9-5 3.0 TiD Hiccups

[pw10]

52 reg 9-5 3.0 TiD runs fine on light throttle, ticks over fine but has started to hold back or hiccup when the throttle is opened, any ideas?

Not showing any warning lights. It has done this before and with a couple of fuel filter changes and lots of Redex it cleared up but seems strange to have come back again as it has had regular servicing and plenty Redex through fuel system.

Any ideas welcomed.

[sgould]

Welcome to STT !

The 3.0 diesel did suffer from some very specific faults.  The worst one was the dropped cylinder liner that would cause the engine to fail beyond repair.  I heard that it was an over heating problem and that Saab did a modification which was to shorten the dipstick so that the oil level was higher and the cooling oil spray was kept intact.  The modification plate should have some "8's" on it in various places unless the mod was done on the production line.

There was also an ECU software mod to reduce smoking on full throttle.

I've not owned this car, so I can't be specific, but there is an issue sometimes with the wiring around the high pressure diesel pump and the exhaust gas recirculation valve (EGR) can clog up.  There was something else in that area.  I'll see if I can find another reference.

[sgould]

Found this thread over on a forum I used to moderate.  It's easier to link rather than pick out the bits.

Link Here

So, I would look at the crankshaft sensor.  These were always a likely candidate on the petrol cars for ignition issues.

[Audax]

I'd get it hooked up to diagnostics by someone who knows the 3.0 diesel, it sounds more likely to be a fuel pressure problem possibly caused by the solenoids in the diesel pump. That would be an £700-£800 fix at a specialist hence why you need it diagnosed properly! If it is a fuel pressure problem it will log a code but won't put the check engine light on.

[pw10]

Don't suppose anyone could point me in the right direction to find the crankshaft sensor as I don't have any manual for the car.

[cattytown]

I have had most of the problems that afflict the 3.0s!

I'll run thrugh a few symptoms - gentle throttle OK, but try a little and it really drops of, but sometimes if you persevere it does a scalded cat? Intermittent - sometimes just fine?

If so you are probably looking at solenoids. You probably want not just a saab specialist, but one familiar with the 3.0 TiD - whereabouts are you?

Paul

[Sam the Saab]

My 3.0 TiD has had similar symptoms; initially the problem was found at the bulkhead connector where poor connections were responsible. Then about two years later the same symptoms appeared again and this time it was the solenoid valves which were at fault (identified by a Tech 11 monitoring the fuel rail pressure). It's worth checking the connections before going down the road of replacing the solenoid valves.

I don't know your location, but there's a Saab indy in Bristol who's very good (I can't remember if under the terms and conditions of registering we're allowed to endorse!! )

Sam

[Audax]

Actually, one thing that has appeared to be fuel pump solenoids in the past and wasn't was the fuel filter. Someone had put some dodgy fuel in their car and a new fuel filter (and brimming the tank with expensive fuel) fixed it.

[Sam the Saab]

That reminded me that a chum of mine had similar symptoms and cured them by blowing the fuel line through; this resulted in clearing quite a bit of black specs from the line. Unfortunately, unless you have the equipment it's an awkward DIY job

[pw10]

I am close to Stanley in County Durham if anyone knows of a good indy nearby I would appreaciate a point in the right direction.

[sgould]

This any good?

[pw10]

All sorted, had a trip to APL Saab Indy boys betweeen Preston and Blackpool, as you all suspected it was the fuel pump solenoids which were replaced with change from £800. Car runs like a dream again and I cannot praise these guys highly enough. Very clued up guys (one ex master technician and one ex aftersales manager0 did repair in a day and a half (very clued up on 3.0 Diesel!), free courtesy car - nothing was to much trouble.
well worth the travel - these guys are just pure SAAB through and through - would have no hesitation in using them again

[Audax]

Glad to hear you got it sorted  sorry to hear it was the solenoids and not a fuel filter 

[cattytown]

I liked APL when I had mine - as you say they actually know the 3.0 TiD. I just wished they were closer!

[Welllkings]

PW10, I also am trying to fined the  "Crankshaft Sensor",    have not been able to find a tech manual anywhere in town.....parts place this AM says good luck, tech manual for SAAB is like looking for "needle in haystack".   From all the information I have assembled often the CEL along with rough idling comes from the Crankshaft Sensor and it frequently needs cleaning....Where is it?  Where does wiring go to and from that it connects to?  If you come up with any info, please post...THANKS