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Saab 9-5 Sedan

2237 messages,  Last post on Jul 17, 2012 at 6:08 PM

You are in the Saab 9-5 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saab 9-5, Sedan

Messages Page 173 of 225

#1712 of 2237 Queries — Saturday by cwmozart

Jun 12, 2004 (10:58 am)

Since you all seem like a seasoned Saab enthusiasts, what's the deal with the so-called turbo boost delay? I have really only noticed that it kicks in late on hills for added power. Otherwise, on flat straightaway it gets you out in front of everyone PDQ, and with a nice roar to boot. Also — any electrical problems I should watch out for? My 2001 only has 28K on it. There's a lot of scuttlebutt here about ignition units. Also, what happens when you remove the large Ecopower-stamped plate to access the DI cassette? (I haven't purchased my Torx wrenches yet.) I assume the plugs will be easy to change.

#1714 of 2237 Re: Queries — Saturday by rob999

Jun 14, 2004 (5:12 am)

Turbo lag may be evident if you're doing a stop-light drag race, but if you're already at cruising speed and need it for passing, the acceleration is instant and awesome, as you already know.
 
The large "Ecopower" plate IS the DI cassette. When it's pulled out the 4 ignition coils hang down from the plate. Check your trunk for a vinyl tool kit pouch and there should be a Torx in there. Remove the 4 torx screws from the top of the DI. There's a maroon-colored plug at the driver side of the DI that has a sliding lock clip. Move the clip towards the rear of the car to unlock, then pull the plug to the right to remove. Grap the 'handles' on either ends of the DI plate and the whole thing will pop right out to reveal the plugs. After you've done it once, it's about a 1-minute operation later.

#1715 of 2237 Saab 9-5 Arc Control Panel Overheating by domer67

Jun 17, 2004 (4:08 pm)

I am the owner of a 2003 Saab 9-5 that has about 4,000 miles on it. So far everything has gone pretty well with it except for one problem. When the car has been driven for several hours the control panel overheats significantly. It seems to be due to the climate control system but the overheating affects the audio section as well. The control panel becomes extremely hot and very hot to touch. I called the local Saab service advisor and he said that the some overheating was considered normal. Has anyone else experienced this problem?

#1716 of 2237 Re: Saab 9-5 Arc Control Panel Overheating [domer67 #1715] by aerodriver

Jun 22, 2004 (10:36 pm)

Replying to: domer67 (Jun 17, 2004 4:08 pm)
The fascia/dash of my 2002 9-5 Aero with 14k miles also gets hot to the touch right around the audio (cassette and CD) unit. I haven't noticed any radiant heat, nor does it seem to affect the function of any components in or around the control panel. The audio works fine, so I've never asked the service tech about it.

#1717 of 2237 Re: What about it then? [cwmozart #1704] by aerodriver

Jun 22, 2004 (10:44 pm)

Replying to: cwmozart (Jun 08, 2004 9:00 pm)
My 2002 9-5, with admittedly low mileage, has been reliable to a fault. I haven't done any maintenance beyond the warranty-required services (shame on me). Nor have any components failed or caused me any worry. My previous 1996 9000CS had only a handful of minor warranty repairs performed over its 90,000-mile lifespan with me. I think there are plenty of Saab owners out there with similarly positive experiences; unfortunately, they're never heard from on message boards like these.

#1718 of 2237 Thanks Aerodriver by cwmozart

Jun 23, 2004 (8:31 pm)

Good point. Online boards seem to bring out the bile in some folks, and to be fair I haven't viewed the Edmunds entries for other foreign makes yet. Interestingly, my insurance only went up about 70 bucks a year as I traded a 14-year-old Volvo with 182K, for a 3-year-old 9-5 with 27K. This says much about their recognized safety standards. No need to purchase a bike rack, either. The trunk and fold-down seats easily accomodate my other wheels. My only complaint about the 9-5 is, yes, the body roll when cornering. But in contrast to others' remarks, I don't find the torque steer at all problematic. Having owned a Scirocco way back when, I was more concerned about hydroplaning during storms. Saab seems to have really refined front wheel drive,

#1719 of 2237 2003 AERO RELIABILITY by teechee

Jun 25, 2004 (5:52 am)

I have owned a 1996 9000CS and now a 2003 Aero which has a little over 25, 000 miles in over a year and a couple of months. I just replaced the front brake pads. I did it myself and took less than 45 minutes. If you are somewhat mechanically inclined the brake job is fairly easy to perform with the proper tools. I have had a check engine light come on that was cleared by the dealership after two attempts. I just replaced a cracked tire due to a pot hole, and I recently had the dealership tighten the front window sills as they were jittery on door closings. I love my Aero and really couldn't dream of a more delightful car. A recent review of I believe Car and Driver ranked the BMW 5 series as a relatively lousy car at $50,000 plus. Then there's the Mercedes at $55,000 plus. Give me my Aero any day at $35,000. It might not be perfect, but last time I checked there was not a problem free car available. And the sight, speed, and smoothness of the vehicle is beyond awesome. I look forward to many happy miles with the car. I am however considering a new wheel and tire package for the future. Happy Motoring and God's Blessings to all.

#1720 of 2237 Not Giving Up by yoreet1

Jul 02, 2004 (9:40 am)

Driving: 99' SAAB 9-5
Mileage: 75 K
Problems: None until 2003.
Then it became a nightmare. I have a catastrophic failure of A/C Compressor and Clutch. Shortly before then I bought an Extended Warranty for 100K at Nationwide Warranty. WARNING: Don't BUY IT! The warranty is administered by MBA DIRECT out of Scotsdale, AZ and they don't give a damn about your car. All they want is to have your money.
Bottom line- they installed an after-market compressor that broke this year again! In addition I have a problem with brakes' hydrolics and a small transmission leak.
But....I do not intend to give up on my car (for now:-)) because I love it. Driving and handling characteristics are superb. And it's a true SAAB machine, built in Sweden and not somewhere in Michigan

#1721 of 2237 Don't throw in the towel, Yoreet by cwmozart

Jul 02, 2004 (8:59 pm)

The problems you mention don't sound that uncommon for a 75K car, especially one from the first model year of 9-5's. For warranty issues it might be best to take it to a dealer or a Swedish specialist. I say this cautiously, of course, as all my problems are still down the road (I'm at only 28K). I haven't heard of Nationwide Warranty. There's an outfit called Guardian which was recommended to me by a shop that only works on Swedish autos. Keep the faith.

Messages Page 173 of 225

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