Topics

16

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Fuel pump question

« on: 03 December 2014, 08:38:41 AM »

Hi All,
Been a while posting but have been reading posts every day.
Several years ago I replaced the fuel pump on her Wagon with a new Walbro unit after it gave out and stranded us too many times. The ongoing issue is that I can't seem to source the 1/4 inch submersible fuel hose that is needed to stop it rotting out over time. Been running fuel injection hose but it doesn't last in the petrol for more than 6 months or so. Not good.
Has anyone done this job and managed to find the correct pipework?

17

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Easy Window Squeak fix

« on: 20 October 2014, 10:13:30 AM »

Had that nasty graunching squeak when operating the front windows recently. Mine got so bad that I just had to pull the door cards off and investigate. The whole inner frame of the door was distorting at the end of the window travel and the outer trim was lifting badly. Certain damage to come for sure.
Lubed up the green wheels rollers in their alloy tracks. Now the motor switches off correctly and the noise is gone. Much nicer place to be now. The force on the door frame is gone entirely.
Zero dollar fix for 20 minutes work.

18

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Seat belt change

« on: 14 October 2014, 10:51:07 AM »

Time to change the driver's seat belt shortly, after 13 years. Worn on the edges and quite unroadworthy now. Any tips?

19

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Need stronger rear springs for towing

« on: 29 September 2014, 10:53:39 AM »

Hi All,

Currently on a camping trip towing a trailer full 'o stuff. Loaded in the rear to the roof too. Passengers are heavier now they have grown up a bit too, so the poor thing is very down in the rear. I'm hoping there is a stiffer rear spring set kicking about that could help for the LinearEstate. Thankfully it isn't as low as an Aero. I have done the rear shockers but all the extra weight is just too much.

20

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Oil cooler leak

« on: 25 September 2014, 02:44:48 AM »

Hi All,

Hunting down a few issues with the Estate still.
Oil weeping all over the front cross member. Not pouring out though, so it isn't all that urgent.
Is it tricky to change the cooler, which I assume is split somewhere? It has been knocked about pretty badly in its lifetime, and looks to be the problem.

Suggestions welcome.

21

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Heater isn't heating

« on: 19 September 2014, 10:31:04 AM »

The old girl is running very well at the moment. Except there is no heat coming through the vents at all. A bit chilly and it seems to want to throw it all at the windscreen as a priority. Changing the temp setting does nothing. The auto-off test yields no codes, although it did take several minutes to do the test. No change after that. Lots of cold outside air, at speed.
Getting under the dash to check for broken blend door arms shortly, and will check the thermostat for the sticking issue, but it isn't running cool at the dash. But that doesn't mean much, does it.
Any other suggestions?

22

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Rear window edge trims

« on: 17 August 2014, 10:43:20 AM »

Hi All,
Need some advice regarding the rear window rubber surround trims that have fallen to bits. How is the window held in? Can the trim just be pulled off?
On mine the rubber itself has broken down badly recently, through UV degradation and exposure, as it lives outside all the time now. Do you even need the trim piece?
Can you buy new? Wouldn't happen on a 5...

23

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / How to lock the car with the dog inside?

« on: 05 August 2014, 09:36:09 AM »

On my 9-5 there is a brilliant option to set the alarm to 'door only' as you leave the car, to lock the dog in so he won't set off the alarm while you duck into the shops. How do you do this on a 9-3 '04 model?

24

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / That little plug thing...

« on: 27 July 2014, 12:58:20 PM »

Might be worth checking the little black plug that exits the hood on the throttle body.
You know the one with the red ring around it when you take the cover off the engine?
Under boost it can leak and wreak havoc with the air supplied to the TB. Glue it up with some gasket sealant and enjoy the boost! This may have been my issue all along! It gets sloppy with age and when the turbo spools it doesn't seal properly. Boost is lost and T7 gets confused sometimes.
'She' is very happy with the pick up and acceleration and smoothness now.
Check it out next weekend!

25

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Front oil seal replaced

« on: 04 July 2014, 12:16:47 PM »

Today, I tackled a few long overdue tasks on the linear wagon. Finally did the alternator, after She got stranded on a wet night in heavy traffic. That didn't end up well. And after many years of putting up with a wet bottom, got around to doing the front oil seals, while it was all in bits. All up, 4 hours well spent. Now have a very solid 14.2V at idle unloaded, and with everything on, and I mean everything on, still had 13.5V across the terminals. Very happy about that, I can tell you. And to get those pesky oil seals done and have a car that now does not Leak! will be truly excellent. Very happy to finally get these done. But of course, now it needs a pair of front tyres and a set of pads.
Next month...

26

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Change that PCV

« on: 25 June 2014, 10:24:00 AM »

Want your engine to run better? Consider changing your PCV. Easily forgotten and ignored. As our cars get older it is worth doing this more frequently. How do you know yours is working properly?

27

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Alternator charging

« on: 18 June 2014, 10:52:29 AM »

Anyone able to tell me what their alternators charge at? Lights on and lights off?

28

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Tyre advice wanted

« on: 09 June 2014, 10:35:53 AM »

After 70,000km new tyres are needed on the Wagon. 215/55/16 tyres on the Linear Estate. The Bridgestones gave me over 70,000km. You get what you pay for with rubber of course, but any advice on other brands is appreciated. Must be quiet for highway work, and long lasting.

29

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Did you know?

« on: 07 June 2014, 10:46:23 AM »

Just replaced the bulbs in the back of the car.
All 21W single post lamps. Interesting thing, though. Both bulbs run at 5 Watts per side when the lights are on. Put the brakes on and the outer lamps then run at 21Watts. Most other cars would run a double filament bulb with two circuits to do this. The 9-3 doesn't. And when one bulb fails the other one cleverly takes up the job of the missing one. Rather clever.

30

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / GT17 lifespan

« on: 02 June 2014, 10:41:46 AM »

How long has everyone got from their GT17s? Years and KM please.
Our Linear is heading to 200,000km and it is starting to play up every now and then. Boost levels ar intermittent sometimes and it is not as 'free' as it once was. Smoking a little under hard acceleration but running well overall.