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Saab 9-3 Maintenance and Repair

44 messages,  Last post on Feb 02, 2013 at 6:47 AM

You are in the Saab 9-3 Forum.

What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, Steering, Convertible, Sedan, Wagon

    

Messages Page 2 of 5

#7 of 44 Re: 2000 9-3 Saab Turbo fails [xela200093] by cobrazera

Dec 22, 2009 (9:12 am)

Replying to: xela200093 (May 26, 2009 10:43 pm)
Hi out there. I'm new to the Saab boards, but are seriously considering a used 9-3 Sportcombi 2.0 - 2007 or newer with less than 30K miles. What seems rather attractive is the 4 year/50K warranty.
I previously owned a turbocharged car ( years ago, not a Saab ) in which the turbo itself had very limited life. The old turbocharger bearings were not water cooled, and the turbo I had was known to have a life span of 30K miles or so. I assume the Saab turbo bearings are now water cooled, but does Saab recommend using a full synthetic oil, also? High temps associated with turbos can coke regular oil.
So...anyone out there with high mile, late model Saab 9-3s - and what's the secret, if any, to long engine life?

#8 of 44 Re: 2000 9-3 Saab Turbo fails [cobrazera] by 530ir1150r

Dec 22, 2009 (2:11 pm)

Replying to: cobrazera (Dec 22, 2009 9:12 am)
Synthetic oil changed at 5k mile intervals. I think the turbo is cooled by the oil, not the coolant.

#9 of 44 Re: 2000 9-3 Saab Turbo fails [530ir1150r] by cobrazera

Dec 23, 2009 (4:46 am)

Replying to: 530ir1150r (Dec 22, 2009 2:11 pm)
I would always use synthetic, but is it recommended or required by Saab? What year and how many miles on your Saab? Thanks for the reply.

#10 of 44 Re: 2000 9-3 Saab Turbo fails [xela200093] by dmain

Dec 23, 2009 (7:39 am)

Replying to: xela200093 (May 26, 2009 10:43 pm)
I also have a 2000 9-3 and the turbo bearings burned out at about 50,000 km. It seems that it is a design flaw. The turbo is too close to the exhaust manifold and it gets too hot. In 2000, GM did not specify synthetic oil but it did in 2001. By the time I found out it was too late for my turbo. Synthetic oil is the answer for engine sludging too.
 
Since changing over to synthetic oil, my 9-3 has been great and even at 160000 km, it still feels like a fairly new car. I like it so much I went out an bought a 2009 9-3 XWD Aero, as it looks like they are al bound to be collector items (and can be had for about 20% off the list prices now. What deal. Still, I love my 2000 9-3. Once you get the turbo and the electronic engine management cassette dealt with.
 
Good luck. 94000 miles should be nothing for a Saab.

#11 of 44 Re: 2000 9-3 Saab Turbo fails [cobrazera] by 530ir1150r

Dec 23, 2009 (5:15 pm)

Replying to: cobrazera (Dec 23, 2009 4:46 am)
My wife has a 2005 9-3 Arc Convertible with 60k miles. Mobil 1 has been used exclusively, it was European Delivered and has had no issues except the power steering pump.

#12 of 44 Re: 2000 9-3 Saab Turbo fails [xela200093] by tammie3

Jan 04, 2010 (4:08 pm)

Replying to: xela200093 (May 26, 2009 10:43 pm)
The not starting is the neutral switch... It cost me about 375.00 to fix it... or for the switch itself...

#13 of 44 My 2008 9-3 Saab Lags and Wiggles by marybethr

Oct 09, 2010 (1:58 am)

I just bought a used 2008 Saab 9-3 2.0 engine with 28,000 miles. It now has 29,500 miles and I recently noticed that each time I accelerate to 30mph & 70mph, the car wobbles, or wiggles, or what appears like it's shaking a little.
I have new tires but they looked like they had been balanced.
I think the slight shake feels like engine related.
Does anyone have the same problems with a used Saab 9-3?
Please help.

#14 of 44 Saab 9-3 - Problems with Soft Top Hydraulic Hoses? by my_saab_story

Jun 04, 2011 (7:48 am)

#15 of 44 Problems with Soft Top Hydraulic Hoses? by my_saab_story

Jul 17, 2009 (8:13 pm)

Hi,
I live in Texas and am in desperate need of help with my soft top problem. Hydraulic hose “P” that connects from the cylinder on the driver’s side blew off from the fitting. My general mechanic repaired it and then instantly, a hose on the passenger side cylinder also blew from the fitting. This time, I took the car to an independent Saab mechanic. All of the hoses have lost most of the black protective coating, which exposes the nylon braiding. The mechanic said that all of the hoses need to be replaced, otherwise I will continue to blow hoses.
 
The dealer said that these hoses rarely fail. The mechanic has posted threads to find out if any other techs have seen this problem, but has not had any luck. One suggestion by another tech was to just replace the 2 hoses that connect to each cylinder, since they do the work.
Have you ever experienced this problem? Is it possible for the hoses to operate properly without the coating? Do you have any other tips or advice that I can pass on the mechanic?
Feel free to e-mail me at mysaabstorysbcglobal.net
 
Thank you!

#16 of 44 Hydraulic Hose Problem by joshsaab

Jul 31, 2009 (1:42 pm)

i am having the same problem...exact...1st and only hose to blow so far is the driverside outer piston...have you tried to contact Saab direct???...i sent an email Wednesday...lets stay in touch about this...i am hoping to get a positive outcome w/ Saab...maybe you should email as well...

Messages Page 2 of 5

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