able to coast off the highway and onto a side street. The next day I went to the SAAB parts dealer, bought another for around $375, and was told this is a common problem. My car only had 60,000 miles on it at the time. Once the direct ignition cassette was replaced, the problem was solved.