Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:00:34 GMT From: "John Bain" <john.bain4nospamorld.com> Subject: Temperature gauge
Hi, I'd appreciate any advice on the following problem which has recently come up on my 1998 9-5 saloon SE eco-urbo 2.3ltr. 91k miles. After only a few minutes driving the temperature gauge steadily rises to just over half-way whereupon the radiator fan kicks in. The temperature gauge then rises or falls slightly (to about three-quarters max, never goes into the red) but never dips below half-way. After parking the fan continues for 5 - 10 minutes before stopping by itself, with the ignition key out or in, makes no difference. This happens daily now on even only a five minute journey. The car has never behaved in this way before (had it for 5 years now) and normally drives with the temperature gauge holding steady at just over one-third of the way up. Even motorway driving does not even take it fully up to half-way. Normally I'd perhaps put it down to the hot weather, only it has been nothing exceptional and the car did not behave in this way during the extremely warm spell in the Spring. Nothing immediately obvious. Oil and coolant levels are ok, no obvious leaks other than the usual dribbles with a car of this age. Hoses ok. Serviced regularly. Driven carefully. No oil foam in the filler cap. Nothing on the garage floor over night. A local garage mechanic today came away scratching his head wanting to do a 'pressure test' for about £40. I can't afford to take it into local Saab dealership on spec in case I get stuffed. Any advice or diagnosis greatly appreciated from anyone who has experienced this before. Thanks.
