1. Home
  2. SAAB Cars Forum
  3. '95 900 SE Alternator Questions

'95 900 SE Alternator Questions

Noticed a whine coming from the vicinity of my v-belt. At the same time my 'Check Engine' light has been coming on and turning off. Brought it in for diagnostic read from the OBD and it indicated a 'knock'. Service center thinks it is picking up a fault from the alternator as the bearings are the culprit for the whine.

Questions:

- Anyone have a similar situation (I just turned 100k miles and service center says the alternator typically goes at that time)?

- Anyone replace an alternator on a V6 model on their own? What am I up against?

- I plan on having it rebuilt. Any concerns vs. buying SAAB new ($550).

Appreciate the replies/suggesstions.

john snipped-for-privacy@bellsouth.net

Reply to
casadontej
Loading thread data ...

The bearings in the alternator of the I4 motor are known for going bad too early. If it's the same alternator on the V6 then it sounds reasonable. Make sure it's not the A/C though.

I'm suspicious about the "knock" code. I know that the I4 can be super sensitive to battery/charge condition and that can cause run time problems. I was not aware of the V6 having those issues (no ignition cassette, less sensitivity). But, I suppose it's possible. You can also check your plugs (or just do them) and make sure you are using gas with enough octane to avoid serious knock. A flash on/off CEL usually means misfires in the ignition (bad plugs, coil, etc). A knock sensor sometimes shows up as bad when there is another issue with combustion.

I'd do the alternator, see if the codes go away. I doubt they will. Unless the bearings were so bad they were impacting power generation it seems like a stretch to say the alternator is the cause.

Reply to
Bob

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.