Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2000 21:09:40 -0700 From: Ryan Kindseth <rkindsetnopsaml.sjsu.edu> Subject: ignition locked in reverse + broken key
hey all - sometime back before I owned my 1985 900 (non-s, non-turbo) the locks were changed and mixed up. I had a key that was nearly as thin as a toothpick that operates the drivers door lock and the ignition. The trunk opened with another key. The passenger lock is completely useless. My problem is about 4 months ago, the skeleton key was snapped off in the ignition by accident. The stub of key that was left about an inch long still operated the driver door and the ignition. (provided you left the skeleton part in the ignition.) With one exception. If you put the car in reverse and turn the ignition to LOCK (which lock the ingnition and GEAR, it will stay locked for some time. I know that is a feature of saabs. The Last time it was in GEARLOCK mode; 10 minutes of fiddling and I got it to undo the gearlock, I drove it for another 2 months without fixing the key. Pretty irresponsible because now the gearlock is engaged again and I can't seem to undo it!! My plan now is to make a new key with the old parts of the skeleton key. in the meantime-> I took all the gear selector console cosmetic parts out and I can clearly see the gear shift base and the ignition cylinder. I contemplated removing the three screws that act as a socket for the gear shifter thinking it might bypass the gear lock. Obviously that would complicate things so I ask -- how to open the gear lock and get back on the road? Ryan