More interesting little tidbits on my current sources of 9-5 frustration — I promise that it’s getting better!! Additionally, some challenges facing the 900 Convertible.

First, a big shout out to new sponsor Saab USA Parts for some needed small accessories for the 9-5 and the 900. I clicked through and ordered from them just prior to learning that they were actually a full-time TS sponsor — their Google ads show up here on virtually every visit I make to TS. Saab USA Parts were quick to deliver the lower shock bushings despirately needed on the 900 and some great-looking lug covers for the 9-5. For those of you with a 9-5 or 9-3 built in the late 1990′s and early 2000′s, you may have noticed that the lugs on your car tend to dull and even corrode a little. This is strictly a cosmetic issue that doesn’t compromise the lug bolts, but it is an annoying reality. The set of Saab lug covers covers them nicely. I’ll photograph the before and after once the rain lets up long enough to wash the car and do it properly.

After a quick trip to my Saab indy shop, I’ve tracked down 95% of the issues outstanding on the 9-5. I’ve gotten the blend door repair done (thank goodness) and I’ve installed a new cabin fan motor because my original repair (I extended the motor brushes about one-half inch [12 cm]) failed after nearly a year of service. My check engine light is now off thanks to a quick reseat and epoxy of the raised mount for the evaporative pressure sensor on the top of the gas tank. If you have a 9-5 that consistently shows a “Tighten Fuel Filler Cap” error on the SID, you may have a similar breach of pressure on your car — it’s most common in warmer climes. The sensor is on the upper ridge of the circular opening for the fuel pump. Not the most convenient place, but not bad. Finally, I’ve also purchased a set of front brake rotors simply because mine need replacing as could be the case with any 88,000-mile (140,000 km) vehicle. They will go on very shortly.

Once the brake rotors are on (next weekend, perhaps?), the 9-5 should be ready for some upgrades. Window tint is a must, and I think that I’ll repaint some more of the trim (the black belt-line and lower body extensions have been refinished). The console needs some attention as does the headliner covering the sunroof. Very minor things. I’ve also been studying the ECU upgrades for the 1999 9-5 SE (2.3 lpt) that boost engine output 70 hp or so. Of course, if I get the ECU reprogram/mod, I’ll need new tires. These mods are a little pricey, so I’m not sure that I’ll go that far with this particular car.

For the 1988 900 Convertible, things are a little up in the air at the moment. Since the 9-5 was in the shop, I drove the ‘vert to the aiport last week and had to call for a tow to make it back home. The electricals simply shut down about 1/4 of the way home. I’ve not been able to fully diagnose it yet, but I believe that I’ve either got a failed alternator diode assembly or I need to rebuild/replace the alternator completely. Additionally, I think that I’ve got a power steering leak that created a little puddle on the concrete. Add these things to the growing list of other repairs needed on the convertible and I’m not sure that it’s worth plowing much more work into, I’m afraid. Believe me, a twenty-year-old car has a lot of things ready to fail at a moment’s notice.

Don’t get me wrong — I’ll have a 900 of some type, but it may be time to find another one that’s in better condition and use the parts from mine to fix it rather than the other way around. I’ll write another post on that in the near future.

In the meantime, anybody have a 900 to spare? I need to go for a drive!!