TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 SAAB 9.3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT WOULD NOT RETRACT; THEREFORE, SHE WAS UNABLE TO USE IT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE DRIVERS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SENSOR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000 AND THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 115,000. ...UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF UPDATED 10/17/12*JB
2000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING OUR 2000 SAAB 9-3 AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH ON THE H-3 ENROUTE TO KANEOHE, HI. ON THE DOWN HILL SIDE, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING. NOTHING ON THE SID OR OTHER INSTRUMENTATION. THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF FUEL. SHE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART SEVERAL TIMES. SINCE SHE WAS COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN, SHE WAS ABLE TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL SAAB DEALER. THE NEXT DAY THEY ASCERTAINED THE PROBLEM TO BE FAILURE OF THE DIRECT IGNITION CASSETTE. COST FOR REPLACEMENT WAS $647.79. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED DUE TO RAW FUEL BEING DUMPED THROUGH THE EXHAUST AFTER THE DI CARTRIDGE FAILED. THE CONVERTER WAS EVENTUALLY REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE UNDER THE EMISSION WARRANTY AFTER AN EXTENSIVE CORRESPONDENCE AND TELEPHONE EXCHANGE WITH SAAB USA. THE CAR HAD 69,779 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS EVENT OCCURRED. I STILL DRIVE THE CAR (105,000 MILES), BUT CARRY A SPARE DI CASSETTE JUST IN CASE IT SHOULD FAIL AGAIN.*AK