Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2004 05:34:01 GMT From: Steve Crowe <scrowenospamink.net> Subject: Re: Convertible top stopped working 9-3, fluid level?
On Mon, 08 Mar 2004 21:55:58 GMT, ckoerpernospamespam.tricitypm.com wrote: >I have a '99 9-3se and several years ago, while under warranty of >course, the top stopped and the dealer attributed it to low hydraulic >fluid in the to mechanism. Does anyone have any idea how to check >this and what type of fluid should be used to refill it? We are now >out of warranty and I hate the idea of taking it to the dealer if this >is relatively simple thing to do. > >Any advice would be greatly appreciated. > >Thanks Checking it is not bad, filling it is a PIA. To check, remove the trunk floor. There are 4 retainers that hold the floor to the front of the trunk. I use a door panel tool to remove them. Once this is done, you will find 2 holes on the drivers side. The lower hole is for a flashlight, the upper hole is to see the pump reservoir. There are two lines on the reservoir. The fluid level should be between the two lines. If it is low, you have a leak. Most common problem is one of the 5 hydraulic cylinders is leaking. After repairing the leak you will need to fill the system. USE ONLY PROPER SAAB OIL. The oil is not cheap, about $32.00 a bottle. There are now 3 types used on different systems. IF YOU USE THE WRONG OIL, YOU MAY RUIN A $3,000.00 PUMP ASSEMBLY AND $1,900.00 WORTH OF CYLINDERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! To fill, lower the rear seat back and remove the plastic trim piece that forms the sides and lower section of the trunk pass-thru. Make sure you get 4 new plastic rivets for the lower part of the plastic. You will break them taking them out. Remove the 8 bolts holding the pump assembly, then lift in the front and tilt back. Now remove the tabs of the plate from the car body and rotate the assembly so that the fill plug is on top. Fill to the top line and reassemble. Make sure the hydraulic lines and wiring stay in the retainers and don't get pinched. You will really enjoy this piece of Swedish engineering. Good Luck, Steve Crowe, Saab Master Tech, who represents himself and no one else, Harpers Ferry, WV