98 Saab 900 Se Turbo Manual
Overview The 1994 Saab 900 was the first new 900-series model in 15 years. It retained its front-wheel drive and rode on a longer wheelbase, but was two inches shorter and was the first Saab to offer a V6. Initially offered as a 4-door hatchback in both 900S and 900SE trim, the 2-door hatchback and convertible arrived later in the year. Two-doors and convertibles came equipped with a turbocharged 185-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The 900S came with a 150-horsepower, 2.3-liter 4-cylinder.
The 900SE 4-door came with the new 170-horsepower 2.5-liter V6. A 5-speed manual was standard and a 4-speed automatic was optional.
Standard were dual airbags and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes. Yearly Updates 1995 900 Model lineups and powertrain combinations remain unchanged for 1995. 1996 900 The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine becomes available on the 4-door model for ’96 and can be paired with a 4-speed automatic for the first time. The optional V6 comes only with the automatic transmission for ’96. Appearance changes include a standard rear spoiler for the 2-door and rear body panel styled to blend with the headlamps.
1997 900 The primary change for 1997 is the addition of larger front brakes, designed to aid stopping performance and extend pad life. 1998 900 Saab drops the V6 engine in all 900 models. A replacement model called the 9-3 would arrive for ’99. The 900S comes with a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder, previously available only in the Saab 9000. It provides 150 horsepower at 5700 rpm and 155 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. The 900SE 5-door comes with the new V6, a 2.5-liter unit derived from one used by both Vauxhall and Opel.
It delivers 170 horsepower at 5900 rpm and 167 pound-feet of torque at 4200 rpm. With both engines, a 5-speed manual is standard and a 4-speed automatic is optional. The automatic is Saab’s first 4-speed unit and features electronic controls that provide a choice of “sport,” “economy,” or “winter” settings.
The latter allows the car to start out in third gear, to avoid wheel spin. While awaiting the arrival of new convertible models, Saab continues to sell holdover ragtops with either the 2.1-liter engine or the old 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. The 2.1-liter offers 140 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 133 pound-feet of torque at 2900 rpm.
1998 Saab 900 Se Turbo Repair Manual
Saab’s turbocharged 4-cylinder from the ’93 model provides 160 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 188 pound-feet of torque at 4300 rpm. Saab is also providing 500 Commemorative Edition versions of these convertibles (both 900 and 900 Turbo models) with special black paint and trim, with the more potent 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder delivering 185 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 1994 pound-feet of torque at 2100 rpm. This new Saab retained its upright stance and stuck to its hatchback design. As a result, it preserved such virtues as generous head and leg room, plus enormous cargo space from what is basically a very compact car. However, mainstream buyers may find the key position is too disorienting and the cabin too narrow.
The dashboard is little changed, so most controls are close at hand. But the power-window buttons are mounted between the seats rather than on the door panels where they’d be more convenient to operate. The V6 feels strong and smooth, and works particularly well with the new 4-speed automatic. It shifts quickly and consistently with no hesitation. It downshifts smoothly, eagerly providing all the passing power you need. The 900’s 2.3-liter 4-cylinder has adequate power with the manual, but feels underpowered when paired with the automatic.
Body lean is evident when taking turns at speed, but these cars have a generally sporty feel, with precise steering and excellent grip. The taut suspension provides excellent control, but combines with the modest wheelbase for a ride that’s choppy enough over rough pavement to deter some buyers. Wind and road noise are disconcerting at highway speeds.
98 Saab 900 Se Turbo
Trouble Spots Climate control Description: If blower on the automatic climate control quits working, the control unit may have failed. (1994-98) Engine fan Description: The battery may go dead because the cooling-fan relay, which allows the fan to run 10 minutes after the engine is turned off, keeps the fan on. (1994-96) Hard starting Description: The turbo bypass valve is secured with plastic clamps that break, causing hard starting and poor drivability. (All) Poor drivability Description: Stumble, stalling, or hesitation during the first minute after startup is corrected by replacing the engine-control computer. (1994-95) Audio system Description: Scratches or microscopic cracks in the rear-window heater grid cause interference in the radio when the rear defroster is turned on. (All) Transmission leak Description: The gear-selector shaft seal is prone to leak on manual transmissions. (1994-96) Battery Description: Due to faulty time delay relay, electric cooling fan may not turn off.
This usually results in a dead battery. Recall History 1994 Description: On some manual front seats, trigger springs at fore/aft lever do not properly lock the seat rails. 1994 hatchback Description: Weld omitted from manual driver’s-seat rails. 1994 Description: Weld points for side-protection beam in rear door may be out of position. 1994-95 Description: Welds on recliner may be missing, allowing seatback to fall backward when under load.
98 Saab 900 Se Convertible
1994-95 w/manual shift Description: It is possible to move shift lever into reverse, remove key, and still be in neutral. 1994-97 Description: Corrosion can cause throttle lever to bind. 1994-98 Description: Instructions for properly aiming headlights were omitted.
1995 w/Bosch “Motronic 2.10.3” Description: Upon startup, engine speed may fluctuate for up to 30 seconds. 1995 convertible Description: Steering-column shaft may be misaligned.
1995 Description: Some vehicles may have defective airbag electronic control units, causing an electrical short and possible deployment. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts. 1996 Description: Seatbelt anchorage on some cars may not properly secure the occupant in an accident. 1997-98 Description: Airbag alert label on driver’s sunvisor was omitted. 1998 Description: Static electricity can build up within the passenger-side airbag module and create enough of a charge to cause an inadvertent airbag deployment.