| Troubleshooting Saab problems for vehicles made | | | | Second part refers to mechanical inspection like |
| before 1994 is covered under Saab outboard | | | | compression test, back pressure test (max 2 psi |
| diagnostic 1 system or Saab obd1. This covers all fuel | | | | allowed), fuel test (like regulator and fuel pump |
| injected engines made in early 1980 up to 1993 | | | | pressure) and ignition test (like testing the spark |
| models. Knowing how to use this troubleshooting | | | | integrity). When doing these tests, try using remote |
| process should help you get to the bottom of what's | | | | starter to avoid using the ignition key which will |
| going on inside your engine. | | | | activate the engine computer. If for any reason the |
| Computer-controlled engines and older engines have | | | | computer programming is disturbed by using the |
| one thing in common: they both experience | | | | ignition key, the computer can be reprogrammed by |
| breakdowns that can be tested and repaired with | | | | running the engine for at least 10 minutes. |
| simple troubleshooting steps. The engine computer | | | | 2.) EGR test |
| can do special tests to diagnose vehicle problems | | | | Ported egr valve should be tested for operation by |
| prior to making DIY repairs or taking the car to a | | | | introducing vacuum to the ports and watching the |
| garage. However, on OBD1 Saab engines, there are | | | | engine if it changed rpm during idles. A simple test like |
| necessary procedures before using the engine | | | | checking the egr vacuum hose for cracks or leak can |
| computer for troubleshooting. | | | | be easily performed. If the egr ports are clogged, the |
| For example, if your fuel filter is clogged up and not | | | | egr valve can be removed so the ported holes can |
| allowing enough fuel to be delivered to the engine, | | | | be serviced. |
| you can get trouble codes for oxygen sensor low | | | | 3.) Test for fault codes |
| voltage (too lean) because of it, even though the | | | | The engine fault codes can be retrieved in 2 ways: |
| oxygen sensor itself is fine. This is why a hard code | | | | using a jumper wire in the diagnostic connector or |
| is not necessarily an indicator of a failed sensor which | | | | using an organic scanner good for Saab obd1 codes. |
| a lot of garages will replace as soon as they see the | | | | If possible, reset the code first and then take the |
| code. | | | | code again after a road test to make sure you are |
| Assuming you have a check engine light in your dash | | | | chasing the right fault code. The diagnostic scanner |
| for a 92 S900 Saab indicating a hard failure, | | | | connector is located under right front seat. |
| troubleshooting this can be done in 3 stages. These | | | | Remember: clearing the code can be done either |
| stages of troubleshooting Saab engines for OBD1 | | | | using a scanner or a jumper wiring switch. |
| system are: | | | | Higher gas prices, increasing repair costs and required |
| 1.) Basic test | | | | emissions testing are important reasons for today's |
| First part comprises mostly of visual inspection of | | | | Saab owners to test and tune their cars to keep |
| engine wirings, wiring connections and vacuum | | | | them running smoothly. A detailed report about |
| connections including the routing of the wires and | | | | troubleshooting Saab engine can be found when you |
| vacuum hoses. A damage wire or vacuum hose can | | | | visit the author's website that gives assistance to |
| cause the check engine light to come on even if the | | | | Saab car owners. |
| electronic components (like sensors) are OK. | | | | |