The code I had from the OBD-II was P0705 “Transmission Range Sensor Circuit malfunction (PRNDL Input)”
The gear selector position sensor on the SAAB 9-5 is attached to the top of the transmission and can be reached by removing the battery and battery tray.
eeuroparts.com seems to have the sensor listed as the Neutral Safety Switch (NPN Switch).
You will need:
A socket wrench and extender
10mm socket
13mm socket
17mm socket
13mm wrench
Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables with the 13mm wrench. Remove the nut and brace behind the battery with the 13mm socket. Lift out the battery. Remove the four 10mm screws and remove the battery tray.
You should be able to reach the 17mm bolt and other connectors on the gear selector position sensor from here.
I cleaned everything I could, sprayed a little WD-40, and once everything was back in place I sat in the car and pulled the gear selector from park all the way down to 1st and back up to park. I did this several times fairly rapidly. This gives me a month or two of relief from the issue.
Here is a great write up about the gear selector position sensor.
Hello,
Searching the web for a problem with a gear selector on my car, I have found your topic.
It helped me understand better and to be able to thank you I have posted a link to a small reportage showing the complete “rebuild” of my gear selector sensor. I have to say it is fitted on an old OPEL ASTRA (Vauxhall) but it looks pretty the same as yours… it is even written “SAAB” on its connector (!).
It is a very expensive spare part here in Belgium, maybe it can help you one day to avoid those costs; here is the link : (sorry it’s in french but the pics are quite clear)
http://sosboiteauto.aceboard.fr/300612-3627-932-0-reparation-contacteur-selecteur.htm
flyer146 (e-mail : daniel.e@advalvas.be)
Thank you! That is an excellent explanation. I have a feeling that this is going to help a lot of people.
My pleasure ! The original problem I had was when the car was “sleeping” outside in humid and “cold” conditions : the “degraded” mode was selected by the calculator (with blinking indications on dashboard). Several resets (engine off then on) were required to solve this problem. When you see the inside condition of the contactor I think you can easily understand why… ! I am sure indeed that a lot of people have the same problem with those expensive contactors. Let’s hope it’s gonna help as you say !
All the best with your blog.
See u,
flyer146