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Re: Looking at 9-5's. Automatic or 5-speed? Have a 9k now. Posted by Larry West [Email]  (#1140)  [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Larry West) on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:43:02
In Reply to: Looking at 9-5's. Automatic or 5-speed? Have a 9k now., Brian, Fri, 14 Jan 2011 15:50:46 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The 9-5's autoboxes are among the best Saab sold. Their all-electronic control integrates them much more closely with the Trionic than any 9000 box ever was.
I'm on my third 9-5 with auto. Part of that is because I'm also on my second V6, and the V6 (SE/Arc models 2000-2003 & some 99 SEs) only comes with the auto.
1998-2001 was a 4-speed box. Slightly different ratios between the 4 and 6, and maybe the Aero. These use standard DEXRON III ATF.
2002 got a 5-speed transmission. From here on, they use type 3309 ATF.
2003 and later get the "Sentronic" (not to be confused with "Sensonic") feature, which adds "manual" function to the trans, with shift buttons on the steering wheel, and a side gate on the shifter to go up and down through the 5 "gears".
They're pretty long lived transmissions - usually. Often, early signs of problems like clunking shifts, etc, can be cured with a MANUAL trans fluid flush. By that, I mean drive around till it's hot, drain the pan, refill with the same amount that came out, repeat 3x. After that, every couple oil changes, drain the pan & refill (about 3 quarts each time).
Did that on my last car (1999 LPT), and the fluid went from a grey to a bright pink, and the shifting and all functions improved dramatically.
My current car, a 2000 SE, had a new trans put in about a year ago by the prior owner, at a very early age (around 80k). My mechanic and I think that was due to power flushing the trans. He won't do power flushes on ATs, as they tend to stir up the gunk that accumulates in the pan, rather than remove it via the drain plug.
All the autos also give you "Sport", and "Winter" modes.
Sport is engaged by a momentary switch on the shifter. Shift points are adjusted, and throttle response is also adjusted. Instantly turns a staid family sedan into a sports sedan.
Winter is engaged by a switch on the console next to the shifter. In this mode, the throttle response is slowed a bit, and the trans starts off in third gear (in both the 4 and 5 speeds). Fantastic for snow, sand, or other loose surfaces.
Sport and Winter are indicated on the main instrument unit, as is the shifter position, and the gear number (if you have the 03 or later).
The autos in the 9-5 are good boxes, and if you're not insistent on a manual, or you drive in a lot of traffic, they're well worth your consideration.
_______________________________________ Current: 2002 9-5 Aero Kombi Cosmic Blue 2000 9-5 SE sedan, Imola Red 1990 900S Rose Quartz, Auto Past: 1999 9-5 LPT Combi 1999 9-5 LPT sedan 2002 9-5 Arc 1990 900 5-speed 1986 900 turbo Convertible 1991 9000 turbo 1980 99 GLi 1986 900 turbo 1986 900 S 1991 900 turbo 1984 900 turbo 1976 99 GL
, Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:41:40, Fri, 14 Jan 2011 18:43:02 <-- Viewing This Message
, Sat, 15 Jan 2011 13:44:57, Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:50:22, Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:38:14
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