**UPDATE** MAKE SURE your driver door is open when unhooking the battery or you’re gonna be in for a long wait. Unhook the battery for about 3 seconds and hook it back up. Put the key in the ignition and take it out for your cockpit lights to turn on and then insert key once again to start the car. I typically wait for the red security light on the dash to stop blinking before starting just to give the car time to process the key. NOT A PERMANENT FIX but works until you can get the problem looked at. KEEP THE DRIVER DOOR OPEN THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS, everytime I close my door, idk why but I’m stuck trying to turn the car on for 30+ mins. If you follow these steps, it will start.
Ive heard that this is one expensive fix and the DIY videos out there are all about taking out a lot of stuff to get to the ignition. My 2003 Saab 9-3 gave me a steering lock malfunction code and NOBODY’S videos helped me AT ALL, so now I’ve made this video. Some people say you have to spend a lot of money, and some have an hour of tedious work but this way is fast and simple.
I removed the terminals from battery for about 30 mins, cleaned any corrosion then put the terminals back on. After that, I was able to turn my key and my car started up.
Hopefully this helps!
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I was stranded 250 miles from home. Turned on your video and the next day tried this. Thanks I made it home and didn’t have to find a mechanic or tow truck
im not that lucky lol
Does this need to be repeated every time? As the warning seems to come every time I switch off
You also do it 30 seconds..just leave fob in ignition and unplug battery and connect.. Then turn key if wont take key out then put back in a start…. Or do what i did. Get a quick disconect..
This video is right on target. I took off one terminal of the battery then went to bed. Got up the next morning and the car started without any glitches. Thanks for this. All other videos they are tearing up the car.
You really saved my butt and my wallet today, dude. Thank you SO much. God bless!
Yes that trick works for awhile then after its left for awhile the same thing happens again. I have seen a video where a switch is connected between the fuse for the ignition ICM in the fuse box. Switching off the ignition circuit to the ICM for a few minutes then switching back on then the key will work.
Thanks….the same thing happened to me…2 min disconnect the battery and was working for me…thanks again for the tip and help
unfortunately this doesn't always work. I just tried all the tricks, pulled the 5A fuse on top left for a couple mins (used to work every time), no luck, unhooked battery negative terminal for 3 secs, no luck, unhooked for 3 mins, no luck, and charged my battery so it was back at almost 14v before I did all that and still nothing. My 04 9-3 causes me so much pain but I think I'm starting to like it. My wallet doesn't but I do.
Thanks I appreciate your time you took to make this it helped us I wish you good fortune and many more blessings…
It takes 2 secs not 30 mins…
1. Leave key in,
2. Disconnect and reconnect battery negative for 2 secs,
3. remove and reinsert key, should see and hear steering lock disengage
4. crank.
There was not a steering wheel malfunction like the other one
Oh my gosh, thank you so much for posting this! I love my SAAB and was so upset when this happened. I had seen the same videos you referred to, but instead, tried your advice and it works perfectly now!