Date: Thu, 05 Jul 2001 14:15:18 GMT From: "KeithG" <noonenopsaml.com> Subject: Re: New Owner Saab 900
First, let's perform a complete checkup on the cooling system. Replace any degraded cooling system hoses. I'd replace the thermostat and temp switch for good measure. If it is low on coolant (probable, due to the fluctuating temp gage and no heat), determine why. It could be a water pump seal, loose hose clamp, leaking coolant reservoir, leaky radiator, head gasket, split hose. Get a Bentley manual for the car. It is an easy 40.00 and well worth it. No power or illumination - there are 3 bulbs which illuminate this area. First make sure that the rheostat is turned up. It is a round knob to the outboard side of the steering wheel. If nothing happens when you turn it, it may be bad (check fuses). Easiest is to pull the dash pad off and short the 2 leads together. This gives you full bright. It could be bad bulbs, too. I'd bet on the rheostat, though. bougicord wires, bosch cap & rotor, and NGK plugs as in the owner's manual regards, Keith "Eric" <RX718nopsamv.net> wrote in message news:22471-3B440AC8-28nopsamefull-246.iap.bryant.webtv.net... > Last night a friend of mine gave me a white 87' 900s non-turbo 5spd > manual. > The car is in wonderful shape and very clean. > It has 147,000 miles on it. > > The cars seems to have a few bugs so far that I noticed on the drive > home to my house. I plan on spending some time to bring the car back to > proper order. I have mechanical knowledge, but know nothing about Saabs. > I would like to hear some opinions from people who know these cars well > and know some of the common problems they have, to make troubleshooting > the problems a little easier. > > Here are some things I noticed: > > 1)Radio and A/C contol unit has no power or illumination. The A/C > compressor switch is also not working and will not engage the > compressor. Basically everything in this area has no power. Also the > temp control is not changing from cold to warm. > > 2) Temp gauge bounces intermittent. and odometer does not work. > > 3) rattle/popping noise in right front over bumps > Thats all I have noticed so far, I have only had the car a few hours > now. > > I am soon planning on replacing the spark plugs, wires, cap / rotor, > thermostat, and radiator. What are the best brands to use for these > items listed. > > Thanks, > Eric >