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Recall 02V-308

SAAB CARS USA, INC. recalled the 1995 Saab 900: Air bags.

At a glance

Campaign number
02V-308
Reported
November 14, 2002
Vehicles affected
20,476 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

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 pretensioner 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.

The risk

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 pretensioners.

The fix

Dealers will install a new air bag ECU. Owner notification began april 4, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact saab at 1-[removed].

Notes from the manufacturer

Saab recall no. 15012.also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).

Affected vehicles