Problem Reports
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2002 Saab 9-5 Problems
Excessive Exhaust Noise from Flex Pipe Failure
The exhaust flex pipe can fail causing excessive exhaust noise from the front/center area of the vehicle. The flex pipe is a flexible joint in the exhaust that allows for engine movement.
Engine Dies while Driving Or Will Crank but not Start
The direct ignition cassette can fail causing the engine to die while driving, and/or it will crank but start. The engine may also have a rough idle and run roughly. Diagnosis may discover trouble codes for random misfires.
Flickering or Failure of the HID Lamps
If the HID head lights are flickering or have failed, it may be caused by the window washer fluid leaking onto the HID modules. The washer fluid check valve for the head light washers develops the leak and drips onto the modules mounted under the head light assemblies.
Noise from Idler Pulley
The idler pulley for the serpentine belt can fail causing noise from the belt area. Our technicians report the pulley has been known to fail completely which can cause the belt to break or be thrown off.
Crank but No Start Condition and No Fuel Pressure
If the engine will crank but not start, it may be the fuel pump has failed. Diagnosis may find no fuel pressure when attempting to start the engine.
Check Engine Light due to Electronic Throttle Body Failure
The Check Engine Light may come on because the electronic throttle body has failed. Other symptoms include loss of acceleration, a high idle or failure to return to idle, and difficulty starting.
Oil Leaks caused by Excessive Crankcase Pressure
Oil leaks from the timing cover, valve cover, and/or rear main seal may be due to excessive crankcase pressure. An updated PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) kit was released to fix this concern.
Head Gasket Leakage
The head gasket may leak oil externally. The oil will be visible around the cylinder head and block area.
Bouncy Ride from Rear of Wagon Model
The rear shock absorbers can fail on the wagon models creating a bouncy ride from the rear of the vehicle.
Coolant Leakage from Thermostat
Coolant loss may be caused by leakage around the thermostat. Leakage will be visible around the thermostat at the right, rear area of the cylinder head.
Poor, or No Cooling From the Air Condioning Due to Expansion Valve Failure
The air conditioning expansion valve can fail causing poor, or no cooling from the AC system.
Extended Cranking to Start Engine
The fuel pump check valve may have failed if the engine requires more cranking before it starts. The check valve is a one way valve that maintains the pressure in the fuel lines so the engine is easier to start after it has sat a while.
Noise and Overheating Due to Water Pump Failure
The water pump can fail causing noise on the left side of the engine and overheating. Other symptoms include coolant loss and leakage at the front/left area of the engine.
Vibration From Passenger Side on Acceleration
The front passenger side axle can wear, and the tri-pod bearing is known to fail. Vibration can be felt from the passenger side when the axle becomes worn.
Intermittent No Cranking of Starter
The electrical contact on the starter solenoid can come loose causing a problem where the starter intermittently does not crank.