Ignition Module Problems of SAAB 9-3 - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 1999 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

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.

Since purchasing my 2000 SAAB 9-3 (VIN # ys3df58k1y2033326) in 2003, I have spent $9,000 in vehicle repairs which have subsequently become "recall notices" issued from SAAB cars USA. The vehicle's engine failed fall 2004 - with subsequent repair coverage under a recall notice issued 5/17/05. The ignition discharge module failed in 7/05, with repairs subsequently covered through an idm recall notice issued 3/31/06. At the time of the idm failure in 7/05, the SAAB dealership also diagnosed catalytic converter failure in the vehicle. Do the major mechanical issues that exist with this vehicle cause a cascade of events which have damaged the catalytic converter, now requiring replacement?.

See all problems of the 2000 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

I was driving down a busy street when my car stalled, and would not restart. There was no indication that anything was wrong prior to the car dying. Fortunately, I was able to coast off the road into a parking lot. The car was towed to the local SAAB dealer. They replaced the di cassette and did a software upgrade. I was not injured, however, I am frightened to think what may have happened if I was driving 65 on a busy highway!.

The consumer was driving slowly suddenly the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair facility. They replaced the ignition module. The vehicle stalled suddenly and without warning. The radio and cd player stopped working. The consumer heard tire noise. The vehicle was taken tot he dealer who determined that the tires were cupped and causing the vehicle to pull to the right. The alignment was ok on the front but the rear could not be adjusted, the pirelli tires were changed to yokohama but the vehicle continued to pull to the right.

See all problems of the 2002 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

Direct ignition cassette failed while traveling approximately 45 mph. Car lost power, including electricity and power steering. Was able to restart car, but shut down again about 10 minutes later.

See all problems of the 2001 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

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.

Was driving down the gsp during the evening rush hour (5pm or so) in the left lane on the express side. Pickup truck approximately 4 ft off my rear bumper(NJ you know). Heavy rain. My 2000 SAAB 9-3 viggen just shut off. No warning. No power to get to appropriate shoulder so I had to drive the car off the left hand side of the road into the mud. After being towed to dealer I got the car back the next day. Di cassette failure was the diagnosis. Come to find out, this is a known problem with the SAAB di cassettes. One day later, car back in shop for 4 days. Dealer needed to replace catalytic convertor due to no engine power. Catalytic convertor failure a direct result of di failure. I am reporting this because had this happened while I was getting on the highway it could have been a big problem. It happens to some little old lady, it's definitely a problem at speed. With the advanced on board diagnostics and information displays, there is no way this should happen.

My 2002 SAAB 9-3 stalled in traffic and could not be started again. The direct ignition module had burnt out suddenly, and smoke was seen coming out of the connector when I tried to start the car. The module failed with no warning at all, and I was lucky to have been in heavy, but slow traffic. The module was replaced and the car is running. The car has less than 50,000 miles on it, so the sudden failure of such a critical component is surprising and disconcerting. I have little faith that this will not happen again, without any warning.

I was driving to work on the highway from syracuse to cortland to new york when about quarter way their my car shut down right in the middle of the highway and I was almost involved in a traffic accident due to this failure. The failure was a bad direct ignition cassette which caused my car to shut down immediately. Apparently the same part has been used and failing for about 20 years to this date. When I brought the car in for the dic replacement it cost me $500. 00 for 5 sec. Of time. When I told the mechanics about the problem they laughed and said they new what it was and that it had been failing for years and they make good money off of the part and this is the same thing I am hearing from other SAAB 9-3 drivers. I then proceeded to respond to SAAB corporation with which they would neither reimburse me for their part failure and they avoided my questions about thiis typical failure and how it failed. I would like to quit being avoided and get some action or response from this corporation.

: 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.

Complete loss of engine power while traveling at 55 mph on limited access highway in left lane. Loss of power was due to direct ignition cassette failure (electrical failure in engine ignition system).

While driving 45 mph, the vehicle stalled. The consumer had the vehicle towed.

Di cassette failure I was driving in the i80 during rush hour (5:30 pm near san francisco-richmond) at about 50 miles per hour when the engine died on me. I had to cut across 3 lanes of traffic with a dead engine to get to the side. I am surprised that I could even do this given the volume of traffic. It could have been very nasty since I was just coming around a corner when it occurred. I had to have the car towed to a SAAB dealer. Apparently the di cassette has failed and it needs to be replaced plus spark plugs ($725) and possibly the catalytic converter ($1,100). According to the dealer there is absolutely no warnings given on this nor would it be detectable in a normal service. Doing some research it appears that this is a common failure with SAAB's around the world. Very interestingly most comments describe circumstances similar to mine where the engine dies while traveling on a highway at highway speeds. This has to be very dangerous for the occupants and other users of the highways. This is a major safety issue that should be corrected immediately. Options would be a full recall or a proper warning system that allows the part to be replaced before catastrophe.

Pulled into a standard, paved, parking space turned electronic ignition key to off position and removed key. Car did not turn off, engine and electrical system continued to function as though key was in ignition. Onboard computer displayed "steering wheel lock failure: contact service. " turned steering wheel, checked for obstructions, and attempted to turn car off by reinserting key into ignition. When key inserted into ignition, onboard computer toggled to "key not recognized: contact service" and then back to previous message. Was only able to turn car off by removing fuel pump fuses, and then by removing battery terminal to prevent battery drainage as electrical system continued to function. Car only has 4000 miles and was brought in initially by tow truck to SAAB dealership on 6/15 and ignition was said to be replaced. On 6/16, drove car home and turned off without problem. On 6/17, drove to work and exact same situation was repeated, with a tow required. Car continues to be in service, new relay ordered, but problem persists, and other diagnostics are being run by service department. I have been told that there is no record of similar occurrence in 2004 SAAB 9-3 sport sedan. Will most likely never buy another SAAB or Volkswagen again.

See all problems of the 2004 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

I was casually driving with my daughter and the car suddenly shutoff in the middle of traffic. I tried to restart the vehicle; however, it did not restart. Fortunately, I had enough momentum to carry me towards the curb. But I had to cut across a lane to make it to the curb. When I spoke with the dealer the next day, they knew immediately what the problem was - failed ignition cassette. The dealer said this is a constant problem with Saabs and there is no warning before failure. I find this odd considering the car has a service information display. Fortunately the car was still under warranty so it was repaired and returned by the dealer in 2 days. But at 42,000 miles, I find it scary as I have no idea when the next time it will fail - in another 40,000? had this been a time when I was on the expressway, which I frequently travel, this sudden shut-down could have caused fatal consequences for myself, my family, and/or surrounding motorists.

Reoccuring engin stall while driving in traffic (spoke with consumer on 4/5/2005 - said his stall was due to faulty engine management software - car).

See all problems of the 2003 SAAB 9-3 🔎.

The consumer was able to remove the key from the ignition switch while the vehicle was still running. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the ignition module. The repairs worked fine for two weeks, then the problem recurred. The fuel pump was replaced, the fog and head lights would go out once a month, the traction control was not working properly, the seat belts did not recoil to provide security for the passengers, the clutch pedal did not have the proper pressure when applied, the engine would not "spin over," there was a blown fuel pump fuse, the driver window was inoperative, the sunroof deflector did not collapse when closing the glass causing the glass to re-open on it's own, the driver door panel did not fit the flush to the door panel, the radio and the onstar feature did not work.

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.

Failed direct ignition cassette leaves motorist stranded. There have been complaints that the engine will stop with no warning - even at high speeds of travel.

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.

My 2000 SAAB 9-3 stalled while driving on the highway. . . The dealer repaced the direct ignition module and car was okay.

2000 SAAB 9-3 stalls while in motion due to ignition discharge module (idm). The vehicle has been taken to the dealer twice . On both occasions the consumer was told that the vehicle may have idm problems, but that the vehicle was not included in the recall.

2001 9-3 engine light illuminated due to a cracked cylinder. When the consumer took the vehicle to the dealership, she was told the serial number on the module was not the one that would be replaced. A few months had passed and the service technician determined that the problem was from the recalled part which had a noticeable crack. When the consumer contacted the dealership again, she was told that the module may have shown problems in the previous inspection, but the module was not covered by the recall based on the serial number.