1999 Saab 9-3 with ABS, Pkg Brake, and Chk Engine lights on

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parnelli - 21 Mar 2006 00:33 GMT

Hello:

I looked thru the old postings on this site and didn't find anything
related to my problem. I have a 1999 Saab 9-3. The ABS, Parking
Brake, and Check Engine lights are all lite up, but only after the car
warms up (on a cold day, here in Colorado). . Otherwise, on warm days
the lights are on when the car first starts up. When the lights are on,
neither the odometer nor the speedometer work.

I didn't notice anything different with the braking until a quick stop
on ice caused my car to turn noticeably to the left. I'm assuming
this indicates a problem with the ABS. (sorry, not a gear-head).

The local Saab shop said it is a part (again, sorry, didn't remember
exactly what part they said), but the cost is $2000. I have been
driving the car for a few weeks, while they search for a used part -
possibly costing more like $1000.

Anyone have this problem before? Do you think it could it be anything
else?

Thanks in advance.
Parnelli

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Colin Stamp - 21 Mar 2006 20:04 GMT

>Hello:
>
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
>Thanks in advance.
>Parnelli

Offhand, I can't think of any single module that would cause all those
faults. As a stab in the dark, I'd guess at a wiring problem. Possibly
an earth behind the dash.

Pulling to the side whilst braking on slippery surfaces doesn't
necessarily mean the ABS isn't working, by the way. If one wheel
hasn't got any grip, you won't get any braking from that wheel, with
or without ABS. That will cause a pull to the side.

Cheers,

Colin.

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parnelli - 22 Mar 2006 17:15 GMT

Colin:
Good point about the ABS; the shop is looking for a used ABS control
module, but are thinking it might be something else as well.

Thank you for the reply.
Cindy

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Bob - 22 Mar 2006 17:58 GMT

>Colin:
>Good point about the ABS; the shop is looking for a used ABS control
>module, but are thinking it might be something else as well.
>
>Thank you for the reply.
>Cindy

Cindy:

While you might have an ABS problem (I don't think your slide
indicates that) you also have several other lights on. I am suspicious
that you actually have a different problem and it is electrical. I am
not knowledgable as to whether an ABS failure would cause the system
to turn on the "check engine" light. You should call a dealer and ask.
It would be more likely that the ABS failure would only turn on the
brake system lights - but you should ask.

Personally, I would be tempted to pay a dealer for an hour's labor to
confirm the problem before spending $1000 - $2000 on a module you may
not need.

Bob

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Ron Gerard - 28 Mar 2006 15:51 GMT

> It would be more likely that the ABS failure would only turn on the
> brake system lights - but you should ask.

In my pre-SAAB days, I used to drive Nissans. On those, an ABS failure had
its own warning light. I can't imagine a 9-3 doesn't.

Before you ask your dealer, I'd suggest looking in your manual.

Ron

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