Hi all

I have an 06 plated 9-3 sportwagon that has an intermittent issue with the tailgate not opening. Central locking all working ok, drivers door switch and fob button appear to work (indicator lights flash when pressed) but when pressing the switch in the tailgate "handle" I can hear/feel the switch operating but nothing happens.

If I climb in the boot and short between pins 2 + 3 on the wiring coming from the switch (what the Workshop Info Software diagram shows) the solenoid operates and the lock 'unlocks'. I have no blown fuses and cannot see any wiring damage.

2 questions...

1) Can anyone suggest an alternative diagnosis that is not a faulty switch.

2) Can anyone suggest where I could get one from that is not from the following list :- Chelmsford Saab, Saab City, Saab Euro Parts, Neo Brothers.

I have been told that the part number is 12788425 and this shows across Vauxhall and Saab databases but ONLY for the 9-3 Sportwagon. Ive tried UK and US google searching, Ebay etc etc etc.

Its been like this now for nearly 2 months with me unable to find a spare from anywhere.

Thanks in advance for all and any help.

I have the same problem, Did you find a fix as i am unsure if it is the lock or the switch.

Yours
Shane

In March of this year I bought my first SAAB, a 2008 Turbo X Sport Combi, and almost immediately I started having trouble with the tailgate intermittently refusing to open. I made several attempts to troubleshoot it, without a wiring diagram, and had the latch apart several times. Eventually I got at the release switch above the licence plate and that was the problem. The switch always clicked when depressed but didn't conduct every time. It would go for days not opening and then suddenly decide to work again. It usually failed when I had a load of stuff in the back. It seems that SAAB only sells the whole assembly including the chrome or graphite trim piece on the outside, the licence plate lights, the errant switch and the associated wiring for about $250.00. I found the switch is a typical electronic micro switch and I had a matching one in my parts box. I used to be a copier tech at one time. I am sure you can still buy this type of switch at any good electronics store for a couple of bucks. Anyway I cut the wires to the old switch, soldered them to my new one clipped it in place and I haven't had any troubles since. Worst part of the job was figuring out how to release the clips on each end of the trim panel across the outside of the tailgate. You just have to use a large screwdriver and pry them off. Mine both broke out of their track, but I just hot-glued them back in place when I reinstalled the trim.

Cheers, Chris