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I have had an ongoing problem with the TCS- was intermittent finally gone permanent-have done a number of searches on this and will pass on this old one from last year---it may be helpful as it seems the best cure is to clean (anyone have a tip on this?)or replace the throttle-body....(am looking for one now as "limp-home" is tiring after 6 months not affordable til now).....so here's what I found:>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.
Jan Geert I'm a bit surprised here...
Posted by Jan Geert (more from Jan Geert) on Thu, 5 Dec 2002 04:07:58
In Reply to: Re: TCS Limp Home, Miranda, Thu, 5 Dec 2002 01:55:24
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If this is a real Saab mech, he will have a tech-II diagnostic computer, which will let him read the fault codes. It's a handheld thingy that plugs in under the passenger seat. Now if your problems are really consistent, he will have had a clear reading from this device. TCS problems can be very elusive, and somtimes will give allsorts of codes on different occasions, but if you're really stuck, it will let you know.
Now even it it would point to a bad throttle body, why don't they just tell you? Have they ever told you what came out of the diagnosis?
I have to tell you that, since you own a '92, you might be in for a new throttle body anyway. Don't know the miles on the car, but this thing is a wear item, and it's just about its time.
I very seldomly hear about a failing control computer ('ETS').
If you want to DIY, you need access to spare parts, because the only way you can do this is by swapping out parts (bleeder/ safety valves). This will save you money because if it doesn't solve the problem, you swap back. But at the point where you really need to go to a new throttle body, you need to have access to a techII because you need to calibrate the system first in order to avoid damage to the new part. Yes, it's a $700 part, but mounting it is peanuts apart from the calibration.
My 2 cents..
Jan Geert Miranda & Chris,
My '93 CSE Turbo automatic went into TCS limp home mode (LHM) for the better part of the first 10 months I owned the car. Similar symptoms as you both described: rough idle, very stiff throttle, base boost only, TCS Ctrl light on. Each time I pull over, wait 1 min, turn off car and restart car resets the problem.
LHM almost always happened if I'm cruising and suddenly press the gas pedal past 1/2 way. Usually uphills. I had the TCS safety valve replaced, throttle body cleaned, vacuum hoses checked and TCS wiring contacts cleaned. Each time diagnosed with the TechII computer. Still no solution. Then finally a shop in Seattle properly diagnosed and traced the problem to the throttle body unit itself ... a US$650 part. They slapped it on, recalibrated the TCS system, test drove around town like mad and never able to invoke LHM. That was 6 months ago and I haven't had one LHM since.
I hope you don't end up replacing your throttle body or the TCS computer as they are expensive parts. But if either one is diagnosed properly to be the cultprits, you may actually start save money by replacing it than to continue getting (and paying for) misdiagnosis by shops.
PS: 5-spd std cars may go into LHM if the throttle position sensor inside the throttle body is faulty ... it's a US$60 part. Unfortunately automatic cars can't replace just that part and has to replace entire throttle body.
Good luck !
Ken in Vancouver, B.C.
1993 9000CSET, 4A "Matilda
posted by 64.175.24...
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