Service theft system

JORDAN CROUCHER

MEMBER
2003 SAAB 9-5
2.3L
4 CYL
TURBO
2WD
AUTOMATIC
114,000 MILES

My car was running fine and then one day the alarm started going off on its own and I couldn't get it to go off for about 30 seconds no matter what I tried. I started the car and it continued for a few more seconds and then stopped but the SID said service theft system and I drove down the road and made it about 1 mile and the car started sputtering like it was out of gas and died and would not restart. Since then I have got it to start 3 other times each time dying when it reaches operating temperature. But now it wont start at all and just keeps cranking. If anyone knows what I need to do to fix it I would greatly appreciate the advise.

oh yeah, and after all this happened I changed out the crankshaft positioning sensor and it still will not start.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

This is a tough one. I want you to try something and let me know what happens. Turn the key to the run position (engine off), and leave it on for about 10 minutes. Let me know if the theft light turns off.

The above listed instructions are GM specific. This model year is when GM owned the company between 2000 and 2006, so this should help answer if the security needs reprogrammed. Also, if you have a spare key, try it as well.

Let me know.
Joe

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Thursday, July 16th, 2020 AT 8:47 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
42,904 POSTS

Lets run the codes to see if the crankshaft sensor is causing the issue. Also if the BCM is going out it will cause this issue. Here is a CAN video to help confirm the BCM failure and the security system wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

and

https://youtu.be/InIlnsjOVFA

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 12:11 PM

JORDAN CROUCHER

MEMBER
2 POSTS

When I scanned the car with an obd2 reader it says there is no issue. And when I did GM's 30 minute thing for the security light of turning it on waiting 10 minutes turning it off waiting 5 seconds and repeating two more times and then the next time you turn it off and back on. It's supposed go relearn the code or some thing like that but anyways that resulted in the service theft system warning on the dash to go away. But still the car will not start and from more of what I have read on line about the BCM it sounds like that very well could be the issue unfortunately.

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Friday, July 17th, 2020 AT 5:50 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

Sorry we haven't gotten back to you sooner. I noted that you tried the relearn. Tell me, when you turn the key on for 10 minutes, did the theft light ever turn off? When you put the key in the vehicle, does the "Key Not Accepted" light illuminate on the info display in the vehicle?

All control modules in the Saab 9-5 are connected to the CAN bus with the exception of ABS and SRS. I really feel you should scan the CAN bus system as Ken mentioned to see if there is a break down at the BCM before you replace it.

I attached a pic below showing the bus system on the vehicle. There are only two, P-bus and I-bus. These systems are all tied together with two wires. If there is a break down, it can shut several things down. In this case, the anti theft is engaged.

Try the CAN scan mentioned. Otherwise, it will become a guessing game. Let us know what you find.

Take care,
Joe

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