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2003 SAAB 9-3 repair Question car shuts off

Tiny
BDDORSEY55
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SAAB 9-3
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 10,100 MILES
My car has cut off three times in the last month. It happens while I'm driving without warning. After it cuts off it will start only after about an hour has elapsed. I took it to place called Dannemans in Laurel, MD. They have been working on Saabs for about twenty yrs and after four days on a diagnostic machine they couldn't find anything wrong. The only thing I noticed is that each time it cut off I was coming to a red light or stop sign. I only drive the car locally for fear of it cutting off again. Do you have any ideas? The place I took the car to said, it could be a number of things but couldn't narrow it down to a cause or set of causes
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Thursday, September 17th, 2009 AT 11:54 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Could be a bad air flow senser or a hole in the intake
Is there engine light or do you have code(s)?
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Friday, September 18th, 2009 AT 10:24 PM
Tiny
BDDORSEY55
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The engine light is on. The place I took it to said there where about 7 codes. The dealer told me the engine light was due to an issue with my gas cap when I took the car to them about a yr ago but they said the had fixed and it should go away. The engine light hasn't gone off since then. The mechanics I took it to (Dannemans in laurel) said b/c there where about 7 codes they couldn't narrow it down to one cause. I went online and saw people with similar problems and there didn't seem to be quick solution. What would you suggest?
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Sunday, September 20th, 2009 AT 10:09 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
Can you ask Dannemans in laurel) to write all the 7 codes down on paper and then get back to me with them.
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Sunday, September 20th, 2009 AT 11:39 AM
Tiny
BDDORSEY55
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Sure.
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Sunday, September 20th, 2009 AT 9:51 PM
Tiny
BDDORSEY55
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I talked to the owner and he said there where 2 codes.

1) p0601- inter control module memory checksum error

2) p0411 secondary air injection system incorrect flow detected.
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 AT 11:58 AM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
P0601- inter control module memory checksum error

Basically that means that there is an internal fault in the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). There have been many reported PCM failures on Chrysler/Dodge products although it is possible for this to happen on any vehicle. In Dodge/Chrysler products, a P0601 trouble code means that a serial communication failed inside the computer at least 6 times.

A code P0601 in most cases means the PCM has gone bad. This is possibly due to a short-circuit inside the PCM. Or, if you disconnect the wires/connector from the PCM while the battery is still connected, that may also cause this code.

With a P0601 OBD-II trouble code, the most common fix is to replace and reprogram the PCM. In a few cases the dealer may be able to reflash the PCM and get it working. But more than likely the PCM will need to be replaced and reprogrammed (I recommend you take it to a dealership for this). The good news is it *may* be covered under your emmissions warranty. So even if you're out of bumper-to-bumper warranty or powertrain warranty, check your warranty guide or dealer to see if this is covered. I'm not sure about that but you should check anyway.

P0411 secondary air injection system incorrect flow detected.

The check engine light error you're referring to, "secondary air injection system-incorrect flow detected", means there is a leak somewhere on the air pump assembly.
What you need to do is inspect for damaged vacuum hoses at the secondary air inlet valve, the brake booster vacuum check valve.

Let me know if you have any questions
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 AT 4:12 PM
Tiny
BDDORSEY55
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Would either one of these cause the carto cut off while driving?
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009 AT 1:37 PM
Tiny
MATHIASO
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,209 POSTS
It's the only codes you have?
The first one do not cause any driveability problem.
Maybe the second one does.
If you want to fix the second code yourself, let me know.I can give directives.
The code about the computer is just Annoying with the light on, but no driveability problems.
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Thursday, September 24th, 2009 AT 2:30 PM
Tiny
MNTHNY4
  • MECHANIC
  • 612 POSTS
First things first, your saab is a 2003, is it the sport sedon or is the last of the old style 9-3se model , if it is the old style, u could have a bad crankshaft position sensor, if it is a sport sedon new body style than u may have a ecm[engine control module] software issue or module having internal fault , as per code p0411 which indicates u have a sport sedon model, u will need to get secondary air injection valve tested, saab repair shop can test this system using there tech2 scan tool, u may need to replace valve & pump assembly
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Saturday, September 26th, 2009 AT 4:53 PM

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