Date: Mon, 24 Jun 2002 19:09:16 -0400 From: "Kenneth S." <nimrodnopsams.com> Subject: Re: Is My '98 SE Turbo a LEMON?
Bob wrote: > > On Thu, 20 Jun 2002 22:36:13 -0400, "Kenneth S." <nimrodnopsams.com> > wrote: > > >NG wrote: > >> > >> All, > >> > >> My 1998 900 SE Turbo's Check Engine light comes on literally every 4 > >> weeks. The car is in the shop again now. This month one of the oxygen > >> sensors needs replaced and some connectors in the harness needs > >> cleaned-up. They're also getting a "fuel trim code" which seems to be > >> a continuing code that appears. > > Replace the gas cap. It causes most of the check engine light > problems. > > >> Last month the Check Engine light came on and they said I had a vacuum > >> hose leak and they replaced the hose. > > Maybe... but it's back. So try the cap. > > >> The month before that the check engine light came on and they were > >> getting a "Fuel Trim Code." > > Ah huh... and why didn't they fix that ? > > >> The month before that the check engine light came on and they said my > >> shift sensor was shot and that had to be replaced (I have an > >> automatic). > > I'm no guru, but I think you've been jerked. The check engine light > is monitoring emissions system components. I don't think it will > light for a shift sensor issue. I could be wrong if Saab lights the > light _anytime_ a code is thrown to the computer. Maybe someone > else can comment, but that's my understanding. > > > Oh and the "fuel trim code" came up but they didn't > >> know what was causing it so they added an $18 bottle of fuel additive. > > Uh huh... they seem to have a problem doing their job. > > >> BTW, I've already had to replace the serpentine belt, > > *All* cars should have the serp belt replaced every 40K. > > >brake pads & shoes, > > Unusual I admit, unless you drive in the city. > > >two front tires all before 43,000 mi. > > That's not bad wear for a set of tires. Few tires with any handling > capability last more that 35-40K. > > >> Any opinions on what I'm experiencing? Do you think I have a lemon? > > No. The only problem you mentioned that I think is unusual is the > brakes. The SID is an issue, but it's a known issue with the SIDs > of this era (consider that lemon like if you like). The tires and > belt are a wear item in *all* cars. > > I think your dealer is unqualified. They are not fixing the CE light > problem, they are finding something to fix and resetting the light. > Replace the gas cap, and if that does not do it after a few weeks, > find a new dealer or better yet, an independent who specializes in > Saabs. > > Bob In the initial stages of my check-engine light problem, the dealer told me that it might be that I had not tightened up the gas cap. This turned out to be a complete red herring. After a while, I took the car to an emissions-testing station and had them check the gas cap, in hopes that it might be something as simple as replacing the cap. There was nothing wrong with the cap. I then suggested to the dealer that they check the oxygen sensor, because on every previous car I have owned the check engine light was a signal that the oxygen sensor needed to be replaced. This was done (although I think the dealer knew that wasn't the problem, because they kept my oxygen sensor, and lent me a replacement). It wasn't the oxygen sensor, because after a few miles the check engine light came on again. It was at this point that the dealer fixed something in the wiring harness, and that (so far -- fingers crossed) has taken care of the problem.
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