1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Hey,
I did some digging and found I had a copy of the TSB 04/93-0328 issued by SAAB in April 1993 on the radio problem. Applies to all 900 and 9000 cars.
It reads as follows, with notes by me [in brackets]:
"A complaint of poor reception when the radio is tuned to weak stations may be due to microscopic cracks in the electrically-heated rear window's heating wires. Such microscopic cracks may cause electrical interference when the electrically-heated rear window is switched on, and this may affect radio reception. While listening to a weak station, turn the rear window defogger on and off several times and see if you can detect a difference in background noise. If you can proceed as outlined below.
Parts [needed]:
--Electrically-conducting paint (may be obtained from local vendor, such as Radio Shack)
--Voltmeter
--flexible plastic ruler or equivalent
--razor blade
Action:
1. Connect one of the voltmeter leads to the ground (negative terminal) of the electrically-heated rear window.
2. Switch on the ignition and activate the electrically-heated rear window.
3. Start by taking a reading in the center of each wire. The voltage indicated should be half the battery voltage [i.e., wire should read about 6 volts]. If the reading obtained differs by more than 3 volts from half the battery voltage, there is a crack or other damage in the heating wire tested.
4. Take readings all along the suspect wire. The damage or break in the wire is at the point where the greatest voltage difference occurs. Mark the place on the wire where the damage or break has been found. Test the other wires as described above.
WARNING: Now switch off the ignition and the electrically-heated rear window.
5. Clean the area around the damage or break. Carefully remove a few millimeters of the protective enamel around the damage or break in the heating wire with a small wire brush, similar to thatin the cap of SAAB touch-up paint sticks. This will ensure good adhesion of the electrically-conducting enamel.
6. Apply the electrically-conducting enamel [paint] over the damage or break in the heating wire. Allow it to dry thoroughly.
WARNING: Exercise care when using the razor blade [next step], it is easy to cut yourself or damage the heating wire.
7. Carefully cut away surplus electrically-conducting enamel with the razor blade. Use a flexible ruler or the like to help you make a straight cut and avoid damaging the heating wire.
8. Check the operation of the heating wire after completing the repair."
I hope this helps. The TSB mentions local vendors for this electrically-conducting paint and it's true. I've seen kits for repairing defrosters at chain parts stores like Advance Auto and AutoZone.
--Micah in NC
posted by 204.117.90...
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