DI Cartridge problem - symptoms?

[Kev_Mc]

The CEL light has come on and off several times in my new (to me) 9-5 Aero.

When the car was in having new brake disks, I got my non-Saab mechanic to put it through the diagnostics machine. Obviously not a Tech 2, but it came back saying there was an issue with the breather pipes and he found evidence of at least one of the pipes being perished.

For confirmation, I took this to a Saab Specialist with a Tech 2.

They relieved me of £54 to tell me it needed a new DI Cartridge. Just got home and realised they've put nothing on the invoice to say what the problem was - they've just put "To carrying out diagnostic checks" which is not very informative. I may be claiming through a warranty company so I think I just may need more detail than that! 

Are the symptoms of the CEL coming on for some journeys and then not for other journeys consistent with a problem with the DI? I have no problems starting and the car is running fine. Without the CEL light I wouldn't have a clue there was an issue.

Not sure if I'm being overly cynical in doubting the diagnosis from the Saab Specialist after they've put nothing in writing to say what Tech 2 said. New breather pipes would be a lot cheaper than a new DI.

[Audax]

They should have at least put the fault codes on the invoice so they have a record of them and can justify their fee! Anyway pull the DI of the car and see if it is cracked, if it is then replace it. If the breathers are also not great replace them too along with any dodgy vacuum hoses.

I'd also invest in a code reader as it will be much cheaper than £50. Also, yes a faulty DI will cause a cel some days and not others.

[Kev_Mc]

They should have at least put the fault codes on the invoice so they have a record of them and can justify their fee! Anyway pull the DI of the car and see if it is cracked, if it is then replace it. If the breathers are also not great replace them too along with any dodgy vacuum hoses.

I'd also invest in a code reader as it will be much cheaper than £50. Also, yes a faulty DI will cause a cel some days and not others.

Only problem is it's already been on a scanner which diagnosed the breather pipes. It the Saab specialist is correct then the ODB II scanner was not accurate.

[Audax]

Only problem is it's already been on a scanner which diagnosed the breather pipes. It the Saab specialist is correct then the ODB II scanner was not accurate.

No chance, an aftermarket scanner will pull exactly the same codes from the engine on a 9-5, there is no case for accuracy on what you get here, you either get the codes or not. Anyway, we can prove the Saab specialist is not great as that's a very expensive diagnostic test and you don't have the codes!

[Kev_Mc]

Is the DI Cassette the same thing as a coil pack? Trying to go the warranty route and of course they've not got a clue what a DI is...

[Audax]

Yes, it is. Direct ignition cassette = ignition coil pack.

[Kev_Mc]

Aero is in today at a different Saab specialist. Luckily for me, the DI is covered under the warranty that came with the car. Same goes for the door mirror motors which appear to have gone. I'm getting the breather pipes replaced whilst its in for peace of mind.

Got a 2008 9-3 TiD as a courtesy car - way better on fuel, though I'm missing the power of the Aero already 

Should get the car back tomorrow.

[Kev_Mc]

Reporting back - DI Cartridge has been replaced a week ago and the CEL light has stayed off since. The mirror motor was replaced too and now working fine. Have had the cheque from the warranty company already. Also got the breather pipes done - was £80 payable by me instead of £530 with the warranty taking most of the strain. That't the first time I've ever claimed on an after market warranty. Relieved it all went through without a problem.

[sgould]

Well done!!

[David]

Excellent result. Genuine SAAB Di's are warranted for three years, so make sure you keep the receipt ;-)