Frequently Asked Questions

Repair Service

How does the Repair Service work?
How long does the repair take?
How do you get the SID out of the dash? Can I do it myself?
Does my SID need to be programmed before I install it? Can I install it myself?
What if you can’t repair my SID?
I tried to repair my SID myself. Can you still repair it?
How do I send my SID to you? Do you send me a shipping label?
How long will the repair last?
Is there a warranty or guarantee for your products?
What if the glass on the SID is cracked, scratched, or damaged?

Exchange Service

Does my SID need to be programmed before I install it? Can I install it myself?
How does the Exchange Service work?
Are you sending me a new or rebuilt unit?
How do I send my old SID back to you?
Why haven’t I received my refund yet? How will you refund it?
How do I know I’ll get the right SID for my car? Do you need the part number?
Why wasn’t my refund the full amount I was expecting?
Is there a warranty or guarantee for your products?

SIDs for Sale

Does my SID need to be programmed before I install it? Can I install it myself?
How do I know I’ll get the right SID for my car? Do you need the part number?
Do you buy SID cores?
Why do you have a SID for sale on eBay for far less than on your website?
Are you sending me a new or rebuilt unit?
I live in or near Northampton!  Can I drop off my SID for repair or pick up a rebuilt one?
Is there a warranty or guarantee for your products?

Automatic Climate Controls

Do you repair Automatic Climate Controls or just sell replacements?
Is there a warranty or guarantee for your products?

How does the repair service work?
You remove the SID from your dash (Removal Instructions), carefully package in a sturdy box and mark as fragile, then mail it to us here. Include your name, e-mail, phone number, and return address INSIDE THE BOX WITH YOUR SID Often the return address becomes marred or is unreadable upon arrival and will not suffice as a means of identifying your SID to confirm payment and return address. Either pay online or include a check or U.S. Postal money order in the box for the repair cost and the cost of your desired return shipping.  Once we receive it, we will have it repaired and back out to you within three business days.  It’s that easy! Back to top

How long does the repair service take?
It will take us three business days to repair your SID and put it in the mail back to you.  Plan for at least 8-10 business days without your SID if shipping by US Priority mail.  Shipping times within the Northeast United States tend to be one or two day, with the mid west and west coast closer to two or three days.  You may overnight your SID to us if you wish, and we offer Express Mail return shipping for an additional cost.  This will reduce the total turnaround time to 5-6 business days. Back to top

How do you get the SID out of the dash? Can I do it myself?
Yes, it's very easy to do!  The SID is only about the size of a large sandwich and we offer a full pictorial manual. Back to top

What if you can’t repair my SID?
If we can't repair it because it was damaged (cracked screen, previous repair, etc.) we will credit your payment toward the purchase of a replacement.  If we can't repair it for some other reason (a error in manufacture of the specific SID, our error, etc.) we will return your SID and your payment or credit your payment toward the purchase of a replacement. Back to top

I tried to repair my SID myself. Can you still repair it?
If the ribbon cable is separated from the motherboard in whole, we cannot repair it.  If it is partially separated we may be able to improve the quality of your display.  If you stuck foam to the ribbon cable in your SID, we can usually repair it unless it's glued down too firmly to remove.  If you attempted some heat-based soldering iron repair, we might be able to repair your SID, but the results vary and may be limited. Please read the full terms of the repair service and our warrantybefore sending us a previously repaired SID. Back to top

How do I send my SID to you? Do you send me a shipping label?
To speed up the process, offer you the lowest price, and make it as easy as possible to get your SID to us, we leave the means and expense of shipping the SID to us up to the customer. You can use any carrier or method you choose, just send it to the address here! We recommend you use the USPS within the United States for the lowest cost and quickest shipment. Please do not ship anything to us “Signature Required” as this may slow the time it takes to get your SID repaired and back out to you. Back to top

How long will the repair last?
Our repairs typically last far longer than a new replacement would.  Whereas a new SID will usually being to fail within the first year, our repaired SIDs often continue to perform 3 years after repair. If you get your SID back and it soon loses a line of pixels or two, don't panic!  It's normal for the display to fluctuate a little with changes in heat and moisture levels around the car.  Remember that we drive Saabs to be different, and we all know Saabs are far from perfect.  The SID should stay good and readable though, so if it ever goes bad and you can't make out what it's displaying please contact us and send it back. Back to top

Is there a warranty or guarantee for your products?
Yes, our full warranty and guarantee terms are available here. Back to top

What is the screen on my SID is cracked or damaged?
Since the SID display is a liquid crystal, any cracks in the LCD glass can produce red blotchy spots on the screen.  This is the liquid between the glass layers spreading out and oxidizing within the screen. If only the front layer of glass is cracked we an replace it with a new glass for an additional $10. If it is cracked through to the second layer, it is not possible to repair beyond perhaps making the pixels show up behind the crack and discoloration. Please email us with a picture of your SID if this is the case. Back to top

I live in or near Great Falls/The DC Area! Can I drop my SID off for repair or pick up a rebuilt one?
No, we work strictly by mail order.Back to top

Does my new SID need to be programmed before I install it? Can I install it myself?
Your SID will not need to be programmed after we repair it, and the SIDs we sell and use as exchange units are pre-programmed. Only new SIDs have to be programmed, mostly so the dealership can charge a half hour of labor to install it, which you can do yourself in seconds with our installation instructions. Back to top

How does the exchange service work?
First you pay the $100 exchange cost, plus shipping, and a deposit that we keep until we get your old SID back in exchange. You can do this on our Exchange Service page or Purchase page. The deposit equals the full purchase price of the SID we are sending ($200-$260) less the $100 exchange cost, so the amount you pay up front is equal to the full purchase price of the SID. Then we send out a good, rebuilt SID to you. Once you get it, you install it in your car using the instructions here (it's very easy!) and return your old SID to us. Then we evaluate it and credit your deposit according to the terms of the Exchange Service. Lastly, you enjoy being able to read your SID at a fraction of the cost of a new one! Back to top

Are you sending me a new or rebuilt unit?
We professionally rebuilt the SIDs we sell and use as exchange units.  We get them out of wrecked cars, from dealerships, and customers like you.  Then we rebuild them, test them, and send them out. The buttons and faceplates are "like new" and free of scratches and soil. Back to top

How do I send my old SID back to you? Do you include a shipping label?
We leave the carrier, method, and cost up to the customer to return the SID so you can choose the most convenient or inexpensive method at your discretion.  The US Postal Service is recommended for price and speed within the United States, typically $5-10 via priority mail.  You may reuse the box we send it in if you like and send it to us here. Back to top

Why haven’t I received my refund yet? How will I receive it?
It may take a week or more for us to evaluate the SID you returned, so if you have not heard from us 2 weeks after you believe your SID has reached us, please email us for the status of your SID. We issue exchange deposit refunds the same way that you pay. If you pay by check, we send a check. If you pay by credit card, we credit the amount back to your card. Back to top

How do I know I’ll get the right SID for my car? Do you need the part number?
For Saab 95: All we need to know is that you have a 95 and the year.
For Saab 93: We need to know that you have a 93 and whether it is a SID 1 or SID 2. You can tell the difference because the SID 2 has a "set" button, whereas the SID 1 does not.
For Saab 900: We need to know that you have a 900 and whether it is a SIU 2 or SIU 3. You can tell the difference because the SIU 3 has a "set" button, whereas the SIU 2 does not.
All models: You can see the difference in the photos on our SIDs for Sale page. Back to top

Why wasn’t my refund the full amount I was expecting?
The Exchange Service costs $100, plus shipping, so you're refund will be the purchase price of the SID for your vehicle, less the $100 cost of the exchange, less shipping charges, unless there is a problem with the SID you returned. We charge to replace burnt out light bulbs, scratched or heavily soiled faceplates, or front glass screen layers. Back to top

Do you buy SID cores?
Yes, we buy SID cores from all years and models! We may not be able to use them if they have been previously repaired, or have cracked or scratched screens, but please let us know if you have some to sell! Back to top

Why do you have a SID for sale on eBay for far less than on your website?
Our prices for fully rebuilt SIDs offered under warranty are the same on eBay as on the Web site. Occasionally we have a SID that was only partially repairable. These are sold on eBay at a reduced cost and can be a cheaper alternative to our fully rebuilt SIDs. These SIDs are offered AS IS. Kramer Micro Repair offers no warranty, not even an implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. We also recommend that you send your original SID to us or do an exchange for the best, lowest cost solution to this problem. Back to top

Do you repair Automatic Climate Controls?
No, we only provide replacement climate control units. These are guaranteed for a year from purchase to display and function properly. The ACC’s we sell are used units in working order and of high cosmetic quality.  More information is available here. Back to top