V6 timing belt setup
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Oil pressure valve location
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Oil pressure valve
Scratches made from sprocket debris passing through
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Oil pump damage
This happens when balance shaft sprockets wear out
Last modified: Feb 20, 2005 |
Worn out balance shaft sprockets
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
V6 timing belt sprocket
1-2 sprockets are interchangeable, so are 3 and 4
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
V6 thermostat location
Whole intake removed. Also engine oil cooler location
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Sludge filled oil pickup tube
2001 9-3 with 16K miles. One oil change at 5K, one at 15K
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Severe oil sludge problem
2001 9-3 with 16K miles. One oil change at 5K, one at 15K
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Same oil pan after clean up
30 min in my parts washer will do the trick
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Broken V6 timing belt tensioner
One of the three pulleys that can fail
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
Camshaft timing 4cyl 16V
Last modified: Jan 11, 2005 |
TSB210-2402 Ed:2
9-5 Cylinder head bolt retorque
Last modified: Jan 21, 2005 |
TSB 210-2401 Ed:2
9-3 cylinder head bolt re torque
Last modified: Jan 21, 2005 |
Bad/Good fuel pump amperage draw
Each tower represent one full turn of fuel pump on left picture, brushes worn out and flat spot on commutator. Right picture show one full revolution of good pump
Last modified: Jan 25, 2005 |
Balance chain access
This is the view of balance chain when oil pan is removed. It needs to be cut by a dremel or side cutter
Last modified: Feb 8, 2005 |
Sludged camshaft area
When it starts to cake up like this, that's when you have a sludge problems
Last modified: Jan 30, 2005 |
Cylinder head bolts
Old, new, newest and the old style that reappeared
Last modified: Feb 7, 2005 |
TCS vacuum routing 1
Last modified: Feb 12, 2005 |
TCS vacuum routing 2
Last modified: Feb 12, 2005 |
Cylinder head gasket
This is the famous #10 head bolt location on the B204 engines. The head gasket has deteriorated from lack of clamping force from the loose bolt.
Last modified: Feb 12, 2005 |
NG900 Tonneau motor unit
This is what it looks like when the tonneau motor is worn. You only need to fold away the carpet on right side of trunk and look at the motor with a mirror and flash light
Last modified: Feb 26, 2005 |
Oil pan sludge test tool
Made out of a coat hanger. A slight bend to allow it to reach into the corners and on top of the oil pickup
Last modified: Feb 28, 2005 |
Saab 4 cyl oil pressure
This is pretty accurate for most 4 cyl engine from early ones up to 2003
Last modified: Mar 2, 2005 |
EGR recall 1990 900T
Last modified: Mar 13, 2005 |
Upshift light wire, NG900
H33-5 connector, pin 22 (blue/yellow wire). NOT! H33-4 connector, pin 22 (yellow/green wire) that one is for the Check Engine light. The two connectors sit side by side.
Last modified: Mar 15, 2005 |
Plug wire order
NG900 non turbo
Last modified: Apr 8, 2005 |
Throttle limp home reset
For the 9-3 and 9-5 with electronic throttlebody
Last modified: Apr 14, 2005 |
PWM signal
Last modified: Apr 27, 2005 |
Bilstein shock improvment
Where you need to open up the hole in spring seat support to accomandate the blue cover on the Bilstein shocks
Last modified: May 21, 2005 |
Ignition cassette mfg date
This is the label that points out the version, revision and manufacturing date of the ignition cassette. Top one is made in 2004 week 42 (0442) and bottom one in 1999, week 3 (9903).
Last modified: May 24, 2005 |
Throttle body
Picture of the carbon trace inside potentiometer
Last modified: Jul 8, 2005 |
Clutch cable
The plastic stop on clutch cable break due to that the rubber stop doesn't butt up against the clutch cable sheating.
Last modified: Aug 23, 2005 |
Timing chain tensioner
The 12mm cap and spring has to be removed before tensioner is unbolted from head. Otherwise the spring will push tensioner arm out to it's full extension giving a false reading
Last modified: Nov 8, 2005 |
New IDM
The latest ignition cassette from Saab for the 9-3/9-5 model with T7 fuel injection system
Last modified: Dec 2, 2005 |
Trionic CMP sensor
Explanation in how the virtuel CMP sensor is working in Trionic system
Last modified: Jun 14, 2006 |
Balance chain guide/tensioner
How it looks when the chain is removed from under, leaving the guides and tensioner in place
Last modified: Jul 2, 2006 |
Pollen filter
This is how much dirt that can be accumulated around the A/C air intake compartment filter
Last modified: Jul 5, 2006 |
Water pump damage
If water pump is allowed to completly fail, the pulley can eat through the timing cover.
Last modified: Jul 17, 2006 |
Oil change. Severe driving
This is what Saab recommend under severe driving conditions
Last modified: Jul 22, 2006 |
Fuel pump bracket
When lock tabs of fuel pump is broken off, this bracket holds the pipes secured to pump
Last modified: Jul 26, 2006 |
Head gasket leak
The 9-3/9-5 head gasket leak when oil is dribbling down the side of timing cover
Last modified: Sep 5, 2006 |
IDM versions
Here are the newest versions of the IDMs, for time being.
Last modified: Sep 12, 2006 |
Short belt modification
The middle idler pulley is not used and could be left in there without harm
Last modified: Oct 14, 2006 |
Amsoil
Amsoil meets the Saab requirement of GM-LL-A-025
Last modified: Mar 19, 2007 |
Saab's newest oil requirement
Taken from a 2005 9-3SS. Saab requires oil to meet GM-LL-A-025
Last modified: Apr 16, 2007 |
PCV mod #6
This is so far the latest PCV update for the B205/235 engine
Last modified: Oct 18, 2007 |
Cracked piston
This is what it can look with a cracked piston. Lots of blowby have torched the side when gasses has been forced through the crack and into the crank case. Small end of rod is sprayed with melted aluminum too.
Last modified: Oct 18, 2007 |
Saab's official 9-5 blend door repair
This is the latest in how to get away from a costly repair when the blend door shaft has broken. TSB 854-2577
Last modified: Nov 2, 2007 |
Early 9-5 timing belt setup
It shows the setup of the belt up to early 2002. The middle idler pulley is dropped down more than on the 900/9000 models
Last modified: Nov 13, 2007 |
Late 9-5 timing belt setup
After a certain VIN in 2002, Saab changed the positions again of the middle idler pulley and swept it more forward.
Last modified: Nov 13, 2007 |
Fuel pump commutator
At the end of the pumps lifespan, the brushes wear short and start to skip over the surface of commutator, creating this burned spots.
Last modified: Feb 13, 2008 |
New oil life display from 07 and up 9-3
Last modified: Mar 27, 2008 |
Tool for new style hose clamps
Comes in very handy when dealing with the new hose clamps on Saab's
Last modified: May 25, 2008 |
Husqvarna gasoline
Last modified: Jul 21, 2008 |
Saab SI becomes TSB
Last modified: Oct 25, 2008 |
Saab's TSB system
Last modified: Oct 25, 2008 |
Blue smoke syndrome
What it looks like inside the exhaust housing when car has a puff of blue smoke at start up. Oil is slowly seeping out past seals and gets wicked up onto the dry crusted impellar.
Last modified: Jan 17, 2009 |
Saab ACC stop arm
The differences of blend door arms before and after VIN 43010217
Last modified: Feb 12, 2009 |
Vinyl record syndrome
Even a genuine Saab rotor might have a course track from the machine process.
Last modified: Jun 23, 2009 |
9-5 short or long belt
Saab has now gone back to the long belt for cars that came with long belt from factory
Last modified: Aug 12, 2009 |
Adapter for Tech 2
Last modified: Aug 14, 2009 |
Nissan Silicone
Used for oil cooler lid on the V6 engine
Last modified: Aug 24, 2009 |
04 and up blend door shaft
This is the new style shaft coming out of motor. When the short shaft cracks the blend door shaft open, a new longer is inserted instead.
Last modified: Sep 14, 2009 |
Hall effect signal
91 9000 Hall effect signal with a glitch in middle and last screen. Ground signal does not drop down all the way to zero.
Last modified: Oct 15, 2009 |
9-3 Sport Sedan brake rotor
A too big brake rotor installed rubbing against the inside of caliper.
Last modified: Nov 18, 2009 |
9-5 gas tank repair
On the 99 9-5 when the tank cracks around the tank sensor bung. Using aircraft fuel tank epoxy
Last modified: Nov 18, 2009 |
SRS adapter for Tech 2
If need to read and reset SRS codes on older 900/9000 using the Tech 2
Last modified: Nov 20, 2009 |
New pixel problems
If your car waddles like a goose, check if goose warning light is on.
Last modified: May 13, 2010 |
V6 radiator with failed oil cooler
Even after flushing the radiator in car with hot water and soda for an hour, this was left in the radiator
Last modified: Feb 15, 2010 |
Clutch line clip position
Last modified: May 5, 2010 |
9-3 Sport Sedan water pump tool
Adapter upgrade for the water pump tool so the timing cover doesn't have to be removed to reset balance chain tensioner
Last modified: May 13, 2010 |
IDM bulletin
Last modified: Sep 12, 2010 |
Corroded battery cable
Corrosion had spread about 2" further down into the copper strands making the alternator work much harder and never being able to fully charge the battery
Last modified: Sep 14, 2010 |
Water pump damage
When water pump bearings are allowed to fail badly, The pulley chews a hole in the timing cover
Last modified: Oct 28, 2010 |
Alternator lug overheated
Seems to be more and more common on the 9-5 model with the batter cable being over heated at alternator lug.
Last modified: Nov 19, 2010 |
Saab 9-3 and 9-5 timing chain kit
Last modified: Dec 23, 2010 |
Different style of 9-5 rear subframe bushings
Last modified: Jan 7, 2011 |
Genuine/Chinese IDM
One difference between the genuine and Chinese IDMs is the lack of sticker and Saab name embossed in aluminum housing
Last modified: Jan 17, 2011 |
Saab 9-5 fuel tank anti slosh baffle
These plastic shields break down after a few years and start to move around in the gas tank hindering the operation of fuel level sensor arm.
Last modified: Mar 8, 2011 |
Condensationwater built up in exhaust system
This is how much water can be found in the exhaust system after driving the car in and out of the shop for a week or so.
Last modified: Mar 21, 2011 |
Oil pickup from an 9-5 V6 engine
No signs of sludge and much bigger mesh holes but a much smaller screen
Last modified: Mar 24, 2011 |
Test of air mass meter
A 1996 Volvo 960 with such a bad air mass meter that the car hardly accelerated down the street
Last modified: Mar 29, 2011 |
NG900/9-3 heater core
The newer style heater core can wear out in plastic connections maybe from grit and dirt circulating
Last modified: Mar 30, 2011 |
NG900 94-96 heater core
Last modified: Mar 30, 2011 |
High resistance at terminal crimp
This creates a lot of heat and making the alternator work overtime trying to charge the battery
Last modified: Apr 20, 2011 |
PCV hose 7519697 for 9000
Maybe an alternative for the 900 model 7517014 since that hose is discontinued
Last modified: May 21, 2011 |
Burned alternator lug ring
Maybe it is possible to cut off that piece and run a new cable between starter and alternator alone?
Last modified: May 26, 2011 |
Oil sludge engine
2001 9-3 with 16K miles on the odometer after 4 years of driving with one oil change at 5K and the next at 15K.
Last modified: Jun 3, 2011 |
Bad battery cable due to leaking battery
This battery cable is only 6 month old and albiet a fairly new battery, it was oozing enough acid that it completely ruined the cable after 4K miles
Last modified: Jul 12, 2011 |
Saab Akebono pads versus Textar
Flavor of the day dictates what you get even from the manufacturer and what part number is used when ordering.
Last modified: Jul 12, 2011 |
Difference between pads
First is the Akebono EUR840A, then the Saab genuine Akebono and last the Saab genuine Textar
Last modified: Jul 12, 2011 |
Inside IDM
Three different generations of IDM and the coils inside
Last modified: Oct 29, 2011 |
Inside IDM
Three different generations of IDM and the coils inside
Last modified: Oct 29, 2011 |
Saab/GM coolant
Last modified: Nov 2, 2011 |
Maybe an emergency alternative?
Splicing in Volvo gear selector switches.
Last modified: Feb 11, 2012 |
Brake fluid after 5 years and 45K miles
Last modified: Feb 15, 2012 |
9-3 throttle problem
A couple of broken teeth inside gearbox of throttle body setting off codes P-1523 and 0638 together with limp home mode
Last modified: Feb 16, 2012 |
Saab 9-3 99 with A/C problems
A/C compressor did not turn on and problem was found in MIU not delivering ON signal from DICE over to ECM to turn on compressor.
Last modified: Jun 12, 2012 |
Fuel pump amp draw ripple
2001 9-3 with what looks like a fuel pump starting to go bad.
Last modified: Jun 25, 2012 |
Saab 9-3 4cyl Sport Sedan plugs
Last modified: Jun 28, 2012 |
9-3 No A/C compressor
Routing of belt when bypassing A/C compressor
Last modified: Jul 17, 2012 |
9-5 Heater bypass valve
Manufacturers goes to great lenght making them look like the original GM part
Last modified: Sep 12, 2012 |
Possible alternative to 9000 TCS bleeder valve?
Not confirmed yet but it seems that this Volvo 850/70 air injection valve is very similar to the 9000 TCS bleeder valve in Ohm rating and function. P/N 1270389
Last modified: Oct 15, 2012 |
9-3 Sport Sedan seat belt recall
03-04 had problems with retraction mechanism and Saab recalled those belts but not for the convertible model.
Last modified: Nov 18, 2012 |
Nordic expansion tank for a Volvo
Albeit looking like it came from the same manufacturer as the original tank, this one seems to have inferior plastic and it cracks.
Last modified: Dec 12, 2012 |
Broken balance tensioner guide
Not too good with only 50K on a 2008 9-3
Last modified: Dec 13, 2012 |
After market part supplier
Here is a prime example of that we can never be sure what we get from the same supplier. It all comes down to who and what they managed to find for the day. Catch of the day if you will.
Last modified: Jan 28, 2013 |
GM genuine parts
Saw this on a headlight switch box. But also the switch that came out of the car a 2007 9-3 had the part made in China
Last modified: Jan 30, 2013 |
OBD2 socket for a 99 9-3 T5
Pin numbers and location can vary a lot from one year and model to another
Last modified: Feb 24, 2013 |
P-0741 code problem
Fault code generated due to after market spark plug wires or IDM disturbing engine rpm and making car think that the transmission is not going into lockup mode.
Last modified: Nov 6, 2015 |
Saab genuine parts?
A new low for genuine parts
Last modified: Nov 15, 2013 |
Saab ignition coils
Physical difference between the 9-3 V6 coil and the 9-5 V6 coil
Last modified: Nov 18, 2013 |
9-3 throttle body
A couple of broken teeth in gear linkage making the throttle butterfly not open properly
Last modified: Mar 7, 2014 |
9-3 Fuel level sensor
It seems that the flimsy fingers on float arm wear out prematurely creating glitches in fuel level
Last modified: May 8, 2014 |
2006 9-3 ESP/ABS module problem
Last modified: Jun 16, 2014 |
OEM Delphi ECT sensor
The Russian doll trick. I buy a Delphi temp sensor and it comes in an AcDelco box and when I open the box it is a GM genuine box inside that holds the temp sensor inside. At $13.11 retail you would think all boxes eat the profit it might be in the part?
Last modified: Oct 6, 2014 |
Fault codes when ABS/ESP module is bad
Last modified: Jul 7, 2014 |
Shift cable repair
Quick shift cable repair that any shop can do if the ball and socket or rubber bushing has worn out and cable popped off the gear level.
Last modified: Oct 3, 2014 |
9-3/9-5 radio/nav removal tool
Last modified: Oct 18, 2014 |
Genuine verses Motorad cap
Motorad caps seems to be failing within a year due to that the plastic deteriorate and crumbles
Last modified: Nov 24, 2014 |
IDM software description
No new diagnostic codes are added with the software but only more Tech 2 diagnostic features
Last modified: Feb 14, 2015 |
Tank damage on a 9000
The risk of letting a rusty exhaust system do its job blasting the tank with hot exhaust gasses
Last modified: Mar 9, 2015 |
EVAP shut off valve clogged by spider net
Spiders tend to build net in the EVAP shut off valve making it hard to fill up the gas tank due to that escaping air will not pass by that net
Last modified: May 12, 2015 |
Wrong spark plug used
Here is what can happen when using a wrong type spark plugs in a B207R engine. Denso IKH20 instead of the Denso IK20. IKH20 is for the B284L V6 engine and have a longer thread. This lead to unormal combustion temperatures melting the plugs
Last modified: Feb 4, 2016 |
07 up 9-3 valve problems
Last modified: May 13, 2016 |
Tail light bulb NG9-5
Last modified: Sep 2, 2016 |
What's in the box
A timing/balance chain gear and guide set Made In Sweden with parts from all over the world
Last modified: Oct 29, 2016 |
V6 engine oil pickup
The very few V6 engines I have removed oil pan on, looked like this with no sludge at pickup screen
Last modified: Jan 24, 2017 |
IDM problems
Last modified: Mar 22, 2017 |
2007 9-3 upper radiator hose
This plast T-fitting is crumbling on all 9-3 and should be replaced ASAP. If it breaks annd you don't stop the car in time, the engine will be ruined from over heating.
Last modified: Apr 15, 2017 |
Saab fuel pump
The drawback of replacing just the fuel pump insert and not using proper material. Hose cracked bleeding out fuel into tank setting off code P0089.
Last modified: Aug 2, 2017 |
Saab headgasket 1994 900 with 43K miles
This is why the coolant/antfreeze should be replaced every 4 years even if a car is not driven many miles. The liquid turns acidy and corrodes the headgasket and everything else inside. New gasket underneath
Last modified: Mar 14, 2018 |
2009 9-5 power window switch
Can be used down to 1999 model if need be
Last modified: Sep 7, 2018 |
9-5 door mirror new style
When replacing the glass on dimming version, a new kit is needed
Last modified: Jan 4, 2019 |
9-3 camshaft tool
General position of cyl #1 cam lobes at TDC
Last modified: Mar 4, 2019 |
Saab 9-5 cooling fan wiring
Last modified: Mar 16, 2020 |
99 9-3 cooling fan schematics
Last modified: Apr 9, 2020 |
ECT sensor for MIU sensor 1999 9-3
Last modified: Apr 9, 2020 |
Sinking brake pedal
On the new 9-3, brake pedal sinks when standing still idling which is normal
Last modified: Aug 7, 2020 |
