Recently bought a 1994 900 Turbo SE. Not serviced by Saab specialist for the past two years, but well maintained by a local garage. Runs well enough, but find that I'm needing a lot of revs to avoid cutting out and stalling (sitting at junctions, etc). Also frequently have to drop a gear, driving round town, to avoid the same happening. Fuel system problem? Also getting a strong smell from the catalytic converter. Could this need changed, and could it be part of the problem?

New to Saabs. Live on an island, so no specialists to hand.

Any advice appreciated.

Just a guess - but it may be something to do with the Lambda (Oxygen) sensor...

On the basis that this sits in the exhaust in front of the catalyst to measure fuel/air mix. Maybe it's running the car too rich (less likely) or too lean.

Only other candidate to my way of thinking might be fuel pump - how does it cope on warm restarts?


Phil.

Thanks for that Phil. More I think about it, and based on my limited experience of other engines, the more it feels/sounds like a fuel system problem, though that's also interesting info on the oxygen sensor.
It's irritating me so much that I've decided to take a ferry trip and drive 300 miles to a Saab specialist in the next few weeks, so hopefully that'll sort it all out!

Cheers

DaveF

What kind of mileage are you getting? Do you have any CELs? If you replace the front O2 sensor, get the OEM sensor since aftermarket sensors require connection/soldering to the OEM connector and the resistance tolerences are smaller on an OEM sensor... Ron

You've probably already discounted the direct ignition cassette? Idle control valve?
HTH
Al

Lots you can do before the long drive. Hope you're into DIY.... (quite a long post..)

1. Check to make sure you have the correct spark plugs. Use only NGK BCPR7ES, gapped to 1.0 mm. (The 'R' in the part number refers to resistor-type spark plugs.)
http://genuinesaab.com/psi/files/sparkplugsdi.htm

1a. You'll have to remove the DI cassette to get at the spark plugs. Don't have to unplug it, though.
http://bellsouthpwp.net/m/a/mattiaso/WebPages/Auto/DI.htm

2. Check all your vacuum hoses, replacing is best. They crack and leak, causing problems like this. I think it's 4 mm standard from any auto shop supplier, you'll need about 5 meters to be safe. Replace one at a time so you don't get confused. About an afternoon's worth of DIY and a couple of pints. Note that some fittings can get quite brittle with age, especially the one on the engine cover, so cut the hose off with a sharp cutter, or you may just end up replacing a broken fitting as well.

3. Clean the IAC (Idle Air Control) valve. You'll need some carb cleaner and some penetrating oil (Not WD40!!). The cover for the turbo model unclips from the plenum post (Picture 9a and 9b.)
http://pages.infinit.net/mlbriand/saab/iac/page1.html

3a. While you're replacing the vacuum hoses as in step 2., make sure the white check valve as seen in picture 9b. just below the yellow oil filler cap works, with the flow direction being towards the throttle body.

4. If the 'Check Engine' light is on, you can use the built-in diagnostics...
http://www.saabcentral.com/~munki/technica...des_trionic.htm (http://www.saabcentral.com/~munki/technical/engine/electrical/cel_codes_trionic.htm)

5. The car uses a MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) sensor to monitor air/fuel ratios. If you look at picture 9b. it's in the top right-hand corner, screwed on to the stiffener. The hose to this sometimes pops out, causing a CEL (Check Engine Light). Putting the hose back doesn't cancel the fault, so the battery may need to be disconnected to do this. Read note 6. before disconnecting the battery, though!!

6. If you disconnect the battery, you will need a radio code when you re-connect it, or you will not have any music till you do. Have this in hand before you disconnect!!

7. Make sure the exhaust/ muffler is not blocked (collapsed internals can stuff up the cat).

Welcome to Saab ownership. ;) Have fun :)

Do let us know how you get on.

Cheers

Vincent in Bangkok

The original query is 9 years old- I think we can assume it's been sorted one way or another now.

Thanks for that, Mark.. :grin: Very seldom, if ever, check original dates... :rolleyes:
My bad.

Me neither...must be King of Fun's fault!! Guess that's why he is so called!

Thanks for that, Mark.. :grin: Very seldom, if ever, check original dates... :rolleyes:
My bad.[/b]
well it still helped me out thenks for not checking the date of orig post