Buying a used Saab can still be a bargain. However, there is a common error that often occurs that can be a little disturbing, namely pixel errors in the car’s display, or SID as it is called in Saab language. The display shows most things: clock, radio, trip computer, warnings, service messages, etc.
The pixel defect is common on the Saab 900 / 9-3 model year 1994-2002 and the Saab 9-5 model year 1998-2004. The 9-5 got a slightly better display in 2005 where the error does not occur as often.
There are many solutions on the internet for fixing pixel errors in Saab’s SID. A common way to fix it is usually to break up the display and with the help of baking paper and iron heat the circuit board. However, this has proven to be a rather uncertain method. Either you fail completely and the display becomes unusable. Or you succeed and the display’s pixel error is gone or at least better. But often it goes back and the pixels disappear one by one again.
If you want to get rid of this problem, you can of course buy a brand new or better used display unit or you take professional help. A company that focused on repairing displays in cars, not only for Saab, but also for e.g. Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Volvo and Volkswagen are Digasoft.
This is what it might look like when a Saab SID loses several of its pixels:
They also repair speedometers, tank gauges and temperature gauges that get stuck. But for those of you who are going to buy or own a Saab with pixel defects, Digasoft can fix your SID.
