1999 SAAB 9-5 wants to shut off at idle

When you cycle key to on position, do you hear clicking under the hood near the throttle body(approx 6 times)? If so, the throttle assembly is in limp home mode and will need reset. This typically is not a result of clearing the codes, more likely a result of throttle faults that would set codes as well. Did they give you the code #'s that were set?

Flipping the key should have nothing to do with it. As far as recalling a noise, I need you to check for it currently, it could save a lot of time. Lift the hood, have someone stand over the front of the engine compartment, and turn the key on. If it is in limp home, there will be a click-click, click-click, click-click, click-click, click-click, click-click. 6 double clicks. Try starting it with a little pressure on the gas pedal, see if that makes a change. Either you have it in limp home, or there is an air leak in the induction plumbing after the mass airflow sensor. I would recommend a saab dealer, or credible independant shop that is capable of working on it.

There is no adjustment, it is electronic. It sounds like you have an inlet air leak. Check the hose connection at the throttle body, grab and pull up, it shoud be secure. Check all of the plumbing where there are clamps.