1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I was gonna save this post for tonight, but since I'm not getting any work done anyway....
Replaced my ignition switch this weekend. Did a preventive replacement of bulbs for the ignition switch, the auto tranny gear indicator, and the lighter while I was at it (Sylvania bulb from any auto parts store, I think #2721). Also put in a $7 Saab-only bulb in the window switch pack. The switch can be purchased for $120 online (eeuroparts.com). My dealer wanted $138 for the switch and 3.0 hours labor install, so I saved over $200.
It's a PITA but doable. I'm glad I tackled it at home. The job took me about 3.5 hours total, but I was slow and deliberate, and I lacked a long enouch socket extension, causing some difficulty in two places. You need a 10mm socket, Torx 20 and 25 bits, a long socket extension (probably a 1/4" extension for these bit sizes). I think I could do it in about 2-2.5 hours now. The job is slightly harder if you have a manual tranny, apparently.
The tricky parts for me were dealing with the center console wiring, removing the gear selector lever loose and pulling the switch. The last two things are where I really needed a longer socket extension. It took me a while to get the new switch in place. I struggled for a while but got it. Much of the cloth tape that Saab uses around wiring was loose with sticky residue everywhere. I retaped some for the heck of it. I forgot to reconnect the air selector lever (don't have ACC) so had to go back and redo that.
Past posts (search archives) confirm the job is not fun but doable. Anders called it an "upper-end DIY job."
I strongly recommend a Haynes manual or the offical Saab "interior" manual for instructions on removing the floor and center console. The job is doable without these if you're confident, but I like the guidance.
If you want details, email me off list. I copied a bunch of the posts on switch replacement into a single text file, so I can save you the searching. Any other questions, let me know.
Derek / 1994 900 SE V6 132,350mi and happy with a new ignition switch
posted by 152.3.1...
, Mon, 23 Jun 2003 09:56:16
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
