Recall 05V399000: Ignition Discharge Module Overheating

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

SAAB/9-3 2000-2002

SAAB/9-5 2000-2002

MANUFACTURER : SAAB Cars USA, Inc.

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 05V399000 MFG'S REPORT DATE: September 13, 2005

COMPONENT: Electrical System: Ignition: Module

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 103202

SUMMARY:
Certain passenger vehicles equipped with B205/B235 4-cylinder gasoline engines and B308 6-cylinder gasoline engines may experience overheating and burnout of the Isolated Gated Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) within the Ignition Discharge Module (IDM) due to increased susceptibility to electrical loads.

CONSEQUENCE:
Overheating of the IGBT occurs most often at engine start-up, but it may also occur while the engine is running. Engine stalling may occur, which could result in a crash.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect to see what version IDM is in the vehicle and replace the IDM if it is a version built prior to the introduction of QP3. an interim letter will be mailed to owners in October 2005, informing them of the condition. When parts are available (early March 2006), owners will be notified to bring their vehicles in to the dealers to have the IDM replaced. Owners should contact SAAB at 1-800-955-9007.

NOTES:
SAAB recall No. 05087. Customers can also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.