9-5 Aero - Auto Gearbox question

[GavGav]

I own a 2002 9-5 Aero, with the 5 speed auto gearbox. Car is on 94k miles.

Recently, when selecting drive there's quite a noticeable "clunk" as it engages. I'm used to auto gearboxes and appreciate you can feel when it enagages, but this is quite pronounced - the car will actually jerk forward a foot or so if the brake isn't applied.

Doesn't happen all the time, it's worse sometimes than others, but quite random i.e. doesn't happen only when it's cold, or only when it's warm.

It's about due a service, so I intend to ask the garage (indy Saab specialist) to change the gearbox oil.

So my questions are...

Is this a common/known problem? I've had a search on the usual Saab forums but can't find any mention of this particular problem.

Is something as simple as changing the gearbox oil likely to help ? And how tricky a job is it - I'm not overly confident with the spanners, but willing to do it myself if it's relatively simple. At 94k miles I'd like to get it changed anyway.

Advice appreciated.

[aeropilot]

At the age the car is the gearbox oil should have been changed a couple of year ago, it's every 4 yrs or 48k miles IIRC in the case of a MY02.
Mine was done last service and did make a difference.

I also always put my foot on the brake anyway when putting into D or R to stop any driveline snatch.

[GavGav]

aeropilot said:

At the age the car is the gearbox oil should have been changed a couple of year ago, it's every 4 yrs or 48k miles IIRC in the case of a MY02.
Mine was done last service and did make a difference.

I also always put my foot on the brake anyway when putting into D or R to stop any driveline snatch.

I've owned the car for 18 months, so not sure if it's been done before. Previous owner was pretty religious about servicing it though. Either way I think I'll get it done at this service.

Thanks for the response AP.

[fastcars_hardy]

if i was you mate then i would drop a bit of fluid out yourself. if the fluid has a burnt smell to it and is black then you will prob find yourself looking for a new gearbox. the fluid should be a nice red colour.

[m4tt]

When I had the oil changed on mine it was noticably smoother from N to D. Get it sorted, very easy and don't let Haynes confuse you with mentions of a "special tool" to remove the drain plug.... its just a normal spanner/socket!

[GavGav]

Well, eventually changed the gearbox oil myself and as stated, it was simple enough for even me to do. No special tool required. The Saab specialist said it wouldn't make any difference and put me off doing it, so hence I decided to do it myself.

Glad I did, as the driveline "jolt" when selecting drive is far less pronounced, and the changes are smoother than before. About 4 litres dropped out on the first change, so planning to do the same again after another 5k - 10k miles which should help some more.

Carry on.

[WhoreSaab]

I've got the same issue, research on saab forums indicate its something to do with the solenoids in the gearbox which cant be changed apparently.

[GavGav]

Oh dear, doesn't sound good. As I say though, changing the oil did help considerably.

[WhoreSaab]

I've had a full flush and no joy, guess I'll have to put up with it.

[gawdlpus]

The 5 speed auto gearboxes do break down and it sound like you'll need replacement ones.
The dealer where I work (Saab specialist) won't touch them now as we had so many problems with them.