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I had the same problem with my 1996 900S last summer. It was expensive. Here's what I know. The SAAB computer is a funky animal. A hateful, spiteful, creature. Basically, if you have an error code you may, or may not get a check engine light. Nevertheless, the computer stores the code. When the OBDII is connected it will fail the car based on old stored codes that the computer has not been able to clear out. The only way the computer will clear the codes is by a specific driving schedule. In theory, the computer should clear, if there are no actual faults, while driving. But, if there is a problem in the computer it will never clear the error codes and the only cure is a new computer at near a grand.
I took my car to three mechanics who looked at it and refused to even try it. They all said, go to the stealership. So, eventually I ended up at the dealer and they put in a new computer. Then the drive cycle cleared the codes. But, here's the buster, there were never any problems with my car. It was perfect except that the computer showed false fault codes. So, I paid a grand to get my car to pass the NC state inspection even though it ran perfect and had no real emissions problems. It's a racket, a scam.
Just so you know up front. Only the dealer can install and program a new SAAB computer. Unlike my Chevrolet, a computer cannot simply be plugged in to a SAAB car. Nooooo, it must be installed, then connected to the SAAB dealer computer and programmed. You would think that since both cars are built by GM they would share some of the technology.
One hint: Get your SAAB inspected in the cooler months. The cars communicate with their computers better in cold weather than in warm. Thus, a car that fails OBDII in the summer might pass in the winter.
posted by 207.69.138...
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