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I have a 1999 Saab 9-5 with a 3.0L 6 Cyl. engine which has 102,0000 km's or 60,000+ miles on it. On the way to work the other day, I got off the Hwy and as I stopped at the first traffic light my car stalled and Check Engine and TCS Control Off lights appeared on display. After trying to start it for several minutes the engine started but the lights referred to above remained on. I drove directly to a local garage in towm that repairs European Cars including Saab's.After checking the car out and doing a diagnostic/computer scan, my mechanic advised that I had a fault code of P1230. I am told that this fault code is for a failed or failing throttle body. Other issues that went with this problem included, car idling at higher than normal RPM's i.e. 1,100 to 1,300, car was in limp home mode, I no longer had a cruise control function, no TCS control, and if I tried to drive and needed to come to a stop/idle, the car might stall.
Today I spoke to Saab Dealer/Service Centre in Canada about this code and they advised that the cost to repair throttle body including throttle positive sensor (which they same is a combined unit),Part alone is $1,620.00 and labour for install would be 1 hour at $110/hr. I almost fell off my chair when I heard the cost of this part. The shop Foreman at Saab was fair as he said that before I replace these parts, I should have them clean the throttle body, reprogram the unit and clear any fault codes to see if this corrects the problem. I asked about updating the software program as I heard that there was a software update for this component which increases the voltage range which is often necessary as this part ages and gets deposits on it. The mechanic at Saab said that this program update has nothing to do with extending the voltage range which is contrary to a number postings I have seen on the Saab Network and on the Saab Forum.
As a first question, can anyone confirm this discrepancy with the software update story and what this update actually does. As my main question, I would ask if anyone has experienced any longer term success with the cleaning and re-programming of this part. Saab says that this procedure will only take one hour labour to perform the cleaning, re-programming. Also, if in the end I need to replace the throttle body/sensor, does anyone know where I can purchase these parts at a better price. Any other info or thoughts on this problem would be greatly appreciated.
I should also point out that I am extremely frustated with this problem and feel that at just over 60,000 miles, I can't believe this component is actually failing. I've also heard rumour that there may be recall for this part. Does anyone have any knowledge of this. My car is in excellent shape and has not been driven hard since I purchased it 1 1/2 yeras ago with 74,000 km's and most of my driving has been on the open highway. Since purchasing this car I have replaced one DIM, a water pump, an alternator, the CPS sensor, one rear shock and the timing belt (under warranty at 96,000 km.) At that same time I had the dealer replace the pulleys and tensioner. It's hard for me to believe I've experienced so many problems in such a short time and on a car with reasonably low mileage. Any thoughts on all of these occurrences would also be appreciated.
Thanks and Cheers,
Marty
posted by 99.237.16...
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