9-5 loss-of-power and loss-of-brakes

[kenles]

All,
I own a 2001 Saab 9-5 wagon and it is having spontaneous loss-of-power. This problem seems to occur only when the car is hot and running at low speeds. Also we are experiencing intermittent loss-of-braking power at low speeds. You step on the peddle and it is much harder to push down than normal. Took it to the dealer twice and they can't reproduce the problem since the car has to be hot and it is itermittant. Any ideas? Thank you.

Ken

[lpa85]

Originally Posted by kenles

All,
I own a 2001 Saab 9-5 wagon and it is having spontaneous loss-of-power. This problem seems to occur only when the car is hot and running at low speeds. Also we are experiencing intermittent loss-of-braking power at low speeds. You step on the peddle and it is much harder to push down than normal. Took it to the dealer twice and they can't reproduce the problem since the car has to be hot and it is itermittant. Any ideas? Thank you.

Ken

First, find a good independent Saab mechanic. Not an easy task. Not all dealers are bad, but yours sounds to similar to the one I formerly did business with.

Second, I hope this isn't the problem, but here is my little tale.

You may be experiencing electrical problems. Your problem sounds similar to the one I experienced.

The DI casette in the engine is usually the culprit (If you look at your engine block, it has the Saab Logo on it). I'm not a mechanic, but i'm sure it covers the spark plugs. From what I understand, it's a common part to replace(they are a regular stock item at professional auto part stores), and of course, not cheap (the part alone is just over $300). Interesting note: On Saab's this DI casette is one piece. If it fails in one spot, you replace the entire cassette. In Volvo's they are separate. so if one goes, you replace one, not all four.

My wife was driving our 9-5 wagon and it literally shut down. Lost power to everything. She couldn't even steer the car or brake. Thankfully, she was getting off the highway at the time and was able to coast safely to a stop.

I have a 2000 and I believe the 2001 has the same electrical issues. They weren't corrected until the 2003's rolled out. Just something I've read in other posts and Consumer Reports.

Since I've replaced the DI cassette, all my electrical issues aren't there anymore. Now if I can only fix that SID.

Be safe and have the car inspected for this. I wouldn't want your car shutting down like it did on my wife.

[kenles]

Thanks LPA85, my wife had similar problems and we did replace the DI cassette and the plugs. Our biggest worry is the intermittent brake failures.

Ken

[mbunakeith]

your problem isnt the di cassette or IDM like it is know as today. i would have the dealer check the crank position sensor or fuel pump. we have seen alot of these cause a problem like you are experiencing. if the fuel pump is not operating properly, the engine will missfire, which will reduce engine vacuum and reduce braking efficiency. we have also seen the crank position sensors causing all sorts of weird running problems. i wouldnt rule out mass air flow sensor either, although the symptoms arent typical of a maf fault. have your dealer get it hot and drive it. the problem with your concern isnt the dealers fault,, it is saabs. saab doesnt pay the dealer enough to road test cars. if there is a problem that is intermittent like yours, the dealer will not spend a lot of time trying to fix it because saab wont pay them to. its not your fault. trust me, i see and deal with it on a daily basis. i am a saab technician.