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9-3 Aero boost problem

One for all you hi-tech people! Car is an Oct 2001 9-3 Aero HOT Coupe (UK). Last night it stopped - full set of master warning lights and a horrid electrical burning smell under the bonnet. AA patrol looked at it, sniffed, and said "coil pack". Replaced the DI cassette that sits between the cam covers. (Obviously not a rare problem - he was carrying one!) Engine starts fine, no more lights, no more smell. But..... Very little turbo boost (needle goes part way into the orange band and holds steady under full throttle in any gear.) Local dealership checked the computer system this morning - no fault found. Suggested I go away and see if it clears itself. I'm not at all convinced. Anybody got any clues ?

David Wilson

Reply to
David Wilson
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I am surprised that the dealer gave you that advice, But try this: If you can find a clear road with an incline on it approach it at about 2500 rpm in

4th gear and plant the throttle and hold it as long as it is safe to do so, the car will relearn the maximum boost pressure, you may need to carry this out a few times. If you live somewhere flat like Holland or the Utah salt flats then you can simulate load by leftfoot braking, but this is not as successful as when the footbrake is applied the max boost pressure is lowered. HTH, Tom, Saabtech. [Independant Saab specialist]
Reply to
saabtech

The catalythic converter will receive unburnt fuel if one or more cylinders doesn't fire. Too much fuel will overload the catalythic converter and it will melt down. With modern cars that have two catalythic convertes, the first one close to the engine, this will result in the melted core if the first catalythic converter plugging the second catalythic converter with pathetic performance as a result.

If you didn't turn of the engine quickly enough when the DI failed then the probability of a melted catalythic converter is high.

Reply to
Goran Larsson

Tom,

Are you sure that will work? I was under the impression that the APC controller monitors the brake light switch and reduces to base boost during braking.

-Fred W

Reply to
Fred W.

I did mention that in the last paragraph, but perhaps I should have been a little more clear. I was trying to suggest a way round the brake light switch problem but did not want to make it so ovbious as to encorage somewhat somewhat risky behaveour [can`t think how to spell that], Regards, Tom.

Reply to
saabtech

Sadly, you were right - melted cat. Expensive!

Any more uses for a dead cat?

David

Reply to
David Wilson

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