1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Don't have my car back yet so I can't provide too many details.
All I can tell you is that the car started shuddering violently when driving when cold. It felt like I'd suddenly lost a weight from one of the wheels but rather than the shudder/vibration being dependant on the speed of the car it seemed to be related to engine RPM (manually shifting to a different gear smoothed things out). It also didn't seem to happen if the engine and/or the ambient temperature was warm. I thought it was a problem with the fuel injectors, turbo or ECU but my dealer told me that my transmission was gone and would have to be replaced.
I doubt this fix will cure all my car's ails. It's been rough running since day one (rough starting, rough idle, rough shifting) but two different dealerships have told me that everything is normal. The starting and idling problems have been addressed by replacing the throttle body (once), PCV valve (twice), and cleaning both items (several times). That usually helps for a little while but eventually the car starts idling like a diesel again. Hopefully the rough shifting (always hunting for a gear, very noticeable free-spin then lurching when stepping on the accelerator while coasting) will be fixed with this new transmission (even though no dealer had previously acknowledged any shifting roughness).
Unfortunately these are only a few of the problems I've had with this car. Other items replaced include both display units, the battery, both seat heater switches, the ashtray (twice), several trim pieces, at least a half-dozen bulbs...
This is my first and last Saab. I tell anyone that asks (and I do get a lot of inquiries because the car looks nice -- black with tinted windows and aftermarket 17" 5-spoke wheels) that it's a piece of junk. I'm already shopping for a replacement. It's too bad I can't get a 5 series BMW or E class Mercedes for the price of a 3 series or C class. It looks like I'm going to have to move to a smaller car. I'm also waiting to see the new X-type Jag. That may be an option.
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