Fixing Saab 9-5 Security System Problems -EricTheCarGuy
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- čas přidán 11. 09. 2024
- Visit me at: www.ericthecarg...
As I said in the video the owner brought me this car along with the supposed fix. The symptoms were an intermittent no start and a message on the dash indicating a security system problem. Apparently this is a common problem with Saabs of this vintage and the problem is usually linked to this siren/security module. Apparently the batteries go bad in the unit causing it to act up intermittently. In this video I show the steps needed to replace the module, it's actually a very easy job that does not require a lot of tools. So if you have an issue with the security system on a Saab of this vintage you might want to give this fix a try.
Here's the ebay store link to the company that rebuilds the modules.
www.ebay.com/it...
Discussion about this video: www.ericthecar...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy.
I love Eric the Car Guy! He's one of the few people on YT who understand that you need detail to be able to duplicate what he's doing. Many people leave out or don't allow you to watch all the steps to what their doing and if you're a newbie, this leaves you quite in the dark as to how to complete the job.
You can tell that the owner has pride of her car, for a 2001 its in almost new shape. For her to actually look up the problem and buying the part herself goes to show you that she's actually cares about her car.
The theft alarm module on the 9-5 is equipped with its own power source, so it can operate even when the main battery is disconnected. It uses two Sanyo CR17335 3V Lithium batteries, which get recharged while the car is running. However, the batteries lose their capacity with age, and the current eventually drops below a certain value, which triggers a warning in the self-diagnostic system.
Yes pretty much.
But there are 3 capacitors on the circuit board that should also be changed (it's often not necessary but since they can be the reason for the failure sometimes and they cost a couple of bucks they should be changed). An indication that batteries need changing could be a 'Service theft alarm' message on the SID (info display of the cd player). The CR17335 batteries are soldered to the board. a solder iron, some DIY and 5-10$ worth of parts and you're good to go.
Eric you dont have to replace the siren, the original batteries have a high pulse output and cannot be got hold of anymore, the solution is to unsolder the battery pins from the circuitboard and solder in wires instaed , connect these wire to 2 cr123 battery holders and fit a remote battery pack for the alarm in a much more convenient place for future changeing
The indication is on the SID in the center console. The SID shows amazing information, have had mine tell me Service Theft Alarm (same issue in this video), a third brake light bulb out, and key battery needing to be replaced.
Also, re-manufactured versions of this are not great. The batteries are the first and mostly only thing that causes this error. Getting a new reman unit just prolongs time or gives you a faulty product. About 50$ and a week of time, you can send your old one in, they repair it and fit it with new better quality batteries then ship it back.
You can take the alarm apart and fix it your self too. You need to replace the two batteries and the three capacitors. The batteries are SANYO CR17335SE 3 volts and the capacitors are 10v 220uf, 16v 10uf, 25v 330uf. They should be under $15 all together. You will need disconnect the batteries from the electronics using jumper J2, then unsolder the old ones and solder the new ones in switch J2 back and reseal the alarm with some sealant and just reinstall.
Wrong.
Eric, just to help... The message you will get is on the SID. "Service Theft Alarm". When the client says her key didn't work, she probably means the remote unlock buttons. Car should still start just fine. And if you want to remanufacture the part yourself, you just have to crack it open and replace the rechargable battery. (2 solder points.)
Saab before the GM years really did excel at well thought out engineering, especially when it came to safety. Which is why it attracted Architects, Engineers, etc. to them. Which is why it wasn't too surprising your female friend actually researched the issue.
Saab always had their ways of doing things. Don't really like them. But I remember the older Saab 99 and 900 with the engine put in backwards. Replacing a clutch took maybe 20 minutes. That was really nice :-)
I am so glad I have found this comment! I have been having problems with my Saab with the alarm going off for absolute no reason at random times of the week. Thank you, you have saved me a lot of money!
Hey Eric, I seem to recall the reason Saab put the ignition in the center console was so in the event of the driver becoming incapacitated (heart attack, stroke, passed out etc) anyone in the car could turn it off even from the back seat. Dont know if thats what the engineers were thinking but it sound good to me. They have been doing it since the 70's at least. Though the 9000's were on the column.
Saab does not sell replacement batteries. Fortunately, you can find the batteries from an electronics supplier and replace them yourself, if you're handy with a soldering iron. The batteries need to be of the exactly the same type and model as the originals.
Do NOT solder the batteries directly! The direct contact with a soldering iron might heat the battery up too much and cause it to explode. Instead, make sure that the batteries you buy come with external leads attached to them.
Finally someone who showed how to deal with those wiring connector murder clips! Thank you!
Very nice to see Saab repairs in your videos! I bought it some time ago as used spare part.
I might check this part for batteries and stuff. Prior watching this video I thought it was just for the alarm sound.
It just so happens to be my Birthday.Thx Eric
Yup. You have to remove the stereo, SID, and ACC panels and the torx screws holding the main panel in place. Then >gently< bend the panel away from the dash so the clips let go and the right side of the panel comes out. Beware that it's pretty easy to break something so be very gentle. At last there is 2 more torx screws that holds the cup holder. Put back in reverse order. /Saab-tech from Sweden
Wow. Just solved one of the mystery problems my neighbors have been telling me about but I haven't noticed. I hate Saab's. BTW: Thank you ETCG for doing one of the rare Saab car video's on CZcams.
My first car was a '96 Saab 900S, and I can say from experience that there are not many aftermarket parts for Saabs these days, so if you're lucky enough to find something such as this, by all means go for it!
Why did I watch this? I don't even own a Saab. Lol
I've seen 90% of ETCG videos twice and I don't own a car.
I own a Saab and I know how to do it yet Im still watching lol
I will subscribe to your channel. I own a saab 95 with this problem though
you have yourself your first subscriber now I see
Because its Eric..duh
Posting a vid at 7:30AM on a MONDAY. That's dedication right their. Keep it up sir :)
Seatbelt pretensioner and driver airbag will protect your face from impalement by the steering column. While knee injury from the keys is unlikely, I still think the turn-key in the center console is a brilliant idea; for one, starting the car requires less stretching :)
The "tricky" lug bolts are made much easier to insert using a bolt of the same size and thread pattern, but longer and with the head cut off. start it in (don't tighten) before you put the wheel on, and use it as a guide to put the wheel on. Put the other lugnuts in, then remove the bolt, and put it's lugnut in. I know this from working in a tire shop where I worked on a lot of Mercedes. Oh, and you shouldn't use an impact to tighten those bolts. You can damage an expensive brake disc.
the car has no open indicator on the dash in the start of the video. but in the end it does :D you fixed it haha. good work
I think the light bulb for the top half of the tachometer is out. Please make a video about changing that. It will make for a very entertaining video. I have changed it on my 2001 9-3 and I know how "easy" it is.
Yup SAABs can be expensive to fix but so can be most cars.
They are quite sturdy when looked after but if you don't want to fix bits here and there on your own the maintenance can be expensive.
If you are looking at a petrol car keep in mind the timing chain must be changed around 130kmiles or otherwise it could get a bit messy ... and when it's changed some other bits should be changed too (bearings if I'm not mistaken, crankshaft must be checked) as the engine is opened anyways.
Well this fixes one of "many........" saab problems. Guess Eric should've posted this two years ago so saab would not have shut itself down
If it is a battery inside the part causing the issue, it could very well be brought on by cold temperatures in particular, being that it's only shield from the temperature is the plastic fender.
Also you mentioned she had an occasional no start. This would not be related to the theft alarm, but rather is a separate problem if it's not accompanied with any messages on the display then my money would be on the Neutral Safety/Position Switch NSS or NPS. These can have intermittent faults and the car's computer doesn't read it's in P. Usually this happens when it gets hot out. To fix the NSS needs to be replaced or a bypass can be wired in-if you do a search for this you should find details
Horn and electronics are off until you turn it to on. This prevent's battery drains. It also turns off cig lighter and headlamps. Interior lights turn off about 5-10 mins of being left on even in the on position. It's more of saab protecting the battery, but in doing so it turns of a lot of the components. Horn included. Plus can't say I've once had to use my horn while sitting in the car with it off.
it is a shame that saab became insolvent, really. cars with features given a second thought, like the ignition lock or improved components. the 9-5's brother, the vauxhall/opel vectra had bad automatic gears because of an insufficient oil cooler, whereas the saab model never had issues. they were more expensive than vauxhall, but you got a lot better car in terms of details and small things that may cost you a lot of money. Reliable and great car from Sweden. Greetings from Germany.
I wasnt implying that reaching under the wheel is a chore, but you may change your mind about the placement if you drive one for a week. It's much more of a convenience than you think
On the 9-3, you'll find a cupholder behind the ignition, and another between the Radio and AC; both less than an arms length away. IIRC: the 9-5's second cupholder is stowed in the arm rest(which is a bit more inconvenient).
People who tease me for driving a SAAB eventually come around to liking the brand anyway =)
You looks like so tired,please take some rest.Your engine also need relaxing service.Thank you for your time sir.
Yes Gear wrench works , I myself Have the Craftsman Rachet wrenches and Man I cannot be more Happy to not have to go throught the take off and turn at a time, I love Craftsman so anyone who hates the screw off.
The message will display on the S.I.D unit, also you can order the replacement batteries for the alarm unit If you search for sanyo cr17335se get the ones with the tabs so much easier to solder them in the battery holder
I think Cr17335 is the original.
"CR123A can also work, but you will need to attach the solder tabs.
These are the electrolytic capacitors
C1: 16v, 10uf
C2: 10v, 220uf
C3: 25v, 330uf"
Copied from another video
Why would you do that?
I imagine the fact that it's one less thing you need to alter the production line for and make separate parts for left and right-hand drive cars has a part in the reasoning too.
Good cars. Expensive to fix and maintain.
Put it simply, it is a wrench-like tool to measure the force you're applying to the studs to protect them from breaking as it makes a "click/tick" noise to inform you that this force is enough.
I just went through the SID repair on a 1997 900s vert. Pixelfix didn't have the cable, so I had to source one off of fleabay. One of the more annoying fixes on that car, when including the off-kilter windows not sealing and causing water leaks (sometimes days after the rain,) and the heat mixer door not closing all the way (in the middle of summer, no less.) Oh, and the top doesn't work. At all. Like all of them.
Another great fix .. we have a 1999 model TURBO SAAB 9~5 WITH THE SAME ISSUE..IT STARTS BUT WONT STAY RUNNING..SO WHEN THOSE BATTERYS GO BAD IT STARTS BUT DIES OUT UNDER A MIN OR LESS.
Not very many folks have the basic tools or the inclination to get dirty. That why Eric has a job. :)
I like Saabs.
They make the world of cars a little more interesting.
btw the message comes up on the SID (saab information display) saying "key not recognized" and "service theft alarm" the service theft alarm most commonly means that the backup batteries in the siren are starting to go.
same exact happened to my 9-3. simple switch. went to junk yard picked one out for 10 bux. message came on my SID (*(message center)....siren didnt work. everything was fine except no alarm, and the msg every time but never got the no wstart. switched it out nice easy and worked ever since. i didnt kno that fact about the key location cool info
Thank you so much. The much worse issue that occurs with these packs dying is when the battery does completely fail it trips the antitheft. So the alarm will sound, and literally not stop until the pack gets some sort of a charge, regardless of if the car is on or not. These things were a really dumb idea from saab, but again thank you for the fix guide
yes, mine just started doing that yesterday. the alarm just keeps going off! I had to take fuse out.
Too easy for Eric. :) Always look forward to your videos weekly.
Nice to see you have an easyer one for a change :-), your previous steering rack one was a bloody nightmare!!
Fingers crossed it was the fault.
this is a common problem with those batteries in the security system dying which leads to some weird problems.....the Security message will appear on the SID.
My dealer (no longer a dealer) just created a bypass so it the security message doesn't occur again.
You can replace the batteries in the unit but it is a pain because the batteries are soldered into the unit. What a pain.
most well secured fender liner ive ever seen
Even in the GM years they did some pretty cool design work. Personally I don't think I'd ever own one but they where still a pretty cool automotive company.
I think Cr17335 is the two original batteries that goes bad in the module.
"CR123A can also work, but you will need to attach the solder tabs.
These are the electrolytic capacitors
C1: 16v, 10uf
C2: 10v, 220uf
C3: 25v, 330uf"
Copied from YT Trionic Seven
You should have tried to start it without it plugged in to see what happens. Great video none the less.
Eric, these Theft deterrents are a common problem for all brands of cars. Is there a way to make an over view video for them, to be able to tell where to look.
She didn't have those basic tools. Besides, if your friend was EricTheCarGuy and he wanted to make a video fixing your car what would you do?
im a very active saab owner, in sweden i might add :P. and i dont think this problem is related to the batteris in the siren. when those go bad the alarm goes of for no reason and you get a constant error in the display.
its not like this intermittent fault whith the car not starting, the batterys will never keep the car from starting.
If a 4 cylinder 9-5 stalls and won't restart hot, but will restart when cooled, its very frequently the crank angle sensor on the engine block front side near the flywheel. The heat of the exhaust causes a temperature expansion and sometimes temporary open circuit internally.
I have a Saab 900 so this was entertaining to watch!
If you have a good impact tool, you should know where is the 80N-90N setting, which not only being more than enough, is the usual torque spec for _car_ tires.
Surprisingly most P2 volvos (S60s, S80s, V70s) suffer this same problem and the alarm module is also located inside the driver side fender.
Notice at 1:31 there is no door ajar display on dash, but after repair at 8:34 that as well as some other light come on in the dash.
Nearcry91 doesn't know exactly what he is talking about. What you said was 100% true. Saab was nuts about safety.
Yes, that is correct. However, remember Eric was handed the part and had to return the old unit for the core.
I have an 04 with 71000mi, had it about 2 years. Very dependable. Look into it.
It actually was my birthday when you posted this :O
I have been told that they did it for safety reasons, by not having the knee hit the key in an accident. In addition SAAB traditionally used a gear locking mechanism instead of steering lock.
When the theft alarm is failing you'll usually have a "Service Theft Alarm" message on the center display called the SID (Saab Information Display). The biggest annoyance that can happen is the alarm going off without warning at any time. For those of you who don't want to spend the money to fix this you can merely unplug the theft alarm siren. This will not cause any problems other than the recurring message on the SID.
Source: Lots of personal SAAB experience
-theSAABguy
There's a difference. I live in Sweden where Saab is a fairly mainstream car actually. Popular both as a family car and as a hobby car.
How often do you have to use the horn with the car off, and how the hell is that a safety issue?
Hey I am not trying to question your knowledge, because you know a shit ton more than I do, but If that part was an issue, preventing the vehicle from starting. Wouldn't removing the alarm its self, and trying to start it simulate the same problem its self? J/w or would that cause some other problems. Thanks Eric!
It looked as though, at the top-center of the speedometer, there was a triangle alert light on during start up. It flashed RED at first.
Later, with the part changed out, the light was AMBER during start up. Maybe that was the alert for which we were looking.
Hi Eric, thank you for your awsome videos!
I got some questions, the alarm on my 2001(made in 2000) 9-5 2.0T Estate/station wagon goes off by it self, siren sounds even when the car is unlocked with remote, when the engine is running and so on, the hazards does NOT flash, once the hazards started flashing but no siren, SID informs me "Service, theft alarm", can this be a faulty siren??
I was to the junk yard today and got three sirens and two "glass break detectors", how do I check the "new" sirens so that they are working as they should(execpt the obvious way of put them in the car), can I check the batteries or something? I pulled No 14 fuse under the hood to get it to stop.
I also got a problem with the ABS-unit(just like you hade in another video), the ABS, TCS, no speedo and check engine light is on, I swithed to a used unit and the check engine light is now turned of, the speedo works again but I got no ABS or TCS, I bought the car two months ago and it worked fine for 500K(370miles) then all the problems came.
I dont know if the unit that was in the car was the one just for my car, it seems impossible to get any information about what unit that is just for my car, on the owners title of the car it says its a automatic but my car is a manual(stick shift).
The unit that was in the car is a Bosch 5.3, article number 0273 004 451, I found only one in Sweden(cost $387),
I went around to lots of junk yards and checked cars there, almost everyone has a unit that end with 223, 2.0T, 2.3T and even diesels has 223, why does my car have a 451?? I bought a few of them dirt cheap and tested if anyone of them will work but no luck so far. I can have the 451 rebuilt for $323, but if its not the right one?
I must have ABS and TCS working or the car work pass inspection.
Thank you in advance, best regards Daniel a Swedish Iron owner from Sweden.
Wow thanks! This is actually a repair I have to do and this just popped up. Glad I subscribed.
In the UK garages use torque wrenches to affix wheels and air tools to remove them. Not sure what US legislation or trade standards are.
it is my birthday on 24th of march! Thanks Eric ;DD
What you acctually can do if you don't want to spend the money fixing it is to remove the actual siren. Then use the Tech 2 (GM diagnostics tool) to reprogram the TWICE unit to believe that it doesn't have a tilt senor, a glass sensor or a siren. It basically just becomes a central lock system again, but no more false alarms. :)
/Saab-tech from Sweden.
Ooooh can I pick your brains about a '99 9-3? I'm trying to get the ignition switch module out for inspection/cleaning/replacement and can't figure out how to remove the console.
you have a fascinating fascination with the word fastener.
and the size of a bolt or screw head is not the size of the "fastener"
Yet.. It isn't uncommon to find mid 80's 900's with several hundred thousand miles in perfect running order o.0
Fantastic as usual Eric!
Where are the batteries, and how do you change them?
What if youre sitting in your car, waiting for something and accidentaly hit the horn, distracting a nearby driver which causes him/her to crash? The second scenario you pointed out made no sense, emergency?get out of the car or switch on the ignition and honk the horn as much as you like.
The ignition barrel location was placed there for safety and ergonomic reasons. its quite disturbing then the keychain gently touches your knee and distracts you...
i find it funny how some people know whats wrong with their car but bring it to a shop anyway! case in point, guy came in with new brakes saying "my car is making a noise and i know its the brakes". turns out it was the wheel bearing but he INSISTED i replace the brakes anyway! so i installed parts as requested and after he test drove it he brought it right back for me do do the bearings. this is like going to the dr. with a new liver saying "mine is broke put this in"!
we use to replace them all the time at the dealership when we was open but ever one I know was to cheap to buy one new, you can order the batteries online and solder them in cr17335se
Hi Eric, is it possible to do this without removing the wheel? Can I just turn the wheel and remove that stupid alarm? Who's gona steal my saab anyway?
It's more for hard impact crashes than will distort the passenger cabin. And it's not some much if you have say 1 or 2 keys, but if you are like my gf with her key bling it can be an issue. Also it puts less stress on the locking cylinder.
Eric - We have a Saab 95 Sport Estate 2005 and the alarm goes off intermittently when I open the back offside door after finishing a journey. Can I use this video and just remove the part behind the left hand front wheel arch or do I have to replace it, please advise? thanks so glad I found this info
Hello mr. car guy. Where did you purchase the remaned part? I have the same issue.
Link is old - probably to BBM Reman which is out of business. Try Module Masters in Moscow, ID. Reputable firm and not costly for a rebuild service but not a direct replacement part purchase. Rebuild service works great. modulemaster.com/products/saab-9-3-9-5-1999-2004-theft-alarm-rebuild
Most wheels torque the same at about 100 ft/lbs. The first setting on his impact is 100 ft/lbs. Even if the book called for 90 ft/lbs, it's not a big deal.
Hi. I'm having the same problem, the alarm goes off randomly for no reason. I've checked everywhere for that module including under wheel arches and it is nowhere to be found. it is a 08 Saab 93. any advice would be very welcome.
Hi. I know its been 3 years. But did you get the problem fixed? My 9-3 08 has the same problem.
I noticed you made the ding shorter! No i have 100% 0 complaints or criticism :D
I have a 2006 93 and I'm having the same problem. Great video. Other videos really didn't show me how to remove n replace the part. Just gotta find a jack and a horse before I kill myself
I always thought the key was in the center to protect your knees in case of a crash.
The "Born from jets" isn't applicable to SAAB in the GM era (which doesn't stop me from liking my SAAB 9-3OG )
Hi, I found a strange issue with my newly bought Saab 9-5. In position 0, I have my headlights; in position 1, no headlights, but I can activate the front and rear fog lights; in position 2, I have nothing at all. The high beams should be held at ever position and do not work if you are not holding it. Any ideas about what could it be?
the security LED is in the centre of the crash pad, near the screen
Had an issue with the bad siren battery causing the alarm to sound ,, there is a tech 2 option in the Saab programing software that disables the siren and sounds the horn as an alarm instead ,, or you can send the siren in to have its battery's replaced or replace the siren unit itself, ,,
I didn't know saab 9-5 has such a good looking panel.
It is 80 degrees today in California!@@ i feel bad for you Erik.
saabs are great cars, you should try and drive one for a while.
Thank you! was all I needed to take everything appart and reassemble again.
I have and I do.
I think he said in an earlier video that he can set the torque on his impact gun.