2.3l 9000 Auto-Trans

[lj21]

Hi All
After reading some messages, the auto box on Saab seems to be a common failure and costly to repair - very scary $$$. A regular maintenance hopefully should help to extend the life of the auto box. So, I asked some Saab mechanics to change the auto box oil on my '93 9000, one said that you can never fully drain and replace the oil. The other one said that you have to buy a kit (filter) then flush the oil and replace it. What is the best way to maintain the auto box on 9000 ? Can a premature failure be detected from visual inspection ? Any thought ?
Thanks & Regards,
LJ.

[s.s.d.d]

hi
yer when u dip the autobox oil if its dark brown and smells of burning then thers a good chance of bands or plates been or starting to slip and when it come to changing the auto box fluid thers always around 6pints left in the converter so its worth draining the refilling with new fluid then run the car then drain again then change the fillter . iots a lot of oil but peace of mind

[Harry Lake]

I've been reading things like this for some years now, and my impression is that the Saab auto box is no more likely than any other to give up the ghost. This is hardly surprising since it comes from ZF, if I am correctly informed - the people who have been making auto gearboxes for loads of carmakers for years, alongside Zeppelins of course.

The problems arise mainly because there is always an unruly element in any group of young men. If everyone were an old codger like me, our gearboxes, auto or otherwise, would last for ages and ages. That's not to say I don't like putting my foot down occasionally, but there are people who couldn't care less what happens to their car - even among Saab drivers. Personally, I say they should have their Saabs taken away from them and given to us. Then they can be given the car that really suits them, the German one, and then they can be put in prison.

[Togg]

As a codger myself I can only second Harry's excellent proposal. I confidently expect my 83k autobox to outlast me!

[billj]

Yes, it is best to replace the fluid, then drive 100 miles or so and replace again, because it is not possible to drain all the fluid out in one go. It is recommended to replace the filter (actually more of a gauze strainer). Cheap enough from the likes of Euro Car Parts. The strainer can also be cleaned.

I'd say that once the fluid has been flushed and replaced, the scheduled drain/refill every 2 years or 12000 miles along with a filter replacement or clean should be fine.

[wrighar]

Originally posted by Togg:
[qb]As a codger myself I can only second Harry's excellent proposal. I confidently expect my 83k autobox to outlast me! * * * * * * *[/qb][/b]

My local garage has a tuned 2.3 T on it's original Auto box.

The car was rebuilt after a side impact in the 90's and only came off the road a few months ago after another knock.

Milage is over 285,000m

Andrew

[jonp]

~~~~~"The problems arise mainly because there is always an unruly element in any group of young men. If everyone were an old codger like me, our gearboxes, auto or otherwise, would last for ages and ages. That's not to say I don't like putting my foot down occasionally, but there are people who couldn't care less what happens to their car - even among Saab drivers. Personally, I say they should have their Saabs taken away from them and given to us. Then they can be given the car that really suits them, the German one, and then they can be put in prison."~~~~~~~

Well as a 25 year old Saab driver all i can say to that is..... I have a carlsson and its fun...Hmmmm torque steer.

[slidejules]

Actually that's an interesting point. Maybe a good idea for a survey - how many people reading this who have had auto box failures, would say they drive their cars in an unruly fashion? (particularly in 1st/2nd gear?)

[Tricxy]

Yes JonP, you've just proved a point - not sold your E28 yet have you!

Years ago Dad sold a 165k 9000 SE Turbo auto with a bit of extra go. Last I heard it was still on the original 'box at 190k.

Chris

[jonp]

Sorry Trixy,

You are correct i am a hooligan in my car. Nowt to do with my age though.

[Andy Bowles]

Slidejules,

Now the second car's autobox (the Griffin, not the manual CSE) is just starting to show signs of being on the way out - having selector problems when pulling away in 3rd and drive - I am making the most of it and really "driving" it as a manual until I can get box fixed up

Andy.

[Barra]

Yes I am an autobox codger from down under and I do really love the second gear urge and the front wheels fighting for traction. I have got a boost uprate and reckon I'm good for 210bhp so as a precaution when I got the car with 190k on the clock I drained the auto box and cooler fitted a new filter and refilled with Nissan Matic "D" fluid which is about the best money can buy and it is really good and smooth and from many past experience's as an ex Nissan technical manager I reckon thats the best way to make e'm last :