2003 Saab 9-5 headlamps

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

DrNate - 03 Jan 2007 03:00 GMT

The headlamps in my 9-5 do not turn on - xenon lights turn on but both
the other headlamps do not turn on, even on high beam. My suspicion is
that a fuse has blown or removed (both bulbs look ok on inspection).
Anyone knows how to find out what the problem is? Help appreciated.

Reply to this Message

Fred W - 03 Jan 2007 13:49 GMT

> The headlamps in my 9-5 do not turn on - xenon lights turn on but both
> the other headlamps do not turn on, even on high beam. My suspicion is
> that a fuse has blown or removed (both bulbs look ok on inspection).
> Anyone knows how to find out what the problem is? Help appreciated.

If your 9-5 is the same as my '03 9-3 Vector (and I think it is) the
halogen high beams are programmed NOT to come on by SAAB. This is the
standard US configuration for all their cars with Bi-Xenons. There are
some other-country configurations which will turn the halogen High beams
on, but I believe the Bi-Xenon mask then stays in the low beam position.
There is also some problem with getting the fog lights to still
function when they change the programming for "rest-of-world"
configuration, but I have been assured that it can be done. Oh and all
of this is also related to the Xenon DRLs (Daytime Running Lights).
Search around on DRLs and you should get more info.

My ideal configuration would be:
1) Disable the DRLs and allow me to select OFF or ON with the headlight
switch.
2) Turn on the Halogens AND unmask the Bi-Xenon on high beam.
3) Retain full fog light functionality and allow the fogs to come on
with the headlight switch in the middle position with the headlights
off. This is really what you want when you are crawling thru thick fog.

I'm not sure that you can get all of that done...

Signature

-Fred W

Reply to this Message

- Bob - - 03 Jan 2007 18:28 GMT

>I'm not sure that you can get all of that done...

I'm not familiar with the specifics of your model/year, but a
cooperative dealer service manager can usually do whatever you want
done.

Reply to this Message

DrNate - 06 Jan 2007 03:30 GMT

Thanks for your comments guys. Looks like the halogen lamps are for all
practical purposes a waste in the US configuration. We have to make do
with the Xenons (which is pretty bright anyways). I agree that Fred's
config is ideal and I am still on the lookout for that cooperative
service manager.

So Fred you are not using the halogens currently I suppose. Or have you
found any other way to use them?? (Consider this: Is there a way to put
in a different bulb that is kinda dim while in the low beam & high beam
position. This way it will not cause any glare. This is kinda how the
VW 2003 Passat operates. It uses a small bulb to give that partially
lit appearance. Although, in the VW the xenons do not support a high
beam.)

> >I'm not sure that you can get all of that done...I'm not familiar with the specifics of your model/year, but a
> cooperative dealer service manager can usually do whatever you want
> done

Reply to this Message