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It's very nice to find such an active community of Saab enthusiasts here!
I guess I just joined the fold. I got a California 2001 9-5 about a month ago with 111,700 miles on the counter. Except for a few minor dents here and there, everything is almost perfect. The SID is not missing any segment! I was interested in Saab because one of my best friend bought a 9-3 brand new back in 2001 and I've been impressed that his 9-3 is running great and had no major problems. That's what convinced me to look for one when I decided to get a new car.
I've been monitoring the board here a few times and read quite a bit. For example, when I got the car initially, a few times, I would get the "Service Theft Alarm" on the SID. After reading a bit, I saw that it was quite common for Saabs of this age. I even followed a few links and found a couple of companies on eBay that will rebuild the siren with new batteries. I did put this off because recently, I haven't got the "Service Theft Alarm". I have probably not seen one in the last 2 or 3 weeks. Just in the first week and maybe 4-5 times and then nothing. I'm keeping an eye on it though.
I got the WIS installed on my computer and I've been browsing a bit to learn more about the car.
New the questions:
1. The antenna toward the end of the roof is falling apart. It has lost some little pieces here and there, it's cracked and doesn't look good. Checking a few places that carry parts for the 9-5, I discovered that there are 2 antennas: one for 9-5 with OnStar and one for 9-5 without OnStar. I have OnStar but I understand that it's no longer working since they switched their service to digital only and I have no intention of ever subscribing to it. So, my question is can I just install the antenna without OnStar support at around $70 instead of the OnStar one at over $200?
2. I have the door lock switch on the console but it doesn't seem to work and this is concerning me a bit. Actually, the doors won't lock unless I lock them manually. Of course, I can lock and unlock them with the remote but after I start the car, I have to manually lock them. Not good. I was surprised that they don't lock by themselves when you reach a certain speed. My Chrysler Imperial 1993 has this feature. Is this something that I could have programmed at a dealership? Could that also take care of the door lock switch on the console?
3. A week ago, I was checking the rear lights and realized that the rear fog light on the right (passenger) side was not lit. I thought the bulb had burned out so I got a couple and proceeded to replace it. Much to my surprise, I realized that the bulb holder didn't have a bulb for the right fog light. When I put a bulb on it and try to put it back, I realized why there were no bulb: there were like 2 stripes of plastic on each side of the hole that were preventing inserting the bulb. After examining closer, I realized they were very thin, so I broke one and then the other. I was then able to insert the bulb and put back the bulb holder. Is the 9-5 designed not to have a right rear fog light and if so, why?
4. I'll have to replace one of the headlight wiper motor. Is this a big job?
5. I have only one key. So, that means I need another one. I have read and understand that the key and the remote will have to be "paired" with the car by the dealer. But, what do I need exactly? I found a remote on SAAB USA Parts but it doesn't come with the actual key. Is the key something the dealer will be able to provide, along with the necessary programming?
I'm aware about the oil build up due to poor design of the oil pan but is there anything else I should know?
Thanks all in advance! i'm going to install my Saabnet.com plate frame this weekend! I apologize for the longish post!
posted by 98.248.40...
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