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I finally ordered a replacement fog light for my Viggen from eEuroparts.com (a SaabNet sponsor) and decided to try the installation myself rather than paying the dealer about $275 to do the job. The light was $129 from eEuroparts.com with free shipping and arrived in perfect condition in a Saab Original Parts box.
First, put the car up on ramps an make sure it's safely secured before climbing underneath.
Second, put tape over the broken lens so that glass shards don't fall on you as you're removing the broken light.
Third, remove the bottom two 10mm bolts with a box-end wrench. They're really easy to see and to reach.
Fourth, loosen the top nut to free the light from the slotted receiver. The nut doesn't have to be completely removed. It's pretty easy to see this nut but almost impossible to reach without the right tools. I found this combination to be perfect--a ratchet wrench with about a 6" extension, a universal joint, and a 10mm socket. Hold a flashlight in one hand and the ratchet in the other hand and you should have no problems.
Fifth, remove the light from the housing and disconnect the two wire leads. One of the wires removes very simply but the other will require a small screwdriver to release a locking clasp.
Now just reverse the procedure to put in the new light.
Total time involved... about 30 minutes.
Total money saved... about $150.
I don't mind paying the dealership for their work when I require it, but $275 for a fog light is absolutely ridiculous. Do it yourself and save your money.
pmr
'99 9-3 Viggen
posted by 66.72.177...
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