P0401 Code UPDATE now P0411!

[chris aka zaphod]

Just done a scan on our 9-3SS Aero 2.0T and pulled this code, which, when I looked it up relates to the EGR.  Surely not? Didn't think petrol engines had that.

I'm thinking along the lines of O2 sensor. Where would they be, BTW, to save me hours of looking, please? I'm guessing front on downpipe, and rear behind the catalytic convertor? The CEL has been intermittent, BTW, but managed to catch it as it lit this morning.

Thanks.

[phoenix]

They don't.  P0401 is only valid for diesel models.

I guess it's a generic code reader- it's not uncommon for them to interpret codes incorrectly.

[chris aka zaphod]

Yes, it's a generic reader - one of the autel ones. Reading on, on some Saabisti sites, mention is indeed made of the O2 sensor/s. Sod's law, I have found nothing specific to Aero, yet.

[David]

JamSAAB has Tech II Chris 

[sgould]

P0401 is definitely only for diesels.  On a diesel, Saab suggest checking all the inlet pipe joints for leaks when this code appears.

The most common code in that series on a 2003 petrol car is P0411.  This is a leak in the "useless" secondary air intake system.  Usually caused by the non-return valve sticking and letting exhaust gas back into the inlet (I suppose it's an EGR when it fails.).  Valve is alongside the top of the engine on the passenger side.  Ours has gone, I'm trying to get the system turned off.  Saab deleted it for 2004 anyway.

[chris aka zaphod]

JamSAAB has Tech II Chris 

Yes, we got THE full demonstration at one of the recent pub meets, David 
Must say that Martin E is a font of knowledge regarding it.
Impressed.

Anyway, the intermittant, infrequent CEL has now gone, for the moment, as from today.
The CEL disappears superfast at start-up.

[chris aka zaphod]

The CEL revisited, yesterday afternoon, whilst out on the road. The code  thrown this time is P0411. I removed and cleaned the SAI valve, housing, and hoses - not that they needed much attention, about a month ago. Not much in the way of any soot, at all, and hoses all dry.
My money is now on the second O2 sensor.
Any thoughts?

[chris aka zaphod]

For peace of mind whipped off the SAI this morning to have a look, for the umpteenth time. Clean as a bell and dry, although the 10mm bolts could have been slightly tighter. Cleaned out again, regardless and replaced, plus another scan.

[sgould]

But does the valve work as a non return?  On mine I could blow through both ways easily.  It was stuck.

[Saabman]

The valve itself may be ok but the SAI pump could have died due to water getting into it, I wouldn't think this is why your CEL is on though as this would come on at start up. Do you have live readings on your scanner to see what the Lambda probes are doing?

[chris aka zaphod]

Checked Lambda probes, they are fine.
The annoying thing is that the CEL doesn't come on regularly from a cold start and there is no pattern. I have been scanning everyday regardless, since getting this reader, and, no codes, or 'MIL warning' show either.
I'll double check the return on the valve - thanks Will, I had not thought of that.

[Saabman]

Does the light come on at start up? or later? have you checked the SAI pump runs at a cold start, I'd be checking the pump is actually working as this is what failed on my old 9-3.

[chris aka zaphod]

Thanks saabman. That's next on the list, unfortunately.
When it has lit, it's been around 20 mins into the journey, which is confusing.

EDIT - i have never heard the pump working, although obviously it has in the last 21 months. The one on the 9000V6 I had was very loud!

[chris aka zaphod]

Over the weekend, and today, the CEL and code have gone!