Date: 14 Aug 2006 17:01:58 -0700 From: "Juggler" <juggler311nospamo.com> Subject: My New Saab
Hi everyone. I'd like to introduce myself, as I've been lurking and researching for the last couple weeks here regarding the NG900 I just bought! It's a 98 2.0 turbo with 137k on the odometer. Seems like it's been maintained very well. I bought it from the second owner whom only put about 15k on it over the last 2 years. The local dealership went out of business (or just closed?) a few years ago, which is going to make parts fun to wait for, as I learned today when my heater hose blew. I ordered the set from saabsite at a substantial discount from the dealer's list price, so that's nice, but I still get to wait a couple days and drive my saab a couple gallons of water in the passenger seat. I'm wondering if this problem is indicative of anything else happening. The hose simply looks split about an inch from the end where it comes out of the head. It happened quite suddenly and I had maybe 3 minutes from the SID Coolant Low warning to overheat. The car has also been developing a problem with stalling at stoplights, or when I pull into the driveway and put her in park. She also idles a little funny at times even when she doesn't stall. The car is a dream on the highway and runs great as long as I'm pushing the gas pedal. The previous owner ran only regular unleaded gas, which I've read can make the car cough and sputter a bit, but does it lead to any buildup anywhere that might cause this? I've ran almost 2 tanks of premium thru it so far, hoping it might burn hotter and blow something thru. It has also been sitting quite a bit. (The oil change sticker says it is just now due for service according to the mileage, but the date on it is December of last year.) Research here leads me to think the turbo bypass valve is blown. Or worse (more expensive, I guess) it might be the AIC. Or the air mass meter, but I see no black smoke. I haven't checked the hooter valve yet, partially because I'm hardly a car expert and I get scared I'm going to break something else, but this looks like an easy job for even somebody like me. The car has been a lot of fun so far, but there are a couple more little minor issues: all four foglights are burnt out; both the heater knobs are broken, but not to the point where I can't adjust the temp or flow; neither the passenger side windshield washer nor the rear window nor the passenger side headlight washer fluid dispensers work. I figure these are just the little elbow valves I've been reading about. The driver's side dispenser does work. On the plus side: I have a *very* trusted mechanic. It's got new snow tires plus another set with probably 75% tread wear left. It's also got brand new brakes all the way around (other then the front calipers). It's got a new battery as well. I paid $3200 USD and I just wish it were a manual transmission, but I'm getting used to the auto; it's pretty responsive. I'm planning on flushing the tranny and now the radiator too, since it's overheated a couple few times. Anything else I should plan on? Are my diagnoses/ideas correct? Any other advice for a Saab newbie? Thanks in advance, Elijah
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
