Hi all,

I have just bought a 2001 9-3 lpt SE convertible, automatic, with 43k miles on the clock.
I have a couple of questions that I can't find answers to in the forums. There are some that are that seem similar, but...

1 - Previous owner was told by mechanic that the timing chain may need replacing soon. Are there any telltale signs I should be looking out for? There doesn't seem to be any way of checking this? 43k seems a low mileage for timing chain replacement.

2 - There is a noticeable noise coming from the area of the A/C panel. This noise continues when the car is turned off (for about 5 minutes). It sounds like something spinning/whirring. Is there a belted compressor or the like in the a/c area?

3 - Is it normal for the car to creep in Drive even without the accelerator being pressed?

Also the SID has pixels missing. I've seen the fix for this so I'll be trying it in the next few days.

Otherwise it's a lovely car to drive. The feel good factor is high!
And according to my 6yo and 7yo daughters, it's a 'sweet ride' that 'rocks'!!

Hope I've posted this in the right section. :grin: Very helpful site!

JohnT.

Hi John
Welcome to Saabscene and congrats on your purchase. I can answer a few of your questions. Firstly, timing chains should be good for well over 100k unless the car is still on the original oil! If the chain is rattling then it's worth finding out why but at 43k it really shouldn't be. It is worth having the sump dropped though to check for sludge (and the strainer and oil pick up cleaned). A sludged up engine will fail. Can be a problem on the LPTs if fully synth oil is not used (Saab used semi on the LPT until they realised there was a problem and then switched to fully synth)

I'm not sure about your 2nd point but run a search. I'm sure the answer is on here. Yes, all autos will creep in D without the accelerator being pressed. Worth noting also is that there was recall about a year ago on the ignition cassettes (ignition discharge module in Saab speak) about a year ago. Saab repelaced them free of charge and yours falls into the year range. If your cassette doesn't look nice and matt black then take it into the main dealer to be checked and changed (the cassette is black and sits on top of your engine)

A few other pointers...if starting the engine from cold (overnight) you get blue smoke then the turbo oil seals are on the way out. Get the auto fluid changed at 66k.
Try the S button!! You'll feel the difference....

Hope this helps
Cheers
Al

Hi,
The noise from the AC area is probably the interior temperature sensor on the dashboard that has a small fan that sucks dirt in which makes it noisy. Try to use a powerful vacuum to try and clean it otherwise there are some instructions on the web for dismantlng it. Failing that, buy a replacement from ebay.
Cheers
Howie

Welcome to SaabScene, jjtrred.

As far as the cabin temperature sensor/motor issue. it is an easy remove. Clean the fluff off the sensor itself, and relubricate the slpines on the motor. Some recommend WD40, but I would use silcon grease.

All autos creep forward in D and backwards in R.

I think the reference to a timing chain is mistaken.

The drive belt and pulleys have an inspection/replacement (if necessary) at the 62k service.

HTH

Hi guys. Thanks for the speedy responses!

The previous owner was told of the potential timing chain replacement by a mechanic in the garage he was going to trade the car in with. So I'm planning on taking it to my usual garage and get them to have a look & listen... I've dealt with them for years and know them.

Al, I have tried the 'S' button... :thumbsup: Niice!

I'll get the vacuum cleaner at that temp sensor and see how it goes.

John

Hi all,

Thanks to your help I now have a much quieter (& less fluffy) cabin temp sensor. I did the vacuuming and turned it round.
And, more importantly, following the instructions here and other Saab sites, I now have a fully pixelated SID! Fantastic!

Haven't been to the garage re:timing chain yet, but will in the next couple of days.

This is a great resourse to have available and now I'm a Saabinisto, I hope to be able to contribute in the future.

Happy now, I am!!
John :D