Recall 02V308000: Air Bag Control Module Replacement

DEFECT: On certain passenger vehicles, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) is designed to sense and discriminate frontal impact events, command air bag and seat belt pre-tensioner deployments in a timely manner, and perform continuous diagnostics of the air bag system in the vehicle. Due to the possible insufficient sealing of the bottom of an electrolyte capacitor, it is possible for it to leak electrolyte within the air bag ECU. Also, in high humidity environments, the operation of the vehicle air conditioner can cause rapid cooling of the ECU, which in turn may cause the formation of condensation with the unit. If this moisture comes into contact with the electrolyte from the capacitor, it forms a highly conductive material that could create an electrical short circuit. This electrical short could trigger the air bags and seat belt pre-tensioners.


REMEDY: Dealers will install a new air bag ECU. The manufacturer has reported that owner notification is expected to begin during March 2003. Owners should contact Saab at 1-800-955-9007.