93 Auto Warning Message

[OptimusPrime]

Afternoon,  First post here on the new site.  I'd posted on the previous site about an error message that came up.  It said 'Gearbox Malfunctions Limited Performance Contact Service'.

My car is an 03 , 93SS, 2.0t Vector auto with less than 59,000 miles.

While driving to work the above message appeared and the car 'jolted' when the selector was moved between the 'D' and 'R' settings.

I got back to my local garage who checked and came bcak with the following - 'Gearbox fault code P0715 input / turbine speed sensor a circuit x 2.  They cleared the code and said although it was a bit 'lumpy' it was OK.  My partner collected it but by the time she had reached the end of the road the error message was displayed again.

I called my local Saab garage and they were dismissive of the local garages work (they had admitted due to the type of fault a more indeapth examination woulf be needed, either at Saab or a local gearbox specialist).  At best it was going to be a softwear update, at worst it was going to be a new gearbox, I was worried.

One week later, the car could not be taken in for that time, the answer was a faulty input sensor.  I'd searched the previous site but had not come across anyone with this issue.  My post is to, hopefully, provide answers and a little less stress to anyone who has this issue in the future.

I have one remaining question though.  I still, on occasions, get a 'jo;t' when I move between 'D' and 'R'.  This is the first auto of my own, the last one I drove was a 900T some years ago.  Is this 'jolt' normall, or do I need to go back to the garage.  It does not do it all the time, today was the first time since it was fixed 2 weeks ago, or there abouts.  Any answers greatfully received

[chris aka zaphod]

Are you applying the footbrake when going from D to R and R to D?

[Saabman]

Back to basics, have you checked the fluid level?

[chris aka zaphod]

Back to basics, have you checked the fluid level?

I was getting there. 

[OptimusPrime]

Chris, Yes I have my foot on the brake when changing between D and R. 

Saabman - No I have not checked the fluid level myself.  The car went in and the problem was diagnosed as above.  Apparently the 'fluid had nothing to do with the problem as the sensor is outside of the caseing'.  Saab service gents words not mine.  I did ask about the fluid, hence his reply.  I'd already checked to see if it had needed to be done on a previous service, and whether it had been.  It seems to be 75,ooo miles or 8 years.  It has reached the 8yrs before the miles this year.  The main service is due NEXT year, when this would be done.  He assured me it would be fine to wait untill then, although I had planned to get it done THIS year some time - anything up to 8 1/2 years old.  Would this be OK?

[chris aka zaphod]

From my experience with older autoboxes, a jolt can indicate a high idle speed, There is an additive that can be used to make gear changes smoother. If the fluid looks pink and not brown, then outside chance that a hydraulic ram is lazy/partially blocked/small airlock?  From what you say, though, the sensor flag-up ought to be a correct one.

[OptimusPrime]

From my experience with older autoboxes, a jolt can indicate a high idle speed, There is an additive that can be used to make gear changes smoother. If the fluid looks pink and not brown, then outside chance that a hydraulic ram is lazy/partially blocked/small airlock?  From what you say, though, the sensor flag-up ought to be a correct one.

Thanks, What would be a high idle speed and how do I check it.  Is it as simple as looking at the rev counter or does it not have the ability to show the differences that could cause this?  Best wishes, Optimus

[chris aka zaphod]

rev counters in the dash traditionally only give an indication, and should not be assumed to be 100% accurate.

[OptimusPrime]

Thanks.  Would you consider it worth going back to Saab and insisting they check the fluid level?  On the one hand I'm loatheed to spend more mony on checks, however I don't want to destroy my car either.

[chris aka zaphod]

Easier to check the fluid yourself, I'd have thought.

[OptimusPrime]

Easier to check the fluid yourself, I'd have thought.

Thanks again.  On previous cars I've owned its been a pain.  Looks like a trip to my mate, who has all the tools, with my Haynes

[chris aka zaphod]

A pleasure!

The only way of replenishing fluid is through the dipstick - don't be tempted to remove bolts, etc. Saab do offer a specific funnel, if you must. IIRC 0.5 litres between min and max when at normal operating temperature.

HTH

[sgould]

Have you found the auto gearbox dipstick on your 9-3 Sport Saloon?  Not easy!!  We've had our car 7 years now and I still haven't found it!!

[Audax]

From memory the level plug is on the front of the box and most easily found from underneath. The dip stick is held in with a bolt too.