[DAVID MCC]

TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

I have been offered a 1991 - 9000 2.3 Turbo Manual with a known problem of the Traction Control light on constantly. This results in the excelerator pedal being extremely stiff and the car has reduced power and handling, I don’t think the turbo is kicking in when it should and also the car idles quite low until the engine heats up. Also if you press the accelarator quickly and take your foot off the pedal the engine just dies.

Apparently this traction control problem mends itself very, very occasionaly, but only for very short spells. And if the Traction Control light goes off, restoring proper performance and handling, it will come back on if you try to increase the speed of the car.

The chap that is selling the car has replaced the throttle housing twice, believing that this is the problem, but I’m unsure as apparently a throttle housing only needs replaced if it is cracked. Surely this must be something like a sensor or a loose wire/cable somewhere.

It is a lovely car, with full leather interior, alloy wheels and walnut trim. It has done just over 200,000 miles, but what a well finished car. Any help would be great. I’m a bit apprehensive about taking this car on if the problem can’t be solved or the cost is going to be rediculous.

Does anyone know of a good independent Saab mechanic in or around the Glasgow area. Westcars Saab would like me to remortgage to accommodate their hideous tariff!!!

Cheers – David McCausland
Glasgow, Scotland

 

[Mark in Ireland]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

What you need is the fault codes pulled by a dealer or specialist who has ISAT...most will have TECH II but this might give the wrong reference fault.
If you can get the fault codes, post them here as people on this site can reference them for you. If not phone 2 stroke 2 turbo and ask there, very helpful and know more than most about TCS/DI cars.
http://www.twostroke.co.uk/
It might be an easy fix like the TCS solenoid or even a vacuum pipe fallen off but you need those fault codes first.

 

[john]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

Welcome to Saabscene, David

 

[Duncan Edwards]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

As suggested you must take it to a dealer. It is a lousy system at the best of times but can be affected by such silly little things as vacuum hoses or one of the other problems is a corroded throttle position sensor.
The ISAT will show them up. Make sure your dealer has been around a fair while so that they have one. Mine only had the TECH II and never cured my fault. Spent much money in the process which they never refunded! Don't let them throw parts at the car without telling you exactly what they found.
Another dealer (Southampton Saab) plugged it onto the ISAT and within 30 minutes had the fault and cured it. Total cost to me, £0!

They get all my business now.

 

[cdcarlsson]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

Hi David, Welcome to Saabscene!

Saab main dealers aren't the only ones' that have the correct dianostic tools (ISAT, TECH II etc.), some independant Saab specialists own them as well. Dare I say it, but also they can have as much or even (whisper it) more knowledge of faults that occour on older models, as the main dealers don't see them much as the years pile on.

Can anyone recommend a good independant in Glasgow??

Nick.

 

[wrighar]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

Yep, it happens...

First thing to check is all the small black hoses (and their correect fitments and connection)

Then all the connectors (Throttle body, 2 valves and Throttle position sensor (and maybe ecu))

Then the check valves.

Also, when starting the car, do you see the small metal arm on the throttle housing move?

My very 1st bit to check would be the inlet manifold hose to valve on the bulkhead, and the hose right next to that through to the top of the TCS throttle body. The hose on the left of the valve should only be 1-2" long and nt connect to anything.


Andrew

 

[heyes]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

Hi David,

My wife has a 2.3 turbo s 1991 with tc. Had same problems. Contacted Giles at Abbott and told me what to replace. Done cost a we bit but drives perfect now. If you need info contact me.

 

[bigdavy]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

Hi David,
Good to see another Good guy north of the border!

I can tell you there is a good saab specialist in Bishopton just south of glasgow airport, to be honest i havn't personally used them yet (only just started saabing again) but i know a few saab owners who have and have been very happy with them.I plan to use them as and when required, i too have past experience of saab main dealers emptying your bank account!
Here's the details;
Sabco Vehicles
unit 3
Rossland industrial estate
Bishopton
01505 863300

hope they can help!

Davy.

 

[Mark in Ireland]

Re: TCS / ABS / STIFF THROTTLE – HELP!!!

Contacted Giles at Abbott and told me what to replace.  [/b]

Did the same for me but as the standard responce to limp home faults is get a new throttle body, new throttle positioner and new TCS solenoid and it 'almost always' solves the problem didn't fill me with confidence and my credit card limit wasn't high enough to buy those items on a guess.

FYI a main dealer put the vacuum pipes to the TCS solenoid back on the wrong way after putting new brake pipes on. You get 2 starts then on the 3rd start it goes into limp home mode. Tech II said the ECU was duff, £750 to you Sir, I was unconvinced so phoned my mate who has a Saab specialist garage and he said vacuum pipes to the solenoid have been messed around with. He talked me thru the correct position and lo and behold they had put the pipes on wrong. I limped back to the garage and asked them to bring a diagram out of the vacuum pipe layout. The mechanic came out with a book all covered in dust, opened the pages and there was the pipe layout, as my mate was describing it. The pipes were put back to the correct position the ECU was reset and I never had any problems again. If I had believed him I would be out of pocket mega bucks and would still have had a problem.

Get the codes read with ISAT first