New to SAAB - 9-5 estate AERO
Discussion
Hey folks,
After enduring a series of cars with very small storage space and comfort levels I've decided enough was enough and it was time to upgrade in these areas. A deal was done with another PHer and I will soon collect a 1.7 tonne, 250hp manual Aero wagon. Can't wait - my previous ride was a Toyota iQ with 59hp, no cruise control, no nothing!
I was inspired in part by this guy with a very similar wagon, his is a quarter of a million miles up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH_XrYshJs0
I'll be using it to drag my kayak around and camping gear etc, and holding out for the chance to perhaps sleep in the back of it at festivals, if we're ever allowed to attend those with the lockdown... Until those happier days... I'll be using my unlimited exercise allowance to explore more of the UK around the SouthWest.
In terms of service history this wagon seems to be really well taken care of, but I might budget for a sump clean to remove any sludge buildup (still possible despite frequent oil changes according to the seller), a couple of suspension items inc. bushes and droplinks, and a NoobTune... maybe.
Seems an extraordinary amount of do-it-all car, I thought I would take advantage of the reduced travel to work (I work at home a lot these days) and cheap petrol prices. Hoping this thing will set me up for some more weekend trips and perhaps Europe adventures when the quarantines are lifted. (IF)!
Any hints and tips for maintenance or things to keep an eye out for? Hoping ULRIKA will serve me well...
After enduring a series of cars with very small storage space and comfort levels I've decided enough was enough and it was time to upgrade in these areas. A deal was done with another PHer and I will soon collect a 1.7 tonne, 250hp manual Aero wagon. Can't wait - my previous ride was a Toyota iQ with 59hp, no cruise control, no nothing!
I was inspired in part by this guy with a very similar wagon, his is a quarter of a million miles up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SH_XrYshJs0
I'll be using it to drag my kayak around and camping gear etc, and holding out for the chance to perhaps sleep in the back of it at festivals, if we're ever allowed to attend those with the lockdown... Until those happier days... I'll be using my unlimited exercise allowance to explore more of the UK around the SouthWest.
In terms of service history this wagon seems to be really well taken care of, but I might budget for a sump clean to remove any sludge buildup (still possible despite frequent oil changes according to the seller), a couple of suspension items inc. bushes and droplinks, and a NoobTune... maybe.
Seems an extraordinary amount of do-it-all car, I thought I would take advantage of the reduced travel to work (I work at home a lot these days) and cheap petrol prices. Hoping this thing will set me up for some more weekend trips and perhaps Europe adventures when the quarantines are lifted. (IF)!
Any hints and tips for maintenance or things to keep an eye out for? Hoping ULRIKA will serve me well...
Edited by NorthernSky on Tuesday 2nd June 17:54
good service history using the correct fluids is not a guarantee of freedom from death by sludge. Unless you have cast iron proof of remedial work then get it done. A sump drop and clean is the absolute minimum; the cooler should also be flushed for completeness.
Then fit the updated PCV - make sure you get the full kit with all hoses as the original pipework was sub-standard and degraded from the inside out. This released a whole world of pain in the form of rubber pellets into the system which migrate to the oil strainer. The mesh is very fine and traps pretty much everything - some owners have been known to replace the mesh with something a little less "effective" although the updated version can be purchased to save the faff.
Cant immediately recall what number PCV update we're currently on. #6 rings a bell but it's been a while. Saab did a recall on this so the inherent faults with the original are acknowledged (they also got some of the recalls wrong and had to remove the recall parts and update again)
New O rings etc should be fitted to the oil pick up pipe before reassembly. There is no block/sump gasket and the correct sealant must be used - silicone based products have been known to release bobbles which could eventually block your new strainer.
Oil changes every 6k miles and fully synthetic only
Get a spare CPS as well and keep that in the boot. The traditional and endearing hot start problems WILL be the CPS.
Most CELs (without limp mode) can be traced to vacuum leaks - replace with silicone. A favourite is "dump" valve to MAP sensor. Manually resetting limp mode is easy but it'll keep happening until you get the codes pulled and fix the problem.
"Service Alarm" warning on SID is just telling you that the internal battery in the unit has failed. Locking, immobilisation are still active so most just live with it. Alarm (horn) randomly sounding is the beginnings of the failure.
Mysterious coolant loss with no other symptoms is often the "Starship Enterprise" heater valve.
Failing DI packs (coil pack) don't always throw a CEL so having a spare for testing and/or "get me home" purposes is a good move. Check for minute cracking on the underside, scorch marks/arcing and a vaguely unpleasant burny smell on a failed unit. You can use black on a redtop engine but not red on a blacktop engine (different knock sensing)
If you didn't get one then pick up a second key and find someone with a Tech 2 for coding. you need an original to programme a spare and if you lose the original without said spare you will have many pieces of expensive electonickery to replace. once you can get in that is.
Then fit the updated PCV - make sure you get the full kit with all hoses as the original pipework was sub-standard and degraded from the inside out. This released a whole world of pain in the form of rubber pellets into the system which migrate to the oil strainer. The mesh is very fine and traps pretty much everything - some owners have been known to replace the mesh with something a little less "effective" although the updated version can be purchased to save the faff.
Cant immediately recall what number PCV update we're currently on. #6 rings a bell but it's been a while. Saab did a recall on this so the inherent faults with the original are acknowledged (they also got some of the recalls wrong and had to remove the recall parts and update again)
New O rings etc should be fitted to the oil pick up pipe before reassembly. There is no block/sump gasket and the correct sealant must be used - silicone based products have been known to release bobbles which could eventually block your new strainer.
Oil changes every 6k miles and fully synthetic only
Get a spare CPS as well and keep that in the boot. The traditional and endearing hot start problems WILL be the CPS.
Most CELs (without limp mode) can be traced to vacuum leaks - replace with silicone. A favourite is "dump" valve to MAP sensor. Manually resetting limp mode is easy but it'll keep happening until you get the codes pulled and fix the problem.
"Service Alarm" warning on SID is just telling you that the internal battery in the unit has failed. Locking, immobilisation are still active so most just live with it. Alarm (horn) randomly sounding is the beginnings of the failure.
Mysterious coolant loss with no other symptoms is often the "Starship Enterprise" heater valve.
Failing DI packs (coil pack) don't always throw a CEL so having a spare for testing and/or "get me home" purposes is a good move. Check for minute cracking on the underside, scorch marks/arcing and a vaguely unpleasant burny smell on a failed unit. You can use black on a redtop engine but not red on a blacktop engine (different knock sensing)
If you didn't get one then pick up a second key and find someone with a Tech 2 for coding. you need an original to programme a spare and if you lose the original without said spare you will have many pieces of expensive electonickery to replace. once you can get in that is.
Edited by paulmakin on Sunday 28th June 12:18
Edited by paulmakin on Sunday 28th June 12:31
Love the 9-5 estates - you get a lot for your money.
Ours (we have 2) are the older ones with the walnut dash, leather seats and chrome grill, and are automatics.
One is now 21 years old and was bought 5 years ago with 96,000 miles for £875.
The other is 18 years old and was bought for £990 with 80,000 miles on it.
I too have had Direct Ignition Cassettes fail, and the crank position sensor, plus a turbo and the rocker cover gaskets on both cars.
The alarm warning is permanently lit on the dash on one car, and the same car also periodically throws up a gearbox sensor warning, doesn't know which gear it is in and goes into limp mode. Turning it off and on again usually fixes it, but some smart slamming of the auto gear lever back and forwards fixes it if the computer tech support solution doesn't work. One day I will locate the sensor and replace it.
Mine drives wonderfully on Uniroyal Rainsport tyres, but do buy the 97 XL load rating.
Ours (we have 2) are the older ones with the walnut dash, leather seats and chrome grill, and are automatics.
One is now 21 years old and was bought 5 years ago with 96,000 miles for £875.
The other is 18 years old and was bought for £990 with 80,000 miles on it.
I too have had Direct Ignition Cassettes fail, and the crank position sensor, plus a turbo and the rocker cover gaskets on both cars.
The alarm warning is permanently lit on the dash on one car, and the same car also periodically throws up a gearbox sensor warning, doesn't know which gear it is in and goes into limp mode. Turning it off and on again usually fixes it, but some smart slamming of the auto gear lever back and forwards fixes it if the computer tech support solution doesn't work. One day I will locate the sensor and replace it.
Mine drives wonderfully on Uniroyal Rainsport tyres, but do buy the 97 XL load rating.
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