[Jinnyj]

Hi
I have a 9-3 2004 Convertible which I love dearly and until recently she hasn’t given any problems really other than roof issues (that’s another story).
Anyway recently the infamous ignition problem has occurred whereby I cannot even turn the key. I’m pretty sure that most of you are aware of this seemingly common issue with Saabs?
I took it to my usual garage and they sent it to their “diagnostic guy” who charged me £500 and said all I had to do was flip the fuse switch for 8 seconds then wait 8 seconds and try again. Initially it worked...well like for a week. Then the problem got worse with the actual steering lock kicked in too. So I went back. My garage sat on the car for a whole month. They treated me like an idiot female. And said I needed a new battery (I’d had one literally a year or so before and don’t do many miles). So another £170. I collect the car.
A week later, again it happens. They take it back. I am getting angry by now. Again they say there is no problem. I collect it. Again two days later (they tell me to drive it around which I did) it is stuck.
I have showed them the YouTube video online which apparently tells me how to bypass this.
I am literally at my wits end. Apart from this the car is sound...it’s only done 65k. I don’t know what to do next. I have a friend who does a small amount of work on cars and have shown him the video. My garage is against this but what else can I do?
ANY advice is appreciated.
TIA.

 

[probson128]

Need tech2 to diagnose, If SID message is steering lock malfunction, remove ign. switch and clean contacts. If steering lock failure, replace steering lock using tech2 to program. If no message check K line from ign. sw. to CIM

 

[DCGuy]

With my 2005 9-3 Saab conv I have replaced the key module by the shift and that was not too hard and it did not require my tech 2 due to liquid spilled into the key. However, on the 2005 it is very common for years for there to be nothing really wrong but the key will occasionally not turn and the steering stays locked and the car cannot be started. In this case I simply insert the key, wiggle the steering wheel to remove any pressure and then the key unlocks and will turn, start car and steering unlocked. It is very common for the steering lock to seem to Jam if the wheel is turned slightly when you turn off the car. This also happens at times with my 2007 9-3 combi. Please try this first before spending any money.

 

[candy maaks]

can anyone concise the question?

 

[Jinnyj]

With my 2005 9-3 Saab conv I have replaced the key module by the shift and that was not too hard and it did not require my tech 2 due to liquid spilled into the key. However, on the 2005 it is very common for years for there to be nothing really wrong but the key will occasionally not turn and the steering stays locked and the car cannot be started. In this case I simply insert the key, wiggle the steering wheel to remove any pressure and then the key unlocks and will turn, start car and steering unlocked. It is very common for the steering lock to seem to Jam if the wheel is turned slightly when you turn off the car. This also happens at times with my 2007 9-3 combi. Please try this first before spending any money.

Yes this is what my garage kept telling me. But it only worked for the mechanic and he’s very strong. I have tried it, as has his father but neither of us can shift the wheel at all.
I have post this on Reddit Saab sub and there have been some useful replies so I will try those.