Edmunds Answers questions

I own a 1999 saab conv.Everytime I stop at a light the engine dies or almost.Any answers on that?

beatricelasaab — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 19:10:33 GMT

I heard that the 2000 model had the same problem but was fixed by re-programming the computer.My saab surgeon tells me that on the 1999 model well,it seems impossible due to the type of electronic injection on that particular year.I know that I'm not the only one with that problem,my mechanic knows two or three other client of his with the same situation...Was there ever a call back from saab on this? Is there a solution for this? Thank you !

After my 2003 Saab 9-5 2.3t sits for a while, when I back up, my rear wheels squeak.

pbr77 — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 15:50:05 GMT

Why do my rear wheels make sounds when my car sits for a while?

what are the benefits of getting 17" wheels over 16"? Or are there none?

kissena — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 12:20:32 GMT

the Saab 2.0T comes standard with 16" wheels---17" are an option. Is it an option that I should consider?

I have a 2002 Saab 9-5 aero, AT slams from when shifted from R to D. Any idea what needs to done to repair it?

saabnation — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 19:25:43 GMT

Car slams when shifted from Reverse to Drive, wondering if it is worth it to fix it, and what specific part of the transmission would need replacement. I think its the valve body, but am not a mechanic so I'm not 100% sure. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Anyone know where i can find a Valve Body for an 02 Saab 9-5 Aero?

saabnation — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 17:26:08 GMT

My 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero has SEVERE transmission problems. It started out as a slamming when shifted from R to D, but now has affected shifting from 3 to 2 and 2 to 3. Its an Automatic, and I really want to replace the valve body before it dies all together. Anyone who knows where I can find would, please let me know.

Are Saabs worth it?

rtong1234 — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 11:00:58 GMT

I've always apprecited the uniqueness of Saabs. But for the price and total cost of ownership, is it really worth it ?

What web sites have good pricing info for tires? Saab 9-3.

mrjohnnyu — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 21:03:21 GMT

I need new tires for my 2005 Saab 9-3 linear sedan. I've read favorable reviews of goodyear triple tred tires (p215/55 r16 h)and want to get the best, lowest total cost(tires+install) available. Any help would be greatly appreciated

I have a 2000 Saab 9-5. The brakes push really hard. Some tell me it's the master cylinder, some say brake booster? Help.

debbiek1 — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:00:16 GMT

The malfunction light has been on. Was driving fine. Then all of a sudden you go to push brakes and you can hardly push them. At first someone thought abs motor but abs light is not on. Then master cylinder was suggested or vacuum booster (brake booster? not sure if the same). Not sure what error codes came up but none had to do with brakes.

The ABS Motor was rebuilt, pump was replaced, master cylinder replaced, and the brake booster was replaced. Mechanic said old booster did have some fluid in it. Not quite sure if I have the terminology correct but he said that one side (?) only is getting brake fluid. Brakes are a little better but one side is getting no fluid. He was going to try bleeding them? I do not know where else to turn without having to go to a saab dealer and paying thousands of dollars.

Is this an expensive fix? I do not want to spend thousands guessing what the problem is? Any ideas? PLEASE HELP.

'06 Saab coming off lease, would like to buy. Can you negotiate with lease company on price?

mlarock — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 12:14:36 GMT

I have '06 Saab coming off lease in 2 mo. Res. Value 17,000, can that be negotiated down with lease company, GMAC leasing.

Single "click" in suspension on turns/bumps. 2006 Saab 9-3.

hydrasports — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:26:08 GMT

Dealer has replaced sway bar links and Front strut bearings under warranty on my 2006 Saab 9-3. Still NG! Have that single click. Has anyone had this problem and know what the Fix is?

I have the 2000 Saab 9-5 and need a little more help with my brake problem.

debbiek1 — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 08:32:21 GMT

The car was worked on and this is what they told me:

The ABS Motor was rebuilt, pump was replaced, master cylinder replaced, and the brake booster was replaced. Mechanic said old booster did have some fluid in it. Not quite sure if I have the terminology correct but he said that one side (?) only is getting some brake fluid. Brakes are not much better, He was going to try bleeding them? He feels the 1st mechanic had pump rebuilt and its now damaged? (it was sent rebuilt and was told it was plugged solid so they cleaned it?) I do not know where else to turn without having to go to a saab dealer and paying thousands of dollars.

Is this an expensive fix? I do not want to spend thousands guessing what the problem is? Any ideas? PLEASE HELP.

Can i add the Saab amplifier to my 2000 9-3 base model for my front door speakers without a lot of modifications?

93goblin — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:22:59 GMT

I have the Saab 9-3 base model which does not come with the bass amplifier for the front door speakers. I will add the speakers to the door. I found the wiring for the amplifier. If i can get the amplifier from the salvage yard, can i install it without much modifications?

How do you replace the serpentine belt on a 99 Saab 9-3?

kspence — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 13:32:07 GMT

The belt was making noise, my husband put so kind of squeak stuff on it and it came off any help would be nice.

The temperature gage in my 2002 SAAB 9-5 Arc occasionally drops out. Could this be the temperature gage sensor?

randycobian — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:38:19 GMT

The car has 67,000 miles and the temperature gage dropped out after the car was parked on an incline (up hill). This triggered the engine light to come on. I reset the engine light, but ocassionally the temp gage drops out. Could this be the temperature gage sensor?

Thank you

Randy

how to replace water pump on a 2001 saab 9.5 turbo

chris121 — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 08:08:45 GMT

how involved is it to replace the water pump on this car

I have a 2000 Saab 9-5 with 115,000 miles. Going down the interstate, I noticed the temp. gauge at cold. Issue?

gtwahoo — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 18:59:15 GMT

Could it be thermostat or water pump? I pulled off and sat awhile and coolant level was normal. No code. When I started back up, temp gauge went up only slightly.

1996 saab 900s brake switch changed under column.

jackallnight — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 21:53:09 GMT

1996 saab 900s brake switch was changed under steering column. I step on brake & there is no Brake light. I let the brake light go & the brake light goes on & all bulbs are good. what else can I do?

2000 Saab 9-3 is making a rattling noise in or near the engine.

eg517 — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 18:39:47 GMT

I first noticed my car was making a rattling noise two days ago but it was faint. Yesterday it was really loud and concerning. It's a consistent rattle that gets faster as I accelerate. I'm afraid it might be really complicated to fix. any ideas on what it could be?

Owners Manual for a 1995 Saab 900SE turbo ?

blwchnx — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:53:22 GMT

Can you tell me where to find a download of this so I can learn how to use the controls and location of conponents .I just bought this car and do not have a owners manual.I just want to use the features

thanks a lot

I have a 1992 Saab 9000 with 188,000 miles not running. I want to get rid of it for cheap. Any suggestions?

4754 — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:05:17 GMT

The car has numerous problems. It need a a handyman who can do all th needed labor. Transmission, baack brakes, shocks, A/C. The body is in beautiful condition. Needs a Saab 9000 lover.

Got new intermediate pipe fitted, now I am burning oil white smoke from tail pipe. Saab 93 Aero. Can you help, thanks.

kipper3 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:04:22 GMT

put 2 lts oil in car drove 300 yards ,and the car is burning all the oil

1997 Saab 9000 Turbo Check Engine Light

dole1 — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:15:00 GMT

The check engine light came on shortly after buying 97 Saab 9000 turbo cse. Went to Autozone, they hooked up the computer and it showed up as Code 340. The car sometimes runs sluggish and I seem to be using a lot of gas. I took the car to one mechanic and he said it was the cam sensor, but then another mechanic said this model of saab doesn't have a cam sensor. Any ideas or suggestions on what I should do or what the problem might be?

Please give me any thoughts regarding problems I am having with my Saab 900SE's transmission. Thanks

misben — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:56:07 GMT

Hi,

I am new to this forum and I can really use any thoughts or suggestions. I own a 1997 Saab 900SE turbo..automatic. The car needed an engine replacement a couple of years ago. I had this done at the dealer. They replaced the engine and the turbo with a used one. It was never done correctly and I have not driven the car much since then at all. I also replaced the transmission rang switch.

Now, when you put the car in drive, it takes several seconds to engage into drive and even though it will go, It sounds and feels like it is all bound up..like the brakes are being applied when they are not. I also just learned that the shifter is slipped and nothing runs in its proper gear alignment on the shifter. The check engine light and the check gearbox light have been on but no actual codes are stored… I am told that it needs an alternator so that the low voltage code can be cleared in order to see if there are other codes related to the transmission. I have put too much money into the car already and if I have to replace the transmission, I do not want to replace the alternator just to find that out. I am also told that if there are no codes, they will need to drop the transmission for an inspection that may or may not tell them anything and ultimately, if all else has been eliminated, I may still be looking to replace the transmission.

Given my list of symptoms of what the transmission is doing, does it sound like it could be the range switch again? Or if the gear linkage has slipped, would this cause any of this? Any thoughts? Could it even be the turbo? Does it sound like a definite internal transmission problem?
Thank you so much, I just need any information that can help me make determination on what to do. Thanks again

Where can I find lease turn in checklist for a 2005 Saab 9-3? Saab did not send to me and my lease is up Tuesday.

deb39 — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:28:06 GMT

Where can I find lease turn in checklist for Saab 9-3/year 2005? Saab did not send to me and my lease is up Tues. Is there a place to find this on the Internet? I searched and searched and found nothing. Thank you for any help... this is all new to me.

My Saab 95 9000 CDE has 80,000 miles on it. Oil cooler ruptured. Is this common? Did Saab know about this condition?

rbkmi — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:07:15 GMT

My Saab Story, This car has 80,000 miles on it and it runs like a fine machine, but it sprung a leak in a coolant hose and when I went to fill with antifreeze, I saw that it had sludge in the coolant container. The Saab dealer told me that the oil cooler had ruptured and spread coolant through the system. They estimated $2500-$3000 to fix plus another $900 for a timing belt..och! I took it to a Saab repair shop and was told that this was a problem and that Saab did not want to do a recall, so that instead they would replace the oil cooler when one brought the car in for regular maintenance. Is this true? Any help or suggestions?

How do I take out my 1999 Saab 9.5 window control?

rwsmith46 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:11:17 GMT

I put the driver's side window down on my 1999 Saab 9.5 and it won't go up now. How can I take the window control box out to see what is wrong and if I can fix it. I need to get the window up. Thank you.

What are the signs that a water pump is going out on a 2001 Saab SE

claudiajo — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:28:03 GMT

I have a loud grinding noise coming from the engine area. I have not experienced any other signs except for the noise. What are the signs of water pump going out. Is it an expensive repair?

98 Saab 900 running extremely HOT

olearymag — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:43:41 GMT

My 98 Saab is running extremely hot, just replaced radiator and still running extremely hot, the old radiator was singed (white) at the bottom of the radiator, the head gasket was deemed OK, thermostat opens OK. temperature gauge reads normal temperature.

Someone suggested to check ignition timing and fan sensor...any other suggestions appreciated.

olearymag

My 98 Saab 900 convertible latches locked shut.

olearymag — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:45:42 GMT

My 98 Saab Convertible latches locked shut after my tonneau motor stopped working. The latches that hold down the back of the top are locked shut and does not allow me to completely shut the back. I tried the manual latch release and it didn't seem to do anything. Can a Saab technician release the latch thru their computers or any suggestions besides replacing the tonneau motor?

I have an '02 Saab 9-5 Arc whose HID headlights are growing dim. Are aftermarket units as good as OEM lbulbs?

dhogberg — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 16:06:26 GMT

The OE units are very expensive and aftermarket bulbs I've seen on eBay are much cheaper. Are the cheaper ones any good? Thanks.

What is the highest number of miles driven in the life of a 1995 Saab 9000 AE before it died?

msjean — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:35:25 GMT

I just want to know the life expectancy of my 1995 Saab 9000 AE.

On a 2001 Saab 9-5 3.0 L, where is oxygen sensor bank 1 sensor 2?

gslingur — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 15:45:47 GMT

CEL light on, OBDII code reader reads o2 sensor, bank 1 sensor 2

Have a SAAB 9-5 V6 2000. No heat. Code 21. Is the recalibration by pressing Auto/Off same as a dealer "recalibrating"?

garryshaf — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:21:50 GMT

I have a V6 SAAB 9.5, 2000. No heat. I've checked the blend door parts - no cracked linkage. Code 21 results from pressing Auto/Off. Code 21 translates to recirculation motor. I am working to get it off and replace it. But before I take it off, I saw on one of the online discussions that all that may be needed is a "recalibration" of the system. I thought pressing Auto/Off recalibrated the system. I called a dealer. They said they can do an ac/heater system recalibration for $100. Is this dealer recalibration the same as pressing Auto/Off? Thanks.

HVAC not working? 99 Saab 9-5.

tron77 — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:47:44 GMT

I have a 99 Saab 9-5 my HVAC is not working correctly it will not blow any air through the system. Some air will come out once I start driving and get a little speed going , it’s cold on the driver side and warm on the passenger. I ran the diagnostic test and came up with the code’s 0....... and then 1......08 do you know what this means and what I can do to fix it?

2005 Saab 9-2X has under 30K miles. Replaced battery a year ago. Had to replace again. Is this a sign of bigger problem?

steveswife1 — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:44:44 GMT

According to the dealer, the first battery was defective -- cells exploded. Could there be something wrong with the alternator that's causing me to burn through batteries?

1994 Saab 900 6 cylinder manual transmission has been overheating. Any ideas?

fitz8 — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 14:11:24 GMT

just started overheating drive car for 5 min and temp gage rise as if it has been running for hours

I have a 1999 Saab 9-3 convertible top that suddenly won't open but the motor is making a noise.

jim305 — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:39:46 GMT

Can anyone help me diagnose the problem? I can't even find schematics of the operating system. The fuses are good.

Generic or Saab brand anti freeze? Does color matter and how bad is it for the temp gauge to shoot up fast?

dafydukfukwat — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:29:38 GMT

I drive a 99 9-5 Saab i needed coolant so i went & bought the 8$ bottle that said "for all makes & models" i filled it up to the right level. took it on a 10 min. test drive, everything was fine until the last 30 sec. away from my house when the temp. gage shot up soo fast I seriously though my car was going to blow up (the gage went above the red zone -started in the middle) I quickly turned the car off - noticed the anti freeze was gone (i would assume a leak) is is because i used the cheap anti freeze rather than the Saab anti freeze? & is my engine toast after going above the red zone? (never has it done that)I'm afraid to start my car again for fear that it might explode

Location of Convertible Top Motor on 1999 Saab 9-3?

jim305 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:42:29 GMT

Do you know how I get to the motor on the 1999 9-3?

1999 Saab 9-3 185hp engine. Sludge issue.

jim305 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:53:40 GMT

Thank you very much for you help on the convertible issue.
I just bought this car and after reading all the horror stories I am really concerned. It only has 67k and the only apparent issue seems to be the convertible.
What are your recommendations about the sludge issue.
Some articles I have seen recommend any and all of the following.

Add heat shield over catalytic converter.
Relocate catalytic converter.
Use nothing but full synthetic lubricant every 3k.
Change screen on oil pump to larger mesh.

Please tell me whether any of these recommendations are needed or just regular timely oil changes.

Thanks

Another Saab 9-3 top question.

michael95688 — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 00:46:44 GMT

Mr Shiftright,

Thank you for the insiteful answer to the question you answered for another user about his Saab 9-3 top. It was by far the most informative I was able to find after hours of looking. I am hoping you might have some helpful hints to help me find the answer to my 2000 Saab 9-3 top issue.

I understood your description of the system and how it operates. My problem is that my top simply failed to retract one day. No symptoms, no hints at a malfunction. (it has been raining here but my car does not leak but it is humid) I thought it might be a fuse or the switch but I find no online reference to a fuse and the switch is not a likely cause at 68,000 miles, additionally while the top does not retract it does close the gap to latch the top when the latch has been released and the windows retract to allow the top to close.

After reading your description of the system of the relays I suspect it may be one of them, but which one? It doesn't sound like the main relay, in that it will operate to close the gap, but what about the other two?

It sounds from your description that they may be the same and one lowers and the other raises the top. Can the relays be switched to lower or raise the top if one were to fail? If this were so it would allow me to test my theory without spending what I am sure will be alot on a relay I may not need.

Any wisdom you are able to provide would be greatly appreciated.

Michael Strunk
Vacaville CA

Should I keep my 2007 Saab 9-3 or sell/trade it? Worried about Chapter 11 on Saab, GM unloading it and parts/service?

chasmo54 — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:53:43 GMT

Parts/service issues if Saab goes under.

1996 Saab 900s convertible has no low beam.

raggamuffin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:11:56 GMT

Just bought my first Saab and the honeymoon begins, beautiful black convertible with 140K seems to have been very well maintained and runs great. I found a couple things I need to address and advice as to what I need to look out for as I get broken in. !st I have no low beam headlights but high beams work? Don’t think it’s a fuse, is it as simple as both bulbs need to be replaced, no warning indicators, how would I test before replacing bulbs? 2nd need to replace the climate control selection knob is cracked and no longer can turn the control. 3rd need to replace front struts, very shaky over bumps, is this something I can do myself? And any recommendations on do it yourself manuals and instructions.

What is the most likely solution to my 2001 Saab 9-3 ignition problem?

jjsteich — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 18:26:49 GMT

I just bought a 2001 9-3 SE with 129K miles. The Carfax was clean. The car is clean and I test drove it. I looked at the maintenance records and the dealer's 150 pt. inspection results. I did not take it to an independent mechanic. Second day of ownership, I took it for a 15 minute/10 mile drive to the store. When I came out, I turned the key in the ignition: all the electricals came on and the car went through its self checks ok, but no ignition. No turn over at all, just silence. No chattering like low battery (the battery is new, but stranger things have happened), no nothing. The car is an automatic, and I remember old-mechanics tales of pushing an automatic a few feet one way or another to get over a "flat spot" in the starter. Nothing. Sitting--and getting P.O.d--for five or so minutes, and Bingo! it started.

Same thing happened the next day. I read the manual from front to back & back to front. The only logical problem from the manual might be a key recognition problem, so I followed those instructions (press one of the lock/unlock buttons on the key while in the ON position) but that didn't seem to do anything, yet waiting 5 minutes did.

I wasn't in the store the same amount of time both times, so I don't think it's related to an engine sensor overheating. It seems to be that if it's driven a short time, it may or may not start up and if it doesn't, then waiting 5 or so minutes will start it.

Is this a common tale for a Saab? I've never had a car with one of these sophisticated key transponder set-ups, so I'm puzzled as to where to look for the answer before taking it back to the dealer or to another mechanic.

Should I be afraid of buying a 2006 or 20077 Saab 9-3 knowing they may not exist soon?

miked7 — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 21:05:32 GMT

Will it be possible to get parts for a 2006 or 2007 Saab 9/3 if the company goes belly up?

00 Saab 9-3 has a chatter. I had a diagnostic test run and they said it was fine, it was carbon buildup. Fix?

heathamoe — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 22:30:02 GMT

Car runs fine just that annoying chatter. How can I fix this cheap? Also my heater blows cold air...

'90 Saab 900 T-Convertible, 95k. Rides low/harsh. Upgrading shocks. Need help" Koni-Reds, Bilstein HD, KYB GasAdj, other?

x_racer — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 07:30:24 GMT

Recently bought for crusing not racing. Well maintained, Nice condition, mostly Original. Tight suspension, except for shocks. Need better Shocks for our rough NYC potholes which also caused exhaust damage.(new one due soon). Please describe ride of each make: pros/cons & rate accordingly. . . 10-Q Much.

2004 Saab 9-3 Aero fuel sensor problem. How much did it cost the shop to fix?

aero84 — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:40:53 GMT

Peter, what happened with your fuel sensor problem, and how much did it cost the shop to fix?

I am having a similar problem with my 2004 Saab 9-3 Aero (50,000 miles)

My 1999 9-5 Saab is very noisy when idling.

jwagner354 — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:08:44 GMT

It has 120k miles and is very noisy when idling. Should I be concerned? Is there a way to keep the engine from vibrating so much?
Thanks for your time,
JOE

Question about Saab 9-5 engine stalling/dying.

crussell96 — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:37:53 GMT

I found a post where you said your engine would stall and die at stop signs (http://answers.edmunds.com/question-I-ow...). You mentioned that you fixed the problem by replacing a small vacuum pump near the air filter. Could you be a bit more specific - maybe a pic? Do you have the part number/name that you replaced and cost?

I've been hunting down a similar problem for weeks now and I'm near my wits end but not too keen on changing random parts - I'm still pretty certain its a vacuum related issue though. Would appreciate any help you can offer. Thanks!