Help! 3 Saab mechanics can't figure out my problem
10-03-2011, 06:23 PM
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Help! 3 Saab mechanics can't figure out my problem
Version:1.0 StartHTML:0000000105 EndHTML:0000005159 StartFragment:0000002334 EndFragment:0000005123 @font-face { font-family: "Times New Roman"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }table.MsoNormalTable { font-size: 10pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } I have had 3 mechanics look at this problem and none of them can figure it out.
I have a 1999 Saab 9-3 standard transmission with 150,000 miles. The problem is that, when driving, the car will start to shudder, then lose power, then stall. It will start back up right away, but the problem will re-occur - and quicker this time. Eventually, after several re-starts, the car will die immediately upon starting.
If I try to start it the next day, it may be fine or the problem may occur again. There does not appear to be any commonality for when the problem occurs. I can be driving along in 5th gear and it will happen, it may happen after downshifting, etc. - basically any time.
The first mechanic replaced the ignition cassette (for $600). That didn't help. He then replaced the map sensor (for $200). Still not fixed. Several people told me that it sounded like the clutch was going. I took it to another mechanic who replaced the clutch ($1400 - and he didn't bother to test drive it first). Not fixed. He checked the fuel pressure and said it was fine. Crank sensor appears to be all-right. He thinks it is an electrical problem, but was unable to determine where. He SAID that he brought in an electrical specialist who could also not find the problem.
I have now spent $2200 NOT fixing this problem and basically have an inoperable vehicle. Does anyone have any ideas what this might be?
Many thanks,
Richard
I have a 1999 Saab 9-3 standard transmission with 150,000 miles. The problem is that, when driving, the car will start to shudder, then lose power, then stall. It will start back up right away, but the problem will re-occur - and quicker this time. Eventually, after several re-starts, the car will die immediately upon starting.
If I try to start it the next day, it may be fine or the problem may occur again. There does not appear to be any commonality for when the problem occurs. I can be driving along in 5th gear and it will happen, it may happen after downshifting, etc. - basically any time.
The first mechanic replaced the ignition cassette (for $600). That didn't help. He then replaced the map sensor (for $200). Still not fixed. Several people told me that it sounded like the clutch was going. I took it to another mechanic who replaced the clutch ($1400 - and he didn't bother to test drive it first). Not fixed. He checked the fuel pressure and said it was fine. Crank sensor appears to be all-right. He thinks it is an electrical problem, but was unable to determine where. He SAID that he brought in an electrical specialist who could also not find the problem.
I have now spent $2200 NOT fixing this problem and basically have an inoperable vehicle. Does anyone have any ideas what this might be?
Many thanks,
Richard
10-11-2011, 10:44 AM
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
Well, based on some of the input here, the mechanic looked at the crank sensor, decided it was worn, and replaced it ($250). I drove away and, almost immediately, the check engine light came on and the car stalled like it always has.
I haven't taken it in yet to see what the check engine light is. I've asked about the purge valve which he says he's checked and is working. Asked about the catalytic converter, but he says that it would lose power first if the cat was clogged - which it doesn't. It will die going up a hill, at a stop sign, or on level road. But will drive fine until it starts stuttering.
Mechanic is currently looking for a used computer to throw in and see if that's the cause, but he doesn't seem very confident.
I haven't taken it in yet to see what the check engine light is. I've asked about the purge valve which he says he's checked and is working. Asked about the catalytic converter, but he says that it would lose power first if the cat was clogged - which it doesn't. It will die going up a hill, at a stop sign, or on level road. But will drive fine until it starts stuttering.
Mechanic is currently looking for a used computer to throw in and see if that's the cause, but he doesn't seem very confident.
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