"Check engine" fault codes

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Introduction

The Saab 9000 engine management system monitors the engine for faults and will illuminate the "Check engine" warning light ("Malfunction Indicator Lamp" or "MIL") on the instrument panel if a fault is found. This is primarily intended for emission-related faults but many of these faults can also cause poor running or reduced fuel economy.

The engine management ECU stores "fault codes" that may be extracted to diagnose the fault. To extract the precise fault code often requires special equipment but the Trionic and DI/APC systems provide a simple way for the lay person to determine which general part of the system is at fault. This procedure requires no tools or equipment.

Procedure (Trionic)

To obtain a fault code reading:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the Drive position without starting the engine.
   
   
   
2. In about six seconds the CHECK ENGINE light will go out for about 2 seconds. It will then begin flashing the first fault code.
   
3. The codes consist of a number of flashes, each having a duration of 0.4 seconds. The CHECK ENGINE light will go out for two seconds between each new series of flashing codes (if there is more than one fault).
   
4. After the last series of codes the lamp will go out for 3 seconds then it lights up again for another three seconds, following which the flashing codes will be repeated. The fault codes will be repeated in this way as many times as desired.
   
5. The flashing lamp codes will be repeated until the fault code memory is cleared. To clear the fault code memory, unplug the control module connector for at least five minutes

Fault codes (Trionic)

Procedure (DI/APC)

To obtain a fault code reading:

1. Turn the ignition switch to the Drive position without starting the engine.
   
2. In about two seconds the CHECK ENGINE light will go out for about 2 seconds. It will then begin flashing the fault code.

Fault codes (DI/APC)