Please help; Numerous niggles with 04-93

[Mikeoup]

Hi,

I wonder if anyone can help me before my wife finally demands that we sell the car ...

We've got a 2004 1.8i (non turbo) 93 which has developed a number of annoying issues over recent months.

The first is that the central locking does not always operate via the key fob, I've changed the batteries in the fobs but it made no difference, the problem seems totally intermittent but some days it simply wont open and we have to unlock the car with the key via the passenger door which triggers the alarm etc.

Secondly the drivers door has effectively ceased working electrically; the central locking doesn't work and neither does the window or mirror. I've checked the fuse to the 'door control unit' (whatever that is) but it is fine.

Another intermittent fault is when starting the car, sometimes a few seconds after starting the revs rise then drop to say 4-500 rpm, stuttering as if running way too rich, pressing the throttle whilst it's doing that does little but after say 20 or 30 seconds it sorts itself out. Related to that I suspect is a flat spot around 4000rpm; the car hesitates and does not rev freely.

We've had the front Lambda changed which frankly made no difference and the car has been to a Saab Indy twice, all they could tell was that the car was running rich.

As you can imagine the above problems are annoying, especially for my wife when she's with the kids! I really like the car as it handles / brakes well for a big car but pressure is building from the wife to either get it sorted or change it ...

Any help or pointers in respect to the above would be much appreciated as I don't want to drive to a dealer or Indy with an open cheque book!

Many Thanks!!!!!
Mike

[sgould]

Welcome!

Not sure about the revs, you probably need a dealer to read the error codes with the Saab diagnostic computer.

There was a recall on the keys. Has yours been changed?

[reflex_bass]

Hi Mikeoupe,

I once had issues with electrics not working on my drivers door. I disconnected the cable harness going to the door then reconnected it. Otherwise as you stated it could be a faulty control unit in the door.

Hope this helps

[jochi]

The first is that the central locking does not always operate via the key fob, I've changed the batteries in the fobs but it made no difference, the problem seems totally intermittent but some days it simply wont open and we have to unlock the car with the key via the passenger door which triggers the alarm etc.[/b]

This happens occassionally, for me about 3 times last year. From what I've heard elsewhere, you should try not to press the unlock button until you are well within the normal range. If you press it multiple times it could somehow scramble the signal and cease to work until you unlock manually and place the key in the ingnition. Since I've gone into this habit, it hasn't happened to me once.

[mads64738]

Hello,

Unfortunately, we experienced similar problems with our central locking (2003/53 Saab 9-3 Aero).

The main dealer 'fixed' the problem via a Software Upgrade. On my invoice, it is stated "Remotes Inop, upgrade software in cim and test". We were charged £38.25 + labour + VAT... to basically to get back into our own car.

A couple of days later, we had another lock-out but the car seemed to sort itself out after a day or so... this is as stated by jochi.

This was also supposed to also cure an intermittent failure with the rear off-side passenger door lock. It didn't so it looks like a new actuator/door-lock motor too. Luckily, it appears that our warranty company will be paying for this item.

sgould - may I ask for some further information regarding the key recall? I won't be happy if the car, which has been solely maintained by Saab main dealers, hasn't been recalled accordingly...

Hope this information helps.

[sgould]

Not sure of the exact details it was over a year ago. My wife is the main driver of the 9-3. All I know is that she had problems getting into the car, stopped at the dealer who offered to change the keys. They ordered two keys and we had them changed.

You need to have the car and all the keys together at the dealer in order to get them married. I'm not sure if it was all keys in all cars before a certain date, or just a range of VIN number.

When I say "recall", it may have been done on a Saab "special". Not an official recall but a known fault that is dealt with free of charge, but only if the fault develops and the customer complains.

[mads64738]

Hello,

Many thanks - spoke to the main dealer today (car is in having work done) and they explained that there was a recall but not for our car. Incidentally, they are due to replace the rear passenger door lock and this too requires a further Software Upgrade.

Mikeoupe - maybe the Software Upgrade will help? Our main dealer was very helpful - hopefully you'll receive a positive response from yours.