DI Casette Saab 9-5

[Oneofakind]

Hi,

 

The DI casette went up in smoke (literally) during starting. No ignition at all after that....just smoke

 

It is a simple procedure to replace a DI but the failure comes at 63,000 km, tot 80,000km was the benchmark? My 9000 aero's DI went 120,000 before losing one cylinder Nevermind, but this is an unexpected total failure without any warning whatesoever. Losing one cylinder still buys u time to limp home but what if you are on an expressway and have a total failure like mine?

 

Thing is the car is religiously maintained at every 10,000 km. Only difference is that I use Denso Iridium plugs....the one with the 0.4mm tips. Selected the correct heat range from the menu at Autobacs (they do have a plug specified for the 95)....response is a little better than the NGKs.

 

Would like to seek opinions from fellow Saab fans...is using Denso plugs okay and what is the general expectancy for a DI casette. Will running slightly more 'enthusiatic' ECU settings also accelerate the demise of DIs? The thing that worries me is that the DI literally smoke out....a typical failure normally loses one or two cylinders....not as catastrophic

Edited August 17, 2004 by Oneofakind

[Saaber]

yes, running a upgraded ECU will accelerate the early demise of the DI. At 63k, it is considered quite OK liao.....Remember to use fresh new plugs together with the new DI as most probably, the death of DI would have damaged the plugs too...

 

As long as you are using the correct plugs, like for denso iridium, the code is IQ22, you are safe. Remember to change them out every 20k...

[Oneofakind]

Thanks, really appreciate it.

 

Come to think of it, 63,000KM does not sound so bad now. More power=more money.

[Oneofakind]

We all know your 9-5 was much more than an aero, care to share tips on how to do it? Can PM me the component costs and associated reliability issues Mine is more than a stock 9-5 but definitely less than an Aero

[Thadeus6]

Never never use any other plugs than the recommended NGK plugs on your Saab. The Trionic engine management system uses the DI and plugs to sense engine knock. Consider yourself very lucky that your engine did not go up in smoke.

 

What you experienced is a very common mistake among misinformed Saab owners who chose to use different brand spark plugs in the quest for better power. I read reports about DI cassette going up in flames or in smoke before. After investigating further, it is all because the owner/mechanic use the incorrect plug or plugs of another brand. A definite no-no.

 

For those of you using non-NGK plugs and you think your Saab is still running fine, it'll just be a matter of time before the DI goes up in smoke. It will happen sooner or later.

 

My 2 cents.

[Oneofakind]

Yup....thats what Ang Kah Hoe told me too....ditched the iridiums for standard NGKs.

 

Thanks for the replies.