Date: Fri, 21 Feb 2003 03:42:34 GMT From: "Jim Moore" <jmoore3nopsamhlink.net> Subject: Re: 9-3 lights problem
"hamish aggis" <ecossenopsamo.net> wrote in message news:b33c8n$fl4$1nopsamg2.svr.pol.co.uk... > 2001 9-3 TiD 36,000miles > > gotta light problem. leave the car outside the office all day, when i get in > at night the lights dim significantly for about the first 5 minutes unless > I'm doing more than 2,200 rpm. seems worse when its cold (3degrees ish or > lower). > > thought it was battery or alternator problem. been into the dealer twice and > they cant find a cause. > > any ideas? > > Ray > > > If increased RPM's make the lights bright, I'd have to say it's an alternator problem. Sounds like the alternator doesn't put out properly when both cold and the RPM"s are low. Possibly a sign of impending alternator failure. It must be putting out some current though, or the charging system warning light would come on. Was the dealer able to reproduce the symptom of the dim lights? I'd recommend attaching a digital multimeter to a cigarette lighter adapter and observe the voltage during these conditions. As a rule of thumb, a properly operating charging system should show 13.8 to 15.4 Volts DC with engine running. Saab specs may be tighter. This is usually checked at approx. 2000 RPM. It's not abnormal to get a slightly lower voltage than the 13.8 at idle speed however, if many electrical accessories are running. Good luck, Jim 1995 900S, 89,000 miles, and just replaced the alternator for the second time last night. Both times for bearing failure. : (
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