CEL flashing 3 times

[saaboid]

Is there anyone that could help me ?. My check engine light flashes 3 times when the ignition is switched on - and constantly on whilst driving.
saab 900 se turbo 1997.
I have looked and googled it but cant find anything relevant
will I break down soon ? its been like this for a week now. Thankyou

[phoenix]

3 flashes indicates there is a problem with the air intake sensor. It's mounted on the delivery pipe between the intercooler and the throttle body, opposite the DI cartridge if my memory serves me right. Check the connector for corrosion and wires for breaks. Do you have a multimeter to check the resistance of the sensor?

[saaboid]

Thankyou, I will have a look around that area for breaks now. I dont have a multimeter at the moment but tommorow im going to a freinds, he has one what do I need to check ?? and is the sensor cheap to replace or will I have to get a loan !!.
Cheers

[phoenix]

The sensor is under a tenner from memory. I don't have the exact figure to hand but at 20 deg C I think it should be about 2000 ohms across the terminals. I'll check later

[phoenix]

I was a little out, values are approx

20 deg C 2300-2700 ohms
40 deg C 1000-1300 ohms

The usual problme is that the circuit goes high impedance.

[JefftheChef]

Had the same 3 flash CEL on my 9-3 lpt 1999 I changed nearly everything and in the end it was the Lamba sensor someone had fitted a new one prior to me buying the car and it turned out not to be genuine a cheapo one with a Saab connector shrink wrapped on, fitted a proper Saab one and the 3 CEL's went.

[antonyn]

Under a tenner  - not new it isn't!  Saab lifted over £60 off me for that item, and it failed within a month!

Now bought 2nd hand for £7 and it has lasted longer than the new one.

Antony.

[Audax]

If you bought a new one and it went wrong within a month why didn't you return it to get a replacement under warranty? All genuine SAAB parts have 2 years warranty (as long as they are fitted correctly blah blah).