INTRODUCTION
If no faults were found while performing basic diagnostic procedures in BASIC TESTING article, proceed with self-diagnostics. If no fault codes or only pass codes are present after entering self-diagnostics, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e. ROUGH IDLE, NO START, etc.).
SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM
Note. On 9000 Series, manufacturer recommends using the Saab ISAT tester to retrieve trouble codes. ISAT tester is available through Saab dealerships.
HARD FAILURES
Hard failures cause CHECK ENGINE light to illuminate and remain on until the malfunction is repaired. If light comes on and remains on (light may flash) during vehicle operation, cause of malfunction must be determined using (diagnostic) code charts. If a sensor fails, control unit will use a substitute value in its calculations to continue engine operation. In this condition, commonly known as limp-in mode, the vehicle runs but driveability will not be optimum.
INTERMITTENT FAILURES
Intermittent failures may cause CHECK ENGINE light to flicker or illuminate and go out after the intermittent fault goes away. However, the corresponding trouble code will be retained in ECU memory. If related fault does not reoccur within a certain time frame, related trouble code will be erased from ECU memory. Intermittent failures may be caused by sensor, connector or wiring related problems. See INTERMITTENTS in TESTS W/O CODES article.
Scheme 1
- Locate 10-pin test connector under rear seat on right side (Sedan Models) and under center console ahead of the shifter (Convertible Models). Using a switched jumper wire (switch in OFF position), ground pin No. 2. (Scheme 1) Turn ignition switch to ON position (CHECK ENGINE light will be on).
- Turn switch on jumper wire to ON position to retrieve codes. CHECK ENGINE light should now be off. Watch CHECK ENGINE light carefully; after about 2 seconds it will flash briefly. Immediately turn jumper switch back to OFF position. First error code will now be displayed by a series of short flashes. NOTE: Error codes begin and end with a long flash of CHECK ENGINE light. This is not part of code itself, but a separator code.
- Code displayed will repeat until jumper switch has been operated as in step 2).
- Turn jumper wire switch to ON position (grounding ECU pin No. 16). The CHECK ENGINE light should be off.
- Watch CHECK ENGINE light. After about 2.5 seconds, light will flash briefly indicating codes are ready to display. Immediately turn jumper switch off.
- Read code. Error code starts and ends with a long flash of CHECK ENGINE light. These indicate beginning and end of each code. They are NOT part of code. Code is a 5-digit number represented by brief flashes to indicate each digit. Example: Flash, pause, flash, flash, pause, flash, pause, flash, pause, flash, flash, flash, indicates code 1-2-1-1-3 or 12113.
- First error code will continue to display until jumper switch is turned on. Repeat steps 1) through 3). Second error code will now be displayed. Repeat steps 1) through 3) until all codes have been displayed (maximum of 3). System will indicate end of codes or faults have been corrected by a continuous series of long flashes. After retrieving codes, see appropriate FAULT CODES section.
- To repeat error codes, starting at first code: turn jumper switch on. After 2 short flashes turn jumper switch off. First code will be displayed.
CLEARING CODES
To erase codes, turn jumper switch on. After about 2.5 seconds there will be 3 short flashes. Immediately after third flash, turn jumper switch off.
Some faults can be classified as adaptation faults. Once the fault is corrected, the codes generated may not be erased until the system readapts to the new running conditions. See ECU ADAPTATION .
ECU ADAPTATION
Note. If the power supply to the ECU has been disrupted, new data must be entered to refamiliarize the system with driveability patterns.
- Expose Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) terminals by pulling back rubber boot. Connect jumper wire between terminals No. 1 and 2.
- To program the system, vehicle must accelerate at full throttle from 2000-3500 RPM. Because programming occurs at 2750-3250 and requires 3 seconds to complete, the procedure should be performed in highest gear possible.
EXCEPT 9000 TURBO
Drive vehicle for 10 minutes with engine at normal operating temperature, then codes may be erased.
ERROR CODE 12111
- The check engine light is off. There is a problem with oxygen sensor self-compensating circuit (air-fuel ratio is incorrect while driving).
- Check for air fuel leaks. Check oxygen sensor pre-heater circuit and sensor output. Check ELCD system. Check fuel pressures.
ERROR CODE 12112
The check engine light is off. There is a problem with oxygen sensor self-compensating circuit (air-fuel ratio is incorrect at idle).
ERROR CODE 12113
- The check engine light is off. There is a problem with AIC self-compensating circuit (system unable to reduce idle speed to correct level).
- Check throttle stop screw setting. Check throttle plate for an over-center condition. Check for vacuum leaks.
ERROR CODE 12114
- The check engine light is off. The AIC self-compensating circuit is faulty (system unable to increase idle to an acceptable level).
- Check for binding AIC valve. Check for a mechanical engine problem causing low idle problem.
ERROR CODE 12211
- The check engine light is off. The battery voltage is incorrect; below 10 volts or over 16 volts with engine running.
- Check charging system, battery connections, grounds, etc.
ERROR CODE 12212 (LH 2.4 ONLY)
- The check engine light is off. The idle contacts in throttle position switch is shorted or there is a closed throttle switch while driving.
- Check and adjust throttle position switch. Check wiring harness for short to ground.
ERROR CODE 12213 (LH 2.4 ONLY)
- The check engine light is off. Full throttle contacts in throttle position switch is shorted or there is full throttle signal at idle.
- Check and adjust throttle position switch. Check wiring harness for short to ground.
ERROR CODE 12214
- The check engine light is on. The coolant temperature signal is below 90°C or above 160°C, which is incorrect or out of range.
- Test coolant temperature sensor. Make resistance test at pin 13 of LH control unit and ground. Resistance should be approximately 2280-2720 ohms at 68°F (20°C) and 295-365 ohms at 176°F (80°C).
ERROR CODE 12221
- The check engine light is on. There is no signal from air mass meter. The LH system is in limp-home mode.
- Check air mass meter connections. Check for air mass meter burn-off CAUTION: DO NOT interchange air mass meter from LH 2.2 because component damage may result.
ERROR CODE 12222
- The check engine light is off. There AIC valve circuit is faulty.
- Check electrical connections between LH control unit and AIC valve.
ERROR CODE 12223
- The check engine light is on. The air fuel mixture is too lean.
- Tighten all boot clamps and carefully check all hose connections. Check injector O-rings. Check ELCD valve. Check fuel pressure. Also see «ERROR CODE 12225»(/saab/9000/i-1984-1994/remont/testing-diagnostics/#tests-wcodes__error-code-12225) .
ERROR CODE 12224
- The check engine light is on. The air/fuel mixture is too rich.
- Tighten all boot clamps and carefully check all hose connections. Check injector O-rings. Check ELCD valve. Check fuel pressure. Also see «ERROR CODE 12225»(/saab/9000/i-1984-1994/remont/testing-diagnostics/#tests-wcodes__error-code-12225) .
ERROR CODE 12225
- The check engine light is on. Oxygen sensor output is incorrect. Sensor pre-heater circuit may be open. Engine temperature must be above 158°F.
- Check oxygen sensor output voltage (voltage fluctuating between 0 and 1.0 volt). Check oxygen sensor pre-heater circuit and fuse.
ERROR CODE 12231
- The check engine light is off. There is no RPM signal. This code will always be present if the test is run with the engine off. Crank engine for 5 seconds. If code disappears, the RPM signal is OK. If code does not disappear, go to step 2.
- Check fuse no. 3. Check the ignition system input at pin 1 of the LH control unit.
ERROR CODE 12232
- The check engine light is off. The memory voltage is below 1 volt.
- Check for battery voltage at pin 4 of LH control unit with the ignition off.
ERROR CODE 12233
- The check engine light is on. There is a faulty LH control unit (ROM mixture fault).
- Replace control unit.
ERROR CODE 12241
- The check engine light is on. The air fuel mixture is faulty.
- Tighten all boot clamps and carefully check all hose connections. Check injector O-rings. Check ELCD valve. Check fuel pressure. Also see «ERROR CODE 12225»(/saab/9000/i-1984-1994/remont/testing-diagnostics/#tests-wcodes__error-code-12225) .
ERROR CODE 12242
- The check engine light is on. The air mass meter burn-off function is faulty.
- Check air mass meter wiring and burn-off function.
ERROR CODE 12243
- The check engine light is off. There is no signal from road speed sensor.
- Check signal output from road speed sensor on speedometer. Check for power and ground supply at sensor.
ERROR CODE 12244
- The check engine light is off. The A/T "Drive" signal is faulty. The signal is absent while driving or constantly present even when stopped.
- Check fuse for the reverse lights, the reverse light switch, the wiring connections, etc.
ERROR CODE 12245
- The check engine light is on. The EGR temperature is too low (where applicable).
- Check function of EGR system.
ERROR CODE 12251 (LH 2.4.2 ONLY)
- The check engine light is off. The signal from the throttle potentiometer is incorrect or missing.
- With harness disconnected at potentiometer check throttle potentiometer function.
ERROR CODE 00000
The check engine light is off. There are no more faults. No corrective action is necessary. This code must be present before fault memory can be erased.
FAULT CODES (USING ISAT SCAN TESTER)
Note. Lambda signal referred to in code charts is Oxygen (O2) sensor signal.
Scheme 2
SUMMARY
If no hard fault codes (or only pass codes) are present, proceed to TESTS W/O CODES article for diagnosis by symptom (i.e. ROUGH IDLE, NO-START, etc.), or intermittent diagnostic procedures.
See also:
• BASIC TESTING
• TESTS W/O CODES
• ECU ADAPTATION
• ERROR CODE 12225