I had to replace all the suspension bushings in mine, they were completely worn out. Engine still strong at that mileage. Updated engine control software was loaded and slight improvement resulted. Transmission is now slipping, onstar malfunctions once a week, and have a rattle in the dash board. In normal weather, auto exhibits typical, slight turbo lag, but nothing nearly as severe as this condition. This car is bulletproof if properly maintained. If I had been on the highway there may have been a different outcome.
Now the problem with my Saab stalling has become worse. Car still has hesitation after they have claimed to have repaired the software problem. The manufacturer was contacted and advised they would speak with the dealer to determine if the repair needed was associated with the repair listed in the recalls. Replaced ignition coil, and it didn't fix problem. I have seen the immobilizer loose it's coding for apearantly no reason. Turbo failures happen, usually they start sending oil into combustion.
My 2003 is old Saab body style with defective di cassette. Luckily I was on a back road and pulled over safely. Vehicle was stalling during acceleration, then fuel pump had complete malfunction. This icon means the Immobilizer has been activated and hence won't allow the car to start. You can quickly get a good read on the engine's condition this way. Most of the time it's triggered by the anti-theft system.
Per Saab's owner's manual instructions, I am contacting you. . Saab is fully aware of all of the problems. The failure occurred intermittent which progressed to an engine stall. After 2 months of waiting for Saab to respond to my lemon law filing with an attorney, I have been able to get rid of my 9-3 linear. It now has 147,500 miles on the odometer.
I have only changed the oil when service warning comes on. I have talked to 4 other Saab 9-3 owners for this model year and 2004 and every one has the same problem. These Saabs do have electrical problems but the only ones I encountered were passengers door lock stopped working and the high beam shutter in the Xenon headlights stopped working so no more high beams. I now have two more problems. After 8 months putting over 10k still feels like a new car. I have seen the immobilizer loose it's coding for apearantly no reason. The turbo blow-off valve can fail.
I used a high quality German performance synthetic and never had any issues. I have never had any engine and transmission problems with my car. We purchased it from a friend who was the original owner and had most of their service records. Try another key if you have one. In the convertibles, it's common to have some issues with the tonneau cover mechanism. All the recalls had been taken care of and no other mechanical issues. Which in turn caused a four car accident.
Also check the Coil Springs on all four corners because they tend to rust due to poor coating from the factory which can lead them to breaking which is not good if it happens while driving. I have called numerous times with no call back. Scott, Porsche Master Tech 35 years. Please contact me as soon as possible! Part number on cassete is from the 2002 and earlier model years. Took it to the dealer and they came up with nothing. Seems to happen while cruising in traffic at speed under 30 mph.
The vehicle was taken to the dealer. Water pump failures on the V6 are particularly expensive to repair. Only occurs in very hot weather phoenix, summer. Coils can fail in the direct ignition cassette. I have contacted Saab about this problem much like I did the first time and noting is being done to help me.
The repairs were not performed. Removing the valve cover to inspect the valvetrain is a good idea also. Car completely locks up and will not start until pulled off the road, turned off and turned on again. You can try this trick i learned that the dealers won't tell you. The front spoiler is falling apart. Also the transmission is shifting hard between gears between 10 and 30 mphs. It's just false word of mouth that gave this car bad rep.