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This was another one of those "hard to get a handle" on situations.
Let me start by saying thanks again to Don, Larry and Mike (and I suppose the other guys in back with the dirty hands!!)
-1st trip in (for front rotor's), I asked them to check the "would not start" and long cranking times to start problem. This had started two days before my scheduled rotor replacement. No codes were found, and all seemed to check out ok. So off we went with new rotors and a "let's see what happens" approach. I did not want to take a chance of the car stranding us in traffic. So I replaced the DI with my 'new in box' backup DI for insurance.
-2nd trip was the next week. After the car stopped twice at stop signs/lights, and once while driving about 25mph. This time the 4 day new DI and spark plugs were replaced, and the crank case positioner was looked at, but not replaced. Somewhat frustrating as that seemed to be the feedback from the board, and the first thing that the sevice writer Larry felt it was. Mike Lynch was nice enough to go check with the mechanic's, who had the same opinion. The reason they could not replace it at this time, was because no concrete info pointed at it, and SAAB wants to be sure before it replaces parts. (This is my conclusion from my talks with Don, my normal service writer) Off for another road test, but this time the tester was my wife!
3)Yep,it stopped again - in traffic... Back to MKB, and this time Don and Mike were able to set us up with a loaner (our back up car (my old F150) should be donated to somebody I want to be stranded!!). The 02 9-3 ragtop was fun, and yes Mike, returned with a topped of gas tank! Thanks for the loaner on such short notice!! (I can't wait to check out the new 9-3 ragtops!!) MKB was able to replace the crank case positioner this time around.
So how do I feel about this? Of course I did not like the first two strikes, but these cars are complicated, and mech's are somewhat dependent upon what the computer codes tell them. From what I have read on this board over the last few weeks, I THINK SAAB SHOULD HAVE A PREVENTATIVE RECALL. THIS IS A VERY HIGH DANGER ITEM - WHEN A CAR STOPS IN TRAFFIC, SOMEONE COULD GET HURT!
I think MKB hit a home run on the third swing. This is a very respected dealer in San Diego (back when cows used to roam (or were they running away from Mike) in the Mission Valley area. SAAB is new to them, and they are making a long term investment in the new show room. It takes time to build a fully staffed 'expert on SAAB' crew. I'm satisfied, and suggest others give them an honest try. (I too had a very positive experience at Continental, so no problems with them.)
The crew at MKB have been very polite, very helpful, and all seem to care.
As Mike mentioned in other posts, we are the same age and have stomped around the same areas. Mikes intensity and care are as evident in person, as they are on this board. He has a salesman of the the year award in his office, and being a SAAB guy, some neat trinkets (my wife calls them dust magnets!!). I suspect Mike is a straight shooter, and will look forward to dealing with him when the time comes for our next SAAB.
Many thanks to the people who helped with input, and to Scott for such a great board!! The archives and search capability are invaluable.
Regards to all,
9-5 Smitty
99 9-5SE 2.3LPT On the road again!!
posted by 198.62....
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