Saab 9-3 Ignition Switch Module (ISM) Replacement

Our starting point: The center console with the ignition switch in the middle

This is the screwdriver bit used to remove all the screws.

This is the item we need to replace

Step one is to remove the front side panels. There is a single (covered) screw in the footwell on each side that can be removed, and the panel slides rearwards, down and out.

Unscrew and remove this screw

The panel can now come off.

Rear cover is removed next.

Next, locate the rear cover visible from the back seats, between the two front seats. Pull it sharply to the rear, and remove.

The rear side panels in front of the rear cover are now easily accessible and can be removed.

Next, remove the rubber mat in front of the gear lever.

The (shiny) gear lever surround trim can now be prized off, starting at the rear, and removed.

Removing the gear lever surround trim exposes a single screw holding a retaining frame underneath the gear change mechanism.

Unscrew the retaining screw

Remove the retaining frame

Slide out horizontally the protective plastic cover underneath the hand brake.

This exposes a single screw. Remove this.

On the other side, remove the CD holder top cover,

unscrew the two screws inside,

and remove the CD holder itself. This exposes another single screw. Remove this.

Remove the bottom rubber cover in the centre console storage unit.

This exposes two screws that need removing.

The drinks holder has another rubber mat.

There are no screws underneath, but this is a good opportunity to remove it and clean it separately.

Underneath the air vent controlling air flow to the passengers from the center console sits a square duct.

The Haynes manual suggests pulling this out next, and although it is possible to do so, it requires force, and is much easier to do later when all other fixings have been removed.

There are two cable bundles connected to the center console from the rest of the car. One is connected via a large, square plug with a red tab.

Push a screwdriver inside the red tab and pull, and the connector splits neatly apart.

The other is an earth connector near the rear of the console. This can easily be pulled away.

Remove two screws located in front of the gear lever.

The next bit is a bit fiddly to get to: There are two screws going horizontally, one underneath the handbrake,

the other on the CD holder side. These need to be removed. There is limited workspace. Use a separate loose screwdriver bit, and a spanner to twist it.

The center console is now loose, and can be puller backwards and upwards, and removed from the car.

Tip the centre console upside down and locate the ISM ignition switch.There are four spring clips holding it in place. Use a screwdriver to compress each clip in turn, whilst pushing the switch out of its socket.

The switch is connected to a cable via a connector. Locate the torque lever and twist this to release the connector.

You now have the ISM in your hand. Swap this with a replacement unit. Mine cost £126,00 new from eBay. Clip it in the same spot, and connect the cable again.

The square air conditioning duct goes in first. The console goes in next. It is a bit awkward to riggle past all the lugs, screws, tabs and cables, but just persevere. Once in, fit all the screws holding it in place, including the awkward ones.

Connect the two cables. The earth connector is push-on, and the square plug self-locks when the red tab is pushed.

With all side panels in place, re-fit the screws around the gear lever and CD holder. Finally, slide the handbrake cover in place, and screw the CD holder in. All rubber mats put in place (you *did* clean them whilst you had the chance, right..?). You are done!