Load angle sensors (for Xenon headlamps) - Saab 9-5

[J-Rod]

How long does it take to replace both sensors? Trying to plan when I can get it in my shop to do it between work.

[Brad Lauzze]

Just sensors, maybe an hour, I'd probably say an hour and a half to two hours with sensors/extension harnesses if you end up needing those too.

[nordwulf]

The Xenon lamp system indicator (that's what it's called in the WIS) recently came on in my 9-5. When I turn on the head lights, the lights go through their usual down and then regular level positions. After that, they'll slowly go down from their original level position.

Without having access to Tech2, I assume this is a problem with one of the load leveling sensors. I need to check for any loose wires or corroded connections first but is there a way to determine which sensor is causing the problem? Does that show in Tech2?

If you need Tech2 to calibrate the new sensors and you can see which sensor is bad, it seems to make sense to visit a Saab service center and have just the bad sensor replaced and calibrated at the same time. May be cheaper than replacing all 4 sensors if you don't know which one is bad.

Any other suggestions for fixing this problem?

[nordwulf]

I bought new front and rear sensors. After plugging in the new sensors without installing them first, the front didn't make a difference and the rear was the one that was faulty. The most difficult part was actually taking off the connectors from the sensors. You have to squeeze the sides of the connectors for them to unlock from the sensors and that can be a bit tricky. Fortunately, the rear sensor is the easiest of the two to replace.

Tech2 is not needed for calibrating after replacing a faulty sensor so that was the best part. The closest Saab service centre is 3 hours away.

Thesaabsite doesn't allow returns of electrical parts so I'll be putting the new front sensor up for sale soon.