2003 Saab 9-3 repair Question OBD Error code 601

2003 SAAB 9-3
32,500 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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JAMES0264
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  • 1 POST
Hi. I own a 2003 Saab 9-3 with 32k miles. Last week after driving 20 miles and then getting stuck in a traffic jam for 20 min, my car shut down completely. Wouldnt turn over or anything. It was 20 degrees weather and I had just replaced the battery in November.

I had to call for a tow truck. Once I got to the repair facility the car miraculously started. I tried starting it 6-7 times before the tow truck came.

Anyway, it sat overnight at a repair shop. The next morning the guy called me and told me the OBDII error code of P0601 Internal Control Module Memory Check Sum Error.

He said that I would be better off taking to to the Saab dealer to get it fixed. I was able to drive it home but with very slow acceleration off the line.

My question is this......do you think this has anything to do with my battery replacement? Should the computer have been reset before putting in a new battery so that there wouldnt be a checksum error?

Thanks.
Jan 29, 2008 at 6:31 AM
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JULIANAXW
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I can't really answer this but I too have had similar problem after replacing battery. My car bucks and hesitates and goes into this "limp home" mode. I have
heard the fix is to upload a software fix to the OBD.
Also the engine and transmission modules are a potential problem. Sorry, can't be more difinitive. Would be interested if you were able to learn what remedial action you took.

Jules
May 19, 2008 at 4:47 PM
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MNTHNY4
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 612 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
u need to replace the main vehicle ECM ,it has a internal fault ,that is the only repair for that code ,good luck.
Jul 1, 2011 at 7:17 PM
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