Messages

1

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Getting strange misfire error codes (???)

« on: 07 November 2012, 10:08:12 PM »

I thought I'd come back to this and post some update just for reference to other forum members.
Seven months ago I replaced all 4 ignition coils (Mitsubishi part # H6T60271, Saab part # 12787707).
Since then no error codes or misfires!
Probably that was causing the problem.

2

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: map sensor

« on: 06 May 2012, 04:56:14 PM »

As far as I know the MAP sensor (integrated together with a temp sensor) is fitted onto the outlet hose of the intercooler that goes to the throttle body.
MAP PartNo : 12788793

3

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Secondary air injection pump

« on: 06 May 2012, 04:45:17 PM »

At 100K Km I had the check valve replaced as a precaution measure to protect the (much more expensive) pump. If the check valve fails then most likely the pump will follow soon.
Pump's PartNo 12791957
Check valve's PartNo 12791285

4

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Re: Obd2 scanner

« on: 06 May 2012, 04:25:06 PM »

I have bought a portable Autel MaxiScan MS509 for €42 off ebay (including shipping).
Nice scanner. It can read approx. 20 parameter values from the ECU.
The nice thing about it is that when an engine error is recorded, it also records associated parameter values (at exactly the same time the error occurred) in order to be able to identify the problem better afterwards.

The scanner connects also to a PC for software updates through internet.

5

Off-topic chat, Help, Advice, General motoring issues / Re: K&N filter

« on: 10 March 2012, 04:34:38 PM »

The air filter won't add anything to performance or increasing horsepower by itself.
I have installed a Maptun Performance Air Filter which is similar (or identical) to K&N. No noticeable difference.
I can't just tell if it's worth buying it after all.

6

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Improving gear shifts in a F40 6-spd manual gearbox

« on: 25 February 2012, 08:12:02 AM »

Some more information.

Info on MTF0063:



Info on Redline MTL: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=45&pcid=7



Info on Motorkote: https://www.motorkote.com/Products.aspx?b=10&d=18&k=10&c=52

7

Classic Saab 9-3 & GM900 (MY 1994-2002/03CV) / Re: 6 speed gearbox

« on: 25 February 2012, 07:52:42 AM »

WIS states 2.4 lt when completely empty (after dismantling), or 2.2.lt when refilled.
Saab advises the use of MTF0063 fully synthetic oil (which is a Castrol 75W85).

However, I am using fully synthetic oil Redline MTL and the gear shifting  has greatly improved (especially when cold). I have also added some small quantity of Motorkote (an oil lubricant additive). No difficulty in shifting any more.

Check also this thread for more info: http://www.saabtechtalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1057.msg8660#msg8660

8

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Changing the Key Battery and Synchronising the key

« on: 27 January 2012, 07:18:01 AM »

The immobilizer unit (transponder) inside the remote does not need the battery to function. The battery is necessary only for the operation of the 4 buttons (lock/unlock, lid, panic).

9

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Improving gear shifts in a F40 6-spd manual gearbox

« on: 03 January 2012, 11:34:47 PM »

Dear Trenchfoot, thank you for your suggestion. I will check that!

For those worried about using Redline MTL in their F40 gearboxes, I got the following answer from Redline. I don't know how convincing this answer might be but if anyone have a justified objection to that, I would be very eager to hear it. I had to ask Redline because on the MTL 70W80 webpage the following note is written: "MTL, MT-85 & MT-90 are not for use in differentials with hypoid gears"

--------------------------------------------------------------
From: David Granquist <dave@redlineoil.com>
To: chris_de_ze
Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 12:24 AM
Subject: Re: Red Line Oil Web Site Contact Form

Chris,
Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, the MTL is recommended and suitable for use in the Saab manual transaxle. The note on the MTL label refers to applications which contain a high offset hypoid ring and pinion where an EP GL-5 type gear oil is necessary, the Saab transaxle does not contain a high offset hypoid final drive ring and pinion, so does not require an EP gear oil, a GL-4 being well suited and safe for use.
Regards, Dave
Red Line Oil

--------------------------------------------------------------

10

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Improving gear shifts in a F40 6-spd manual gearbox

« on: 03 January 2012, 08:21:45 PM »

Trying to correct the known issues and improve usability of the F40 6-speed manual gearbox (made by GM Powertrain Europe) in my car (MY2003 9-3ss 2.0T) I did the following:

1) Adjusted the gearshift cables (http://www.genuinesaab.com/psi/files3/F40CableAdjust.pdf)
2) Drained out the Saab gear oil (MTF0063 = Castrol synthetic 75w85 GL-4) and put in 2.25 litres of Redline MTL (70W80 GL-4) plus 0.25 litres of Motorkote lubricant additive.

The latest version of Saab WIS recommends 2.4 lt of gear oil when completely empty (after dismantling) or 2.2.lt when refilled, for the 6-speed manual gearbox (instead of 3.0 litres recommended by previous versions of WIS).

I can honestly say that shifting has greatly improved. 

Redline MTL is a much thinner oil than MTF0063 and with the addition of the Motorkote lubricant additive, gear changes are now smoother even when the car is cold (they were much tight before) and feel better once warmed up.

PS: Few months ago in my quest to find a solution I contacted Getrag and their chief engineer advised me to change the oil with something better. He didn't name any brand though. I hope the Redline MTL will do the job. 

11

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Getting strange misfire error codes (???)

« on: 30 November 2011, 10:43:11 PM »

The SAI system works fine and only for the first 20-30 secs from a cold start. After then it's put out of operation.
Few months ago I had the SAI valve replaced (at 60K miles). Not because it was faulty but as a precaution measure to avoid subsequent SAI pump failure in case the valve fails.

12

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Re: power upgrade,but which one.

« on: 30 November 2011, 10:37:34 PM »

STEINBAUER  provides upgrades only for diesel 9-3's.

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Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Re: power upgrade,but which one.

« on: 27 November 2011, 06:36:16 AM »

Over the years I have compiled the following list of companies that provide upgrades for Saab's. It's up to you to decide which one to choose from. There might be some others as well which I am not aware of.

Abbott Racing UK http://www.abbottracing.net
BSR Sweden http://en.bsr.se
Hirsch Performance Switzerland http://www.hirsch-performance.ch
Maptun Sweden http://www.maptun.com
MP Performance http://www.mpperformance.com
Neo Brothers (Maptun's official tuner in the UK) http://www.neobrothers.co.uk/
Nordic Tuning Sweden http://www.nordictuning.com
RICA Engineering http://www.rica.nl
Speedparts Sweden http://shop.speedparts.se/en
Superchips http://www.superchips.co.uk
TrollSpeed Sweden http://www.trollspeed.se
VTuner USA http://www.vtunersaabs.com/
JZW Tuning USA http://www.jzwtuning.com/
HP Tuners http://www.hptuners.com/
Celtic Tuning http://www.celtictuning.co.uk
Motorsport Developments http://www.evolutionchips.co.uk
Elite Remaps http://www.eliteremaps.co.uk
South West In Car Tech http://www.southwestincartech.co.uk
Advanced Tuning http://www.advancedtuning.co.uk/saab.html
Jak Stoll Performance http://jakstollperformance.com/
Noobtune Trionic 7 tuning only (Karl's work over on http://www.uksaabs.co.uk)

14

Saab 9-3 Sport Saloon / Convertible / Combi (Wagon/Estate) / Turbo X / AWD (2003 on) / Re: Getting strange misfire error codes (???)

« on: 27 November 2011, 06:29:56 AM »

No, the problem started with the old pugs in.
When the problem reappeared for the 2nd time then I changed the plugs with new ones.
But the problem came back again after a month or so.

The major difficulty here is that the problem is not permanently apparent. It comes once in a while every 1-2 months, it lasts for 5-10 min and then disappears by itself after 5-10 min of engine operation. This is why it's very difficult to diagnose the cause. However, the conditions under when it happens are always the same: engine cold and when first started. Otherwise the engine performs great.

15

Classic Saab 9-5 (MY 1998-2010) / Re: Tire pressures

« on: 27 November 2011, 06:23:20 AM »

I run mine at 35 as well (as the owner's manual suggests). If I raise it to 41-42 then the suspension feels very stiff and some of the comfort is gone away. However, in very twisty mountain roads I prefer the 41-42 since the car handles better and body roll is minimal (so I am not getting easily dizzy  ).