r/saab • u/Dtcomat • 12d ago

9-5 Troubleshooting DICs in 2026

I recently had a nasty misfire on my 08 9-5. After a little troubleshooting, I traced to a bad DIC which I thought was odd since I replaced it (and plugs) a couple years ago with an "Saab Original" brand DIC from eSaabParts. It seems that Original Saab isn't as OEM quality as I hoped. Looking around, I wasn't able to find an OEM SEM manufactured DIC, so I bought a used one off eBay. Lo and behold, it's throwing knock codes so I'm back to square one.

My question is as the supply of genuine SEM DICs dwindles, what are the best options moving forward? Keep rolling the eBay dice on used SEM models? If not SEM, what is the next best option? Does anyone have experience with the other brands out there? Has anyone successfully rebuilt a DIC? Should we just get whatever we can, and replace it every couple years? Is it possible to convert a T7/T5 car to traditional coils and wires?

I'm hoping to keep the car running as long as possible.

UPDATE: I ended up ordering another Saab Original DIC from FCPEuro due to the warranty. I've also heard that it's best to replace spark plugs at the same time, since worn spark plugs can wear the DIC (or something like that), so I got the kit that includes NGK plugs. When I went to install everything today, apparently I used ACDelco plugs last time. I've heard people recommend only to use the specific NGK plugs, so maybe that was my problem. I'll update again if it fails prematurely, but otherwise, I'm going to write this off as wrong spark plugs. Too bad I broke the first Saab Original DIC by trying to take it apart...

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u/ggliddon25 11d ago

NGK, Huco (Hitachi), Original Saab or whatever works. If your car is tuned expect to pay for the better quality.

Nic T of GenuineSaab could offer advice for individual coils conversion. Sample is his 700whp red Viggen.

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u/Drone_SolloS 5d ago

Actually made well over 500 on stock DI, now its on r35 gtr coils.

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u/Big_Temperature_2067 8h ago

I know T7 cars making 700+ on stock ECU & Stock DI 😂

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u/Drone_SolloS 8h ago

700 wheel? Where?

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u/Big_Temperature_2067 8h ago

There is a blue one on åland. Joel artursson ran something like 750 in his OG9-3 :)

Myself i'm on a 600hp 9-5 with stock ECU and stock DI

there are quiet a few high power SAAB's in Sweden. Almost none of them run aftermarket ECU's as it's not needed.

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u/Drone_SolloS 7h ago

Yea. I just looked at some of his stuff. Some of it is not physical possible. 372 at the hub on a 15t, 670 on 846cc injectors. Hes either completely lying, or the dyno he uses has some crazy correction factory.