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Daft oil question

4K views 20 replies 10 participants last post by  Marcus_Griffiths 
#1 ·
OK, I know this is a silly question... Ever since I've had my R-reg 95 I've found it hard to read the oil level off the dipstick. In the last couple of days that the oil pressure warning light flashes on when I go round hard right turns. I checked the dipstick on the way to work this morning and found that once it's been cleaned and redipped, it comes out dry

Question is, if I'm off the bottom of the dipstick, how much oil should I be putting in? I've found that I normally need to put a litre in every 3-4 months, is this too much?

It's due for its annual service next month, so I'll be sure to get them to check if the oil consumption is excessive.
 
#3 ·
Numbersix - well I think I'd be Walking to the garage to get some oil.

Remember that if the oil isn't showing on the dipstick - then what oil is left is going to be working very hard indeed - that small quantity is having to do it all - oil is much more than just a lubricant - it slso performs the functions of cooling and cleaning.

That'll be a big Ahhh in sympathy for the poor old oil then!

Oil consumption should negligible - should we assume numbersix that your car has done a fair few miles then?
 
#5 ·
Most cars have about 1 litre between min & max...... I don't know the specifics for the 9-5

Don't drive your car again until you have filled the car to at least the minimum mark. Read the dipstick when the car has been idle on a level surface for at least 30 minutes to allow all the oil to flow back into the sump. It sounds like you need well over a litre so you may as well buy a container with 4 litres in.

Generally speaking, once the oil warning light comes on, it is too late, bearing damage has been done.

I hope you have been lucky.
 
#6 ·
Thanks for the replies chaps. I've checked the level again now the car's been sat level for a few hours and there is a little oil on the dipstick.

I'll wander down to the town at lunchtime and buy a few more litres and hope I've been lucky. The warning light has only come on for a split second 3 times or so in the last few days and only when I've been cornering quickly.

The car hasn't even done 50k yet, so I've booked it in for a service tomorrow and I hope they can sort it all out.

Cheers,

#6.
 
#8 ·
No relation, which is probably a good thing

btw, in answer to an earlier question, I can't see any obvious leaks or puddles of oil beneath the car after being left standing from Friday night to Monday morning. I don't seem to be getting any smoking either.

Cheers,

#6
 
#10 ·
Originally posted by numbersix:
[qb] Ever since I've had my R-reg 95 I've found it hard to read the oil level off the dipstick.   [/qb][/b]
I find mine hard to read also, what I can't understand is why Saab changed from the 'clear as day' big shiny steel blade dipstick to the piece of wire with a black plastic blob on the end. The plastic bit has to be absolutely clean and dry to be able to find the oil level on it, it's even worse when the oil is clean and clear coloured.
The old blade ones you could see at a glance.
GM progress???
 
#11 ·
Originally posted by MarcusG:
[qb] QUOTE
Originally posted by John Worth:
[qb] ...Oil consumption should negligible - [/qb][/b]
My wood-burner uses less than that!! I've put a litre in for the last 14K. I'd certainly be looking for leaks or excessive smoking. How are the piston ring? [/qb][/b][/quote]Hmm. Mine used a whole gallon over similar miles. Of course the dealer told me "they all do that at first, sir, it should settle down after 10-15K..."
 
#13 ·
Well, the local dealer has looked at it this morning. Apparently the oil was leaking out of the turbo due to excess play on the turbine. The turbo replacement plus a few other things thrown up by the 66,000 mile service (on a car that's done under 50k, can't understand that) is going to stiff me 2200pounds

Thanks for the assistance and I'm now about to go and sell all my worldy possesions to pay for the repairs.
 
#14 ·
I recently had a turbo replaced on a 4 year old car, and Saab UK coughed up half the cost (it was still £690 on top of which I then got another £500 through a RAC warranty claim).

If you can't get Saab to help out with the cost (the garage should be able to put in a goodwill claim for you), I'd investigate getting one of the specialists to fix it. For example:

http://www.abbottracing.com/2003/tuning/9-...ne/9-5_gt17.htm
 
#21 ·
Sorry to hear your troubles with Saab GB Customer Relations.

However, don't expect too much from them. Customer Relations is a misnomer! From my experience they don't want to relate at all. I think we should all write directly to the CEO Jonathan Nash at Saab. Maybe then they will shake up CR and get something done about it.

His email address is jonathan.nash@saab.co.uk

By the way, Saab AB weren't any better for me. I sent two emails to them directly and they have not even bothered to acknowledge them!

Best of luck!
 
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