Register FAQ Members List Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read   Cars Lounge > Cars Lounge > Saab Emissions & DIC User Name Remember Me? Password   Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes   #1   09-22-2006, 04:02 AM J. Harris Junior Member   Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 45 Emissions & DIC Hello All. Our '97 900SE failed it's emissions inspection; specifically, the code for a faulty cam-shaft sensor was read (gas cap passed and ppm NOX passed). After the local independent Saab specialist re-set the codes/computers, the Check Engine light stayed "off" for about 20 miles... Question: Is the next most logical fix a new Direct Ignition Cassette? And while I understand it's a quick/easy replacement for most DIYers, what about re-setting the codes for the next inspection? Any other possible ideas/repairs needed? Thanks in advance, -- J.Harris '01 9-3SE '97 900SE '88 9000T (R.I.P.) J. Harris View Public Profile Find all posts by J. Harris Add J. Harris to Your Buddy List   #2   09-22-2006, 04:25 AM Fred W Junior Member   Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 464 Emissions & DIC J. Harris wrote: Quote: Hello All. Our '97 900SE failed it's emissions inspection; specifically, the code for a faulty cam-shaft sensor was read (gas cap passed and ppm NOX passed). After the local independent Saab specialist re-set the codes/computers, the Check Engine light stayed "off" for about 20 miles... Question: Is the next most logical fix a new Direct Ignition Cassette? And while I understand it's a quick/easy replacement for most DIYers, what about re-setting the codes for the next inspection? Any other possible ideas/repairs needed? Thanks in advance, Ummm... why wouldn't you try the camshaft sensor first? -- -Fred W Fred W View Public Profile Find all posts by Fred W Add Fred W to Your Buddy List   #3   09-22-2006, 04:42 AM J. Harris Junior Member   Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 45 Emissions & DIC Quote: J. Harris wrote: Quote: Hello All. Our '97 900SE failed it's emissions inspection; specifically, Quote: the code for a faulty cam-shaft sensor was read (gas cap passed and ppm NOX Quote: passed). After the local independent Saab specialist re-set the codes/computers, the Check Engine light stayed "off" for about 20 miles... Quote: Question: Is the next most logical fix a new Direct Ignition Cassette? And Quote: while I understand it's a quick/easy replacement for most DIYers, what about Quote: re-setting the codes for the next inspection? Any other possible ideas/repairs needed? Thanks in advance, Ummm... why wouldn't you try the camshaft sensor first? -- -Fred W Good point. I think the mechanic already checked it; hence his suggestion about the DIC. Also if it helps, the spark plugs were changed 3000 miles ago at 93K miles for the 90K/95K service. J. Harris View Public Profile Find all posts by J. Harris Add J. Harris to Your Buddy List   #4   09-22-2006, 06:57 AM Fred W Junior Member   Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 464 Emissions & DIC J. Harris wrote: Quote: J. Harris wrote: Quote: Hello All. Our '97 900SE failed it's emissions inspection; specifically, Quote: the code for a faulty cam-shaft sensor was read (gas cap passed and ppm NOX Quote: passed). After the local independent Saab specialist re-set thecodes/computers, the Check Engine light stayed "off" for about 20 miles... Quote: Question: Is the next most logical fix a new Direct Ignition Cassette? And Quote: while I understand it's a quick/easy replacement for most DIYers, what about Quote: re-setting the codes for the next inspection? Any other possibleideas/repairs needed? Thanks in advance,Ummm... why wouldn't you try the camshaft sensor first?---Fred W Good point. I think the mechanic already checked it; hence his suggestion about the DIC. Also if it helps, the spark plugs were changed 3000 miles ago at 93K miles for the 90K/95K service. Based on MRFWU theory (Most Recently Fiddled With Unit) one of the plugs could be bum. -- -Fred W Fred W View Public Profile Find all posts by Fred W Add Fred W to Your Buddy List   #5   09-22-2006, 11:16 AM Bob Junior Member   Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 174 Emissions & DIC On Fri, 22 Sep 2006 10:57:42 -0400, Fred W <Malt_Hound@*spam-me-not*yahoo.com> wrote: Quote: J. Harris wrote: Quote: J. Harris wrote:>Hello All. Our '97 900SE failed it's emissions inspection; specifically, Quote: >the code for a faulty cam-shaft sensor was read (gas cap passed and ppm NOX Quote: >passed). After the local independent Saab specialist re-set the>codes/computers, the Check Engine light stayed "off" for about 20 miles... Quote: >Question: Is the next most logical fix a new Direct Ignition Cassette? And Quote: >while I understand it's a quick/easy replacement for most DIYers, what about Quote: >re-setting the codes for the next inspection? Any other possible>ideas/repairs needed? Thanks in advance,Ummm... why wouldn't you try the camshaft sensor first?---Fred W Good point. I think the mechanic already checked it; hence his suggestion about the DIC. Also if it helps, the spark plugs were changed 3000 miles ago at 93K miles for the 90K/95K service. Based on MRFWU theory (Most Recently Fiddled With Unit) one of the plugscould be bum. There is no camshaft position sensor on the engine. The DIC does the sensing through some process I've never quite understood. So, if you get that code, it is either the DIC or the plugs. If you used the stock NGK plugs, then it is possibly the DIC. If you used some other plugs, change them to the right one. The DIC is a 10 minute DIY job - the torx driver is in the trunk. You do not have to rest the computer, it will reset itself. In fact, in some states you can fail for have a computer that was reset too recently. Bob View Public Profile Find all posts by Bob Add Bob to Your Buddy List   #6   09-24-2006, 11:14 AM J. Harris Junior Member   Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 45 Emissions & DIC > There is no camshaft position sensor on the engine. The DIC does the Quote: sensing through some process I've never quite understood. So, if you get that code, it is either the DIC or the plugs. If you used the stock NGK plugs, then it is possibly the DIC. If you used some other plugs, change them to the right one. The DIC is a 10 minute DIY job - the torx driver is in the trunk. You do not have to rest the computer, it will reset itself. In fact, in some states you can fail for have a computer that was reset too recently. Thanks Bob (Fred too); the plugs were stock... Looks like its time for eBay for a DIC! -- J.Harris '01 9-3SE '97 900SE '88 9000T (R.I.P.) J. Harris View Public Profile Find all posts by J. Harris Add J. Harris to Your Buddy List   #7   09-24-2006, 04:15 PM Bob Junior Member   Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 174 Emissions & DIC On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 19:14:40 GMT, "J. Harris" <jackharris@insect-o-cutor.comdamnspam> wrote: Quote: Thanks Bob (Fred too); the plugs were stock... Looks like its time for eBayfor a DIC! FYI - there is a *crankshaft* position sender - make sure you did not mean that. DIC's commonly wear out at an average of 70K miles. DIC systems are typically short lives on most all cars that have them. Bob View Public Profile Find all posts by Bob Add Bob to Your Buddy List « Previous Thread | Next Thread » Thread Tools Search this Thread Show Printable Version Email this Page Search this Thread: Advanced Search Display Modes Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode Posting Rules You may not post new threads You may not post replies You may not post attachments You may not edit your posts vB code is On Smilies are On [IMG] code is On HTML code is Off Forum Jump Please select one User Control Panel Private Messages Subscriptions Who's Online Search Forums Forums Home -------------------- Cars Lounge     General     Acura     Alfa Romeo     Audi     BMW     Dodge     Ferrari     Fiat     Ford         Ford Explorer         Ford Falcon         Ford Festiva         Ford Flathead         Ford Focus         Ford Mustang     GM         GM Cadillac         GM Cadillac Deville         GM Camaro         GM Camaro Firebird         GM Chevy Malibu         GM Corvette         GM Fiero         GM Oldsmobile         GM Pontiac     Honda     Hyundai     Infiniti     Isuzu     Jaguar     Kia     Lexus     Mercedes Benz     Mini     Mitsubishi     Nissan     Peugeot     Porsche         Porsche 911         Porsche 928         Porsche 944     Rolls Royce     Saab     Subaru     Toyota         Toyota Camry         Toyota MR2         Toyota Prius     Volkswagen         Volkswagen Beetle     Volvo All times are GMT -8. 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