Topics

31

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Intermittent vibration.....

« on: 18 May 2015, 04:29:31 PM »

This has happened a couple of times now and I would appreciate any ideas as to what may be causing it.

160k mile 2.2 TiD linear estate, as far as I know still on original shocks and springs as I have not replaced them in the 80k miles we have owned the car.  Replaced the rear suspension rose joint bushes a couple of years ago though.

The vibration is not speed related, and is when driving in a straight line.  The vibration is noticeable through the gear lever and steering wheel and there is a noise not dissimilar to a helicopter hovering overhead.  No clutch slip of difficulty in changing gear either.

'Google' points toward the inner drive shaft joint.... all help appreciated as it is a 100+ mile round trip to the nearest Saab Service Agent.

32

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / WHICH CODE READER?

« on: 11 December 2014, 07:41:50 AM »

As my nearest Saab Service Dealer is a 100 mile round trip I am considering buying a code reader and the software to run on a spare laptop.

The ability to change settings would be very useful too.   I am confused regarding the difference between OBD & OBD2 and what my 2003MY 2.2 TiD uses.

So which is the best buy in code readers and software?

33

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / AIR INLET PIPE

« on: 01 November 2014, 06:04:54 PM »

The two screws that hold the air filter housing to the subframe have been broken off ever since I have had the car so having got new ones and no rain forecast until later this afternoon I thought I would tackle the job that I have been putting off for ages. On lying on the ground to have a look underneath I saw that the large jubilee clip that should hold the air inlet pipe to the air filter housing was missing and someone had bodged it up using a cable tie round the inlet pipe and what I think is an air conditioning pipe.  Does anybody know what size this hose clip is so I can buy one locally as it's a 100+ mile round trip to a dealer for me.

Also I note that the air filter housing cover has a diaphragm which is listed a spare part. Anyone ever replace it and would it be of any benefit?

34

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / BUZZING/WHISTLING SOUND

« on: 06 October 2014, 06:10:57 PM »

2.2 TiD manual estate - had for a few days now what I thought was a whistling sound.  This evening start car up after SWMBO has been using it all day, EML stays on, go on an 8 mile journey, when I get back home lift bonnet and the sound is more like a buzzing sound which stopped after about 30 seconds.

Any ideas and would it be connected to the EML coming on?

35

Cleaning and Detailing / NON GENUINE WHEEL CENTRE CAPS

« on: 22 August 2014, 09:58:41 AM »

Wasn't sure where to post this topic but as it is about keeping my Saab pristine here goes!

Has anyone ever purchased the non - genuine wheel centre caps that are sold on ebay for less than half the price of genuine ones. They look very good in the photographs in the listing but being of a suspicious mind they could be photos of the genuine article!

36

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / ROOF RAIL CORROSION

« on: 15 August 2014, 02:11:37 PM »

I don't know why but there a little bit of corrosion on the front of drivers side roof rail on my estate, which appears to be getting worse.   Perhaps it's contagious and has spread from the door mirror housings!

Has anyone found a good paint match for touching up the roof rails?

37

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / MYSTERY MOT ADVISORY ITEMS

« on: 21 June 2014, 07:58:11 AM »

Had the car MOT'd yesterday and am mystified by some of the advisory items!  I have been meaning to do the headlamps for ages now so at least I have a years grace!

It's the following items that are a mystery to me:

Advisory 003 - Nearside rear direction indicators affected by operation of another lamp.
When I got home I had SWMBO sit the drivers seat and try all the other lights in combination with the nearside direction indicator - all worked perfectly - both sides flash at the same rate using the hazard lights and no warning message on the SID regarding light bulb failure.

The interesting advisories are 006 - Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components and 007 - Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay.

Why are these advisories made - should the under-tray and engine cover be removed before taking the car in for MOT or is the tester not familiar with modern cars?

Has anyone else had these unusual comments on a recent MOT certificate?

38

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / MYSTERY OBJECT

« on: 13 May 2014, 02:44:56 PM »

Found this piece of white tube - approx 3 and a half inches long when swapping the winter rubber mats for the summer carpet mats.  Now it could be something that fell out when I had the pollen filter last changed or can I blame the grandchildren?

39

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / PARKING TICKET CLIP

« on: 03 May 2014, 12:39:18 PM »

Has anyone ever managed to source a new parking ticket clip? Having just broken mine I put out a request to all participating dealers on Car Parts Connexions' and the one reply I have had so far said that the current part number is for US cars only - which it isn't according to my copy of the EPC.

40

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / IDENTIFICATION LABEL ON N/S FRONT WING

« on: 17 April 2014, 04:43:27 PM »

Have finally managed to get a good second hand near side front wing to replace the badly dented one but need some advice on the label stuck on the wing that has the chassis number on it.  The one on the wing I have just bought has been partly scraped off and which I will remove completely before it is fitted and resprayed.  I am assuming that this label was designed to self destruct if am attempt was made to remove it to stop cars being "cut & shut".

The modification plate appears to be stuck on but hopefully should come off with heat and some dental floss.

Any advice appreciated.

41

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / High level brake light

« on: 18 March 2014, 10:36:40 PM »

When SWMBO was backing in last night I noticed that two of the LED bulbs in the high level brake light (2003MY estate) were not working. I see from the EPC that they come complete as a diode unit.  I have tried Car Parts Connexions and that well known internet auction site without success.

Has anyone successfully replaced the LED bulbs and if so what rating are they?

42

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Headlamp mountings

« on: 02 October 2013, 11:09:44 AM »

Has anyone successfully repaired the top headlamp mountings or is it a case of trying to find a pair that haven't been b******d by a heavy handed greasy spanner?

43

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Auxillary belt tensioner - 2.2 TiD

« on: 01 August 2013, 12:37:55 PM »

At the next service (the 144k mile one) the auxillary belt needs changing and my garage man recommends a new belt tensioner. The cost of a genuine Saab one is around the £87 mark, GSF is around the £55 mark but on that well know internet auction site they are been sold at around £27-29. Now I know that most components are bought in and I'm sure that Saab never made their own as the part number is a GM number - 9180809.

Has anyone come across any pitfalls or problems with using non GM parts? 

44

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / AIR CONDITIONING AGAIN.....

« on: 09 July 2013, 07:44:23 PM »

The air con blows warm air even on 'LO' setting but turn it on first thing in the morning and it blows cool air. Did the calibration check and '0' on left hand side and nothing on the right. Haven't noticed the water draining out underneath recently, so - re-gas required?

45

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / RETRO-FITTING FLOOR LIGHTS

« on: 06 April 2013, 04:44:28 PM »

Has anyone ever attempted to retro-fit floor lamps to their 9-5?  I assume that the connections must be on the wiring loom as I have successfully retro fitted cruise control and the brake and clutch switches were already in place so I am assuming the the wiring loom was the same for all trim levels. I can see no sign of them but at my age working upside down is not very easy!