Recently bought a 1987 900i Auto. Towed Caravan but got funny smell from autoxbox transmission fluid. Have completely changed the fluid because it looked very weak, no viscosity. Should I have an oil cooler fitted for towing? If so, do Saab make one?

Sorry Brian,

No experience of the autobox. Towed a horsebox and a Rover 2200TC on trailer with my 900T no problem, but thats a manual.
I would have thought the standard auto box should tow OK in the UK(?) climate. Probably best to give you local dealer a quick call, unless someone else out there can help

Adrian

Hi Brian.
Be warned! I previously towed a caravan with a CS 2.3 full turbo auto, but only on high days and holidays and not too far. I changed auto fluid (3.5 litres of the 8 litres capacity) at EVERY service i.e. 6000 miles. I worked on the principal that oil is cheaper than gearboxes, but still got caught for a grand's worth of transmission rebuild at 170,000 miles. The engineer said most faults were heat related and if I intended to continue towing or driving hard (me?) then he could supply a universal remote fitting additional cooler for about £100 or so. I've since changed the car for a manual.
That was the ZF 'upside-down' box in the 1992 9000 and I know nothing of the 900 box.
I remember seeing an ad in a recent Caravan Club mag regarding such universal fitting coolers, if you're interested I'll dig out the phone number etc...
Regards, Jerry.

Found it!

Kenlowe of Maidenhead will supply a 'simple to fit' aux trans cooler kit for around £83.82 + VAT. Tel: 01628 823303 / Fax: 01628 823451.

If you'd rather not fit it yourself, Chester Auto Trans Centre (Tel: 01244 288026) advertise full auto box service + additional cooler fully fitted for £200 + VAT. DIY cooler kit supply only is quoted at £80 + VAT.

If you're nearer East Anglia, phone Suffolk Auto Trans Specialists on 01440 786555.

Or there's Yellow Pages...

That should take the burnt smell away from your fluid, unless of course your torque converter's already shot...

Regards, Jerry.