Check Engine Light That Goes Away By Itself??

[2socks]

Had the check engine light come on about three weeks ago. Grabbed the manual, which doesn't really say much other than get it to the dealer asap. Didn't detect any difference in how it ran, then the following morning, when starting her up to go the work the light was off.

It's been the same story about 3 times since with no recognizable pattern. It may come on in the morning when I leave for work but then it will be off later that day when I leave the office for lunch. Hasn't been on for over a week, then lights up this morning and I can't tell any difference in how she's running. The manual says something about "limp home" mode.

I though Check Engine Lights stayed on until the code was cleared?
May be hard to believe but this is the first car I've ever owned where the CEL came on.

I guess I should at least have the code checked.

[nordwulf]

That sounds like a DIC slowly going bad. My CEL came on occasionally when mine needed replacement. Check the code to make sure.

[Shazam]

That sounds like a DIC slowly going bad. My CEL came on occasionally when mine needed replacement. Check the code to make sure.

Same thing happened to me over about a month. Then one day it started mis-firing occasionally (when the CEL came on), and it was the DIC.

[bman]

Same problem here. Next question, how much to repair?

bman

[nordwulf]

A new DIC is about $350 shipped at saabusaparts.com or $359 at eEuroparts: eEuroparts - Direct Ignition Cassette (Black) - # 55559955

Install is very easy and takes about 5 minutes.

I paid $276 shipped from eEuroparts only a year ago. Parts prices seem to have jumped significantly in the last year.

[bman]

Cool Thanks Frank. I managed to find the install on youtube and it is a simple install.
Thanks for the link for the part. Do you recommend any ODB Scanner/Reader that works
with the Saabs?

[nordwulf]

I bought this one last year. I have only used a few times but it is good quality. This same manufacturer offers different models with less and more features, depending on how much you want to spend or features needed.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...SIN=B000EVWDAK

[bman]

Thanks again I'll look into them.

[Rajiv]

I bought a bluetooth OBD2 reader called OBDKey ( OBDKey :: Wired and Wireless Automotive (OBD) Scan Tools ). No relation to vendor other than being a happy customer. Although it comes with software for PC, blackberry etc, I use mine with a software called Torque on my android phone. I have had it for 3 year or so and very happy with it.

[speccomser]

If the DIC goes bad when on the road, the car will not start. I recommend to have at lease a used one that works well in your trunk that you can put on to allow you to drive until the new one arrives. You do not want to go to Saab for this part, it will cost you 400 dollars a piece. I have two used ones in my trunk.