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The transmission has 3 plugs. The fill plug is near the top of the transmission, just to the left (driver's side) of the clutch slave cylinder. It has 1/2" pipe threads, and if you have one with a square or hex recess and prefer one you can operate with a wrench, just go to the hardware store and get one with a square on top. Lubricate the threads with grease for easy removal and don't overtighten, it just makes it hard to remove. Put oil in there.
The level plug is several inches forward and several inches down from the fill plug. It has 3/8" pipe threads and may similarly be replaced with a different one to acommodate your tool of choice. This plug is removed for filling and the correct level is when oil starts coming out the level plug hole.
The drain plug is on the bottom and in some years was made to require a specially shaped removal tool to minimize confusion with the engine drain plug. Folks would mistakenly drain the transmission, pour the right amount of oil into the undrained engine, and buzz off down the road--but not real far. If you have the weirdo plug, once you figure out how to get it out, put it in your collection of really weird Saababilia and get one that a conventional wrench will operate. Tighten this one pretty tight, you don't want it falling out.
Replacement plugs of brass are nice and readily available.
Saab made a transmission dipstick p/n 786244 that checks the level through the fill hole so you don't have to take out the level plug. You'll probably find one if you can persuade a dealer to search the dealer network for old stock, or you can make your own. It is not retained in the transmission like most dipsticks, but just inserted after removing the fill plug.
Most people like Redline MTL for transmission fluid. It is synthetic 70W80 (viscosity, or "weight) GL4 (relates to additive content). Most car transmissions call for 80W90 or 90 viscosity, but not Saab. Do not use any oil with a viscosity number higher than 80. I think it takes about two quarts. Changing it once a year will do no harm. If you have leaks, usually at the axle seals, filling a little over the mark, maybe 1/2", will give you more time between topoffs.
posted by 198.69.25...
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