What we do
We fix the thermal damage problem that's ubiquitous to Trionic 8 ECUs in Saabs, the same way board-level repair specialists fix GPUs and laptop motherboards with the same failure mode.
Reball & reflow the processor
We remove the main processor, strip the old solder balls, and apply fresh ones using quality solder. The chip is then precisely reflowed back onto the board, restoring all electrical connections beneath it.
Repair traces & solder joints
We inspect the board under magnification and repair any additional damaged traces or solder joints caused by years of thermal stress, then test the ECU before returning it.
What we do not fix
In rare cases the underlying silicon of a chip itself may be damaged. This is uncommon, but if it occurs it is beyond repair. We will let you know if that is the case, only a $295 assessment fee plus return postage applies.
What causes Trionic 8 ECU failure?
Saab mounted the Trionic 8 ECU close to the engine, exposing it to significant heat. Over years of use, the repeated heating and cooling causes thermal cycling stress that eventually cracks the solder joints beneath the main processor.
As those joints crack, the electrical connections under the processor become intermittent. The ECU starts behaving unpredictably. Symptoms can come and go with engine temperature, and the car may run fine one day and refuse to start the next.
This is a well-known design flaw in the T8 platform and is by far the most common reason these ECUs fail.