Messages

1

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / A bit of bling...

« on: 02 December 2024, 10:47:45 PM »

I have bought a replacement door lock for the Carlsson from RTJ in Stockport last week an saw they had some puddle lights.  Quite a good price, so I got them and fitted them.  I didn't tell my wife and let her find out.  Fortunately, she thinks they are great fun, so it was clearly a good buy.

2

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Power steering fluid leak

« on: 01 December 2024, 11:03:03 PM »

Check the fluid level again.  There are (I think) two marks on the level "dipstick" under the cap.  If you to the "hot" level when cold, it may just be overflowing.   If the seal between the pump and the cylinder head has failed, the level of the fluid will increase as engine oil gets forced into the power steering fluid.  That seal failing is fairly common.

3

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Re: Another MOT passed!

« on: 27 November 2024, 10:00:03 PM »

Indeed not!

I've got until next year to treat it.   When I did the rest of the car I concentrated on the body and left the replaceable moving parts until last.  I ran out of fluid before I got to do those and didn't want to buy another can of spray for such a small bit.  But I bought another lot for the CArlsson and there a enough left to complete it all.

4

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Carlsson coolant level issue.

« on: 26 November 2024, 10:47:19 PM »

Finally got around to checking the parts list.  The V6 coolant tank has different part numbers for 2006-7  and 2008-11.  The earlier part number has not been superseded.

5

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Re: Another MOT passed!

« on: 26 November 2024, 09:55:24 PM »

Joe uses an independent MOT station. There were a couple of advisories.  "Corrosion on front left (and right) lower front arms".  But it's surface rust and the arms are substantial.

6

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Carlsson coolant level issue.

« on: 26 November 2024, 07:22:12 PM »

I think that I'm on my fourth set of pipes! I must look at the NG 9-5 ones.  But they are so vulnerable that I carry a spare set.

I heard that the tank fails, but I've also heard that they modified it for later cars, but, of course, no confirmation of that.  When it's a bit warmer, I'll take the tank off and have a closer look.

7

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Another MOT passed!

« on: 26 November 2024, 04:05:35 PM »

One more MOT.  Car is 18 years old this week.

I had a service carried out at the same time and Joe picked up that the aux belt was on its last legs, so that was replaced.

8

Announcements & Events / Ace Cafe Meeting Sat 11th January 2025

« on: 25 November 2024, 09:30:04 PM »

Next Saab Ace Cafe Meeting.  11am onwards Saturday 11th January 2025.

Ace Cafe is on the North Circular Road, London.  NW10 7UD

9

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Carlsson coolant level issue.

« on: 25 November 2024, 01:29:57 PM »

I've had a look again this morning after a cold night.  The level is right on the mark. I'm out for the rest of the day, and most of tomorrow, so I'll investigate the connector later in the week.  But no real panic at the moment.

10

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Carlsson coolant level issue.

« on: 24 November 2024, 10:46:00 PM »

I have no idea.  I've looked at the parts list and I can't find the sensor as a separate part.  The connector is underneath and the coolant tank is black plastic.  You can't see anything. It's described as being the same as the other Saab model level switches, a reed switch operated by a magnet in a float.  When the float drops the magnet trips the switch.

Arrow points to the coolant level sensor.  The whole sensor is up inside the tank.  I don't think there's a way of separating it.   The reed switch is the same as the one on our steam iron.  The float cracked and the magnet corroded and swelled up, jamming the float.

All I can check easily is the connector for corrosion.

I think that I will keep topping up as necessary until it's drier and warmer weather.

11

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Carlsson coolant level issue.

« on: 24 November 2024, 05:48:35 PM »

On the way back from Devon to London last weekend we got a low coolant level warning.  When we stopped at the services, there was a small leak from the hose to the coolant tank.  Although the clip was tight, I tightened it further, cleaned the area and it doesn't seem to have leaked there again.

Today, OH reported that the low coolant level warning was showing again. I have fluorescent dye in the coolant, so I went down tonight and explored with my UV torch, and I couldn't see a leak.  I went to top up the tank with more coolant, and it didn't need any...

I now suspect that the level sensor is failing.  Has anyone had an issue with the sensor?  It doesn't look as if it's replaceable.

12

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: White smoke and rough idle for 10 seconds - only between 10 degrees C and 28 C

« on: 20 November 2024, 04:46:05 PM »

You can still contact Hirsch to check which upgrade they supplied. 

https://saab.hirsch-performance.ch/gb/kontakt/

13

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / For the record - Carlsson at 100,000 miles

« on: 19 November 2024, 11:22:53 PM »

On the way home from Devon on Sunday.

14

Announcements & Events / Re: Stolen 93

« on: 12 November 2024, 06:08:25 PM »

Welsh borders.  Shrewsbury is the nearest big town.

Update:  It was taken from an industrial unit in Whitchurch.  It was already on a trailer and was seen been towed away  by a silver BMW X5.  Trailer was also stolen. It's considered that the trailer was the actual target.  So there's a risk the car could be crushed.  A newer Range Rover was stolen at the same time.

15

Announcements & Events / Stolen 93

« on: 12 November 2024, 04:34:17 PM »

Jon, the chairman of the Saab Enthusiasts Club, has had his restored car stolen.  Keep an eye out.