1992 900s alternator - Saab Forums

Silverbullet92 · #1 12-14-2007, 12:05 AM

I just had a battery light pop up on the dash of my 1992 900s and I need a new alternator. Are they easy to replace or is it expensive to fix. I bought the car for 300 bucks with 210,000 miles on it and I'm usin it as a fun little toy. the engine is original and is pretty fast for its age.

Roto · #2 12-14-2007, 04:53 PM

if you use it as a toy, than just DIY...it can't be that difficult. I hear the alternator is on a bracket and people usually remove it with the bracket cause it's supposedly easier. Can't tell for sure since I haven't touched classic 900 at all.

crwchf01 · #3 02-13-2008, 08:24 PM

First things first- have you checked your cables, bonding strap (ground cable) and the nuts and bolts holding it all together to make sure the belt is tight and there is no corrosion on the leads? If the bushings that suspend the alternator are worn out they will let the alternator tilt enough to make the belt slip causing the the light.

crwchf01 · #4 02-13-2008, 08:30 PM

Didn't read the first reply- the bushings I am referring to are on the bracket he mentions. You can find the replacements easy enough, but you usually have to undo the bracket from the block to get the bolt out to change the bushings. you can go rubber or polyurethane, your choice. Most expensive part of this deal is to look around and see if youcan find a Bentley's (not Chiltonor Haynes) repair manual.It will mention a whole bunch of hints tricks and things to right the first time when you try to DIY your 900.

flynnternet · #5 09-26-2010, 06:11 AM

This comes from my now dead '81 900.

The alternator requires a grounding wire as the bushings insulate the alternator from body ground.

I broke my (really corroded) ground wire(s) performing an unrelated task and it had me scratching my head for a few hours until I found it.
IIRC it is connected to the intake above the alternator. Two wires in a crimp ring.