Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2000 21:26:59 +0100 From: "G.L. Lammers" <a-g-lammersnopsamet.nl> Subject: 9.5 imported from Middle east to Europe - running 'rough' with cold engine
I imported a mid 1998 Saab 9.5 - 2.0ltr (automatic gears) from the Middle east to Holland last year July. The first 9 months in the Middle east the car was run on leaded fuel (due to the non-availablity of unleaded). Prior to shipment to Europe a new catalytic converter was installed and since then the car was run on unleaded fuel (RON 95) only. Initially there were no problems with the car in Holland but since the colder season started the car is running occasionally 'rough' (engine vibration) when the engine is cold and driving at 80 to 100 km/h. I had the car checked at the Saab dealer a couple of times and the engine management software has been upgraded twice now. Spark plugs have been changed out as well as the lamda sensor has been changed out as well as it did not apear to function. When the engine has warmed up the problem is gone. Also every time after being checked by the dealer it seemed to have improved, but gradually the problem comes back. When I checked the spark plugs they were quite black. Last week I was called by a someone who had imported exactly the same car and has exactly the same problem - a 'mirror image' which I found striking. I passed the problem again back to the dealer and also informed them of the similarity with the other car. They promised me to check with the Dutch Saab import company. The dealer is quite helpfull and I trust they will find the problem but meanhwile I wonder if anyone else has got the same experience, I know there are some more ex-Middle east cars in Holland/Europe. Gert Lammers