Maintenance

Hey Dan,

9-3's with 4 cylinder engines have a chain. No schedule to replace it ever.

Yes, there is a major scheduled service that occurs at 60k miles, but the main reason you see so many at that mileage is because that is about where a

4 year old car should be, mileage-wise. That said, if you buy one right at or near the 60k mark, expect that the PO has not performed this service, as it is fairly expensive. You can call local SAAB stealers or independant garages and they will quote you for the job. Seems like I remember it being about $600-700 at the local dealership here. But if you are handy, it is all fairly easy stuff to do (filters, oil change, coolant change, flush brake lines, etc.) and you can save a bundle doing it yourself.

Here's what's on the recommended list at 60k

Preliminary:

Check exterior lights

Check / replace windshield wipers

Engine Compartment: cold

Replace spark plugs (NGK PFR 7H-10 Gap=1.0mm torque = 19 lb/ft))

Replace air filter (SAAB P/N 4876074)

Check power steering fluid level (CHF-11S)

Check windshield washer fluid level

Replace engine drive-belt and check tensioner function. (Conti

6 PK 2345 mm)

Inspect evaporative control system including filler cap, vapor lines and charcoal can

Check crankcase ventilation and vacuum lines

Check battery state of charge and electrolyte level. Clean terminals if required

Change cabin air filter

Flush cooling system and refill with SAAB coolant

Engine Compartment: warm engine

Change Engine Oil and Filter (Mobile 1 5W30 - 4.2 qts)

Chassis:

Check operation of parking brake

Check manual gearbox fluid level (SAAB Synthetic Manual Gearbox Oil )

Replace fuel filter

Check fuel system including tank for leaks

Lubricate door hinges, stops and locks and check operation

Chassis: (wheels off)

Rotate tires. Inspect tires for uneven wear.

Flush / Fill Brake fluid (DOT4 only)

Check brake pad thickness

Check brake hoses and lines

Check ball joint clearances, outer and inner steering joints and rubber boots

Inspect shock absorbers and bushings for tightness and condition.

Inspect inner and outer drive shaft joint boots

Inspect the exhaust system and mounting

Check tires and tire pressure (33psi front and back)

Check spare tire and pressure (50 psi)

Check Front Wheel Toe-in (1.5mm +/- .5mm measured on rim)

Final:

Check SRS warning lamp, visual inspection

Check condition and operation of seat belts

Reset TIME FOR SERVICE Indicator (press clear for >8 sec until "SERVICE")

Carry out road test

By the way...

I am selling mine. It's a 2000 9-3SE Convertible. You can check it out if you want at:

Of course, all of the above stuff has already been done on mine... ;-)

-Fred W

There is no fixed mileage for the chain. But should be replaced if it is noisy AND worn. Notice how carefully I wrote this since it is controversial if it need replacement when noisy. Replacing the chain at a dealer garage is a big and costly operation, although that should be factored into by the high mileage for the chain. Hence when buying secondhand it is important to know status. It is worth while to replace the sprocket wheels at the same time.

Not sure if it applies directly to newer models, but early 90's 2.3L engines, the test of the amount of wear for the chain is to remove the tensioner (after first removing 6the pressure spring) and look at how far extended it is. There is a spec for it which for my '92 and '93's was 11mm. If the tensioner is extended that much or more you will want to replace the chain. The maximum tensioner extension is a little more than this much (maybe 15mm?) so your chain is still under tension at 11mm, but it does not have much longer to go.

In my '92 with questionable previous maintenance, the chain tensioner was maxed out at 80k miles. The chain was flopping around and making a lot of noise. I had to replace it and all the guides, as well as the sprockets and chain for the balance shafts.

In my daughter's '93, the tensioner was right at 11mm at 120k miles, (again, unknown earlier maintenance) I went ahead and replaced the chain when I had the head off for a head gasket, but I'm guessing it would have been OK for another 50-60 k miles.

The key is regular oil changes and not overheating the engine (which damages the guides).

-Fred W

This is for the 1993 and older engines. I am not sure if this applies to the 2000 models. I would suspect some changes have been made in 7 or

8 years. Anyone know for sure?

Thanks for the info. While a convertible would be my first choice, four doors and solid all around is what the wife (and 18 month old daughter) requires. Anyway I bought a 2001 9-3 this weekend! Just over 60K miles. I got the stealer to preform all scheduled maintenance (with documentation). It was a good day. Thanks again Dan

Godd luck with the "new" car! I hope "stealer" was a mistype and not a comment on the dealer :-)