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Car Forum / Saab Cars / May 2005

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Saab Recall on early 9-5 lubrication problems

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Bill Jackson - 17 May 2005 03:13 GMT
I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may be
elligible for a repair.

However, they ask that I provide proof that the car had regular oil changes
and give me a chart to fill out.  I've got two problems with this:

1: I 'm the second owner of the car and have nothing up to about 65K miles
when I bought it

2: I do all of my oil changes myself (did one last weekend as a matter of
fact) and pay cash for oil and filters.  I have no receipts.

It appears that my turbo is failing, probably due to this issue as I'm told
that the oil seals are going and I'm getting blow-by.  Don't know if this
was covered by this new 8-year unlimited mileage warranty, but since I have
no "proof" am I screwed?

was this how the recall was done in other countries?  I thought that the
European one didn'thave such requirements?

later
Dexter J - 17 May 2005 03:38 GMT
Salutations:

> I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
> explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may  
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> was this how the recall was done in other countries?  I thought that the
> European one didn'thave such requirements?

> later

Here in Halifax Nova Scotia - yes you are screwed.

The local Service manager here dodged the open SRS recall on a 1993 Aero  
9000 I picked up State-Side despite SAAB USA, SAAB Canada and his own Tech  
telling him that it was an open recall. His position was I should return  
to the States to have it repaired as the VIN number wasn't yet registered  
in Canada - but he would gladly do it for the $2,500 or so involved, which  
would then allow it to be registered in Canada for any future critical  
recalls. There aren't any 'natch.

Where you live - perhaps not.

The folks at SAAB USA (listed in your owners manual under recalls and  
warrantees I think) were very good about providing me with what letters as  
should have been needed to achieve the recall I was facing and a real  
pleasure to speak with if I may say. My take would be that you should  
explain your situation to head office, get a letter faxed out to you  
*then* make you way to your local dealer for a scheduled service round -  
mentioning the recall, handing over the paperwork and explaining that you  
would like it performed before the scheduled service proceeded.

You will be paying for a service round that you could probably do yourself  
- but you gotta feed the beast if you want it to be friendly every so  
often.

Given the vintage of my machine - I am sort of boycotting the local dealer  
and picking up what parts as I need from indie suppliers until the  
org-chart changes there. Too bad - they do have a good tech and great  
parts counter.

Cheers and good luck.

--

Radio Free Dexterdyne Top Tune o'be-do-da-day
Bluegrass Boys - Rolling My Sweet Baby's Arms
http://www.dexterdyne.org/888/157.RAM

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Pooh Bear - 17 May 2005 10:39 GMT
> Salutations:
>
[quoted text clipped - 35 lines]
> would then allow it to be registered in Canada for any future critical
> recalls. There aren't any 'natch.

Couldn't you have taken it back to the USA to have it dealer fixed there ?

Graham
Dexter J - 17 May 2005 15:08 GMT
Salutations:

>> His position was I should return
>> to the States to have it repaired as the VIN number wasn't yet  
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> ?
> Graham

The problem was that without the SRS repair to the 1993 the Canadian  
Government can't register that model year's title here. Ever try to cross  
the USA/Canadian border these days with an unregistered automobile? Hello  
free proctology exam.. :/ ..

Basically, it's a one way shot. They will let the car cross the border  
out-bound from the States - but it must be registered in the destination  
country before it will be allowed back across (either in person or on a  
flatbed).

As it happened, I was picking it up to replace a 9000 that had died. I had  
saved the title and tags (dash, right fender and trunk) as well as several  
other good bits and pieces.

I was then back in touch with the Feds here in Canada explaining my  
problem (got lucky there - the man on my file had owned a SAAB himself)  
and asked what their position was if I put the two cars together and  
registered using the old title.

We decided to list the 1993 as parted out and I registered the shell under  
the old title as salvaged by marrying it together with the 1989  
(pre-airbag) parts (including vin tags). I pulled the SRS light and  
mounted a non-airbag wheel and am still looking for a nice period Momo -  
which I would have done regardless of title anyway.

In the 1993 9000 the airbag is still sort of an extra if you use your  
seatbelts properly and install an earlier set of seatbelt locks.

So - I now have the nicest 1989 9000 Aero you ever saw - all legal too.

However, I should point out that we don't really ever sell off our SAAB's  
so much as run them to the point where they can't pass annual safety  
inspection any-more. Then pull what parts as are still servicable and  
carry over and buy another one.

We recycle.. :) ..

However, if we ever wanted to sell it off (is that formation of swine I  
see flying over?) - I would probably have to complete the SRS repair and  
register back as a 1993 because it effectively now floats under a salvage  
title.

I expect my local dealer Service Manager feels there is a fairly nice bit  
of tosh on the table from folks like myself who try to buy a SAAB outside  
his assigned franchise borders. Which is too bad as I mentioned before -  
because the previous year I spent the better part of $10,000 with them on  
uprates and service for the two other SAAB's we had.

Now, while it isn't as much given a lot of things have already been fixed  
- *all* the service budget is now being applied exclusively outside their  
franchise borders and service bay..

If the beast wants to be fed - it needs to be friendly every so often  
otherwise the whole relationship goes to hell.. :) ..

Information provided with all the usual disclaimers and limitations.

--

Radio Free Dexterdyne Top Tune o'be-do-da-day
Sinatra Martin Davis - When You are Smiling
http://www.dexterdyne.org/888/035.RAM

all tunes - no cookies no subscription no weather no ads
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Pooh Bear - 17 May 2005 06:27 GMT
> I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
> explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may be
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> 1: I 'm the second owner of the car and have nothing up to about 65K miles
> when I bought it

You bought a car with only 65k miles on it with *no* service history. Hope you
didn't pay too much.

> 2: I do all of my oil changes myself (did one last weekend as a matter of
> fact) and pay cash for oil and filters.  I have no receipts.

Don't you get receipts for cash purchases where you live ?

> It appears that my turbo is failing, probably due to this issue as I'm told
> that the oil seals are going and I'm getting blow-by.  Don't know if this
> was covered by this new 8-year unlimited mileage warranty, but since I have
> no "proof" am I screwed?

Quite likely. You have no evidence the oil was *ever* changed.

Maybe you'll learn the importance of service records now.

Graham
KeithG - 17 May 2005 12:38 GMT
>>I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
>>explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may be
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
>
> Graham

I understand your sentiments, Graham, but it is getting very difficult
to collect such records on the used market. With all the concern of
identity theft, these are usually stripped from the car before sale. If
it was serviced at a Saab dealer, these oil changes, (there were only 6
in 65k!?!) should be in the records database at the dealer.

Good luck!

KeithG
Pooh Bear - 20 May 2005 21:40 GMT
> >>I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
> >>explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may be
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> it was serviced at a Saab dealer, these oil changes, (there were only 6
> in 65k!?!) should be in the records database at the dealer.

But presumably you'd need to know who the dealer was ?

Over here ppl make a selling point out of full service history. Absence of this will
reduce the resale price.

Graham
KeithG - 21 May 2005 14:23 GMT
>>>>I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
>>>>explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may be
[quoted text clipped - 37 lines]
>
> Graham

Actually, no. The Saab dealer network has all this on a central
database. Just go to 'a' dealer and they should be able to pull it up.
Sometimes they will change you for it sometimes not.

KeithG
Scrowe - 22 May 2005 15:18 GMT
>>>>>I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
>>>>>explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I may be
[quoted text clipped - 43 lines]
>
>KeithG

KeithG,

Sorry, but this "database" is a limited resource at best. It is called
Intranet Retail Information System or IRIS.

Yes every Saab dealer has access to IRIS and can pull up all the
WARRANTY repairs on the car. They CAN NOT pull up non-warranty repairs
that other dealers have performed. Scheduled maintenance did not start
until 2/01/00 and even then some of the 9-3 models were not covered.

On covered model after that, IRIS might show  the 10K, 20K, 30K
services, but nothing after that.

I can tell you absolutely, that no records, no warranty. We have a TSB
that is VERY clear on that issue.

I know these facts because I am a Saab Master Tech with almost 10
years of dealer experience

Steve Crowe
KeithG - 23 May 2005 03:12 GMT
>>Actually, no. The Saab dealer network has all this on a central
>>database. Just go to 'a' dealer and they should be able to pull it up.
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
>
> Steve Crowe
Well, there you go!

Thanks, Steve. I guess the only possibility would be to ask the dealer
it was sold at to see if they actually serviced it as well. They should,
then, have a paper record... Outside of that maybe a lost cause.

KeithG
Linda - 27 May 2005 14:04 GMT
I got the letter too.  I purchased my 2000 9-5  on 11/04 with 36K miles
with a year left on original warranty.  I just took it back to dealer
for scheduled oil change as it just hit 39K miles.  I paid an extra
$2100 at purchase for an extended 5 year 100K mile warranty from my
dealer. So I figure that if something like this happens I've got until
2009 or 100K miles that its their problem not mine.  Am I kidding
myself?  I am calling dealer about this letter just the same. Like
previous poster  I have no records either. All I know is that my car was
a previous lease vechicle.
I love my Saab  but geesh I am thinking I should have gotten a Jeep.
               Linda
Pooh Bear - 23 May 2005 17:22 GMT
> >>>Maybe you'll learn the importance of service records now.
> >>>
[quoted text clipped - 18 lines]
>
> KeithG

I notice the response to this thread from a Saab tech.

I can say for sure than in the UK, an absence of service records will cause a presumption
on the part of any purchaser that the recorded mileage is likely to be fraudulent and
regular servicing of the vehicle is probably unlikely.

Graham
Dave Hinz - 23 May 2005 18:13 GMT
> I can say for sure than in the UK, an absence of service records will cause a presumption
> on the part of any purchaser that the recorded mileage is likely to be fraudulent and
> regular servicing of the vehicle is probably unlikely.

Hm.  Is that a nation-wide perception, or just yours, I wonder?  I
could state that "In the US, if you (insert wild statement here)",
but that doesn't mean anyone other than me would feel that way.
Pooh Bear - 23 May 2005 20:36 GMT
> > I can say for sure than in the UK, an absence of service records will cause a presumption
> > on the part of any purchaser that the recorded mileage is likely to be fraudulent and
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> could state that "In the US, if you (insert wild statement here)",
> but that doesn't mean anyone other than me would feel that way.

I would say it was a nation-wide perception of the truth out there.

Some ppl have done the figures and something like 20% of cars in the UK have had their mileages
tampered with ( a reduction of 20-40k miles is common ). I even know someone who has done it to
intentionally misrepresent the car. I've had it happen to me too when I checked info with a
former owner. The assumption about servicing is obvious enough. No evidence = pot luck.

'Clocking' has been endemic here for decades.

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=clocked+car+mileage&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7
CcountryGB


Graham
Dave Hinz - 23 May 2005 21:25 GMT
>> Hm.  Is that a nation-wide perception, or just yours, I wonder?  I
>> could state that "In the US, if you (insert wild statement here)",
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
> Some ppl have done the figures and something like 20% of cars in the UK have had their mileages
> tampered with ( a reduction of 20-40k miles is common ).

I'll have to remember that next time some Brit goes off on how honest
their society is, compared to the USA.  Thanks.
Pooh Bear - 24 May 2005 00:59 GMT
> >> Hm.  Is that a nation-wide perception, or just yours, I wonder?  I
> >> could state that "In the US, if you (insert wild statement here)",
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
> I'll have to remember that next time some Brit goes off on how honest
> their society is, compared to the USA.  Thanks.

Oh it's just the ' Arthur Daley ' (tm) traders that are responsible.

http://www.phill.co.uk/comedy/minder/

A popular ruse is to find a good looking ex-contract vehicle that's been looked after but done high
mileage and adjust it somewhat.

How do you know it doesn't happen in your part of the owrld - esp if you have no service records from
the previous owner ?

Graham
Bill Jackson - 24 May 2005 02:12 GMT
My SAAB dealer refused when I initially got the car.  It had 65K on it and I
wanted to know if the 60K major was done.  They wouldn't tell me so I went
ahead and did it.

>>>>>I got the letter from Saab today as a registered owner for a 9-5.  They
>>>>>explain that there was an "oil sludge" issue with the 9-5 and that I
[quoted text clipped - 52 lines]
>
> KeithG
Pooh Bear - 24 May 2005 21:11 GMT
> My SAAB dealer refused when I initially got the car.  It had 65K on it and I
> wanted to know if the 60K major was done.  They wouldn't tell me so I went
> ahead and did it.

I can see that'll work wonders for customer satisfaction ! I thought the USA was
supposed to be good on that kind of stuff ?

Graham
Malt_Hound - 25 May 2005 13:04 GMT
>>My SAAB dealer refused when I initially got the car.  It had 65K on it and I
>>wanted to know if the 60K major was done.  They wouldn't tell me so I went
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> Graham

I'm guessing he didn't buy the car from the dealer.

-Fred W
Pooh Bear - 25 May 2005 20:57 GMT
> >>My SAAB dealer refused when I initially got the car.  It had 65K on it and I
> >>wanted to know if the 60K major was done.  They wouldn't tell me so I went
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> -Fred W

Doesn't the dealer want to encourage new trade ?

Graham
Dave Hinz - 25 May 2005 21:17 GMT
>> >>My SAAB dealer refused when I initially got the car.  It had 65K on it and I
>> >>wanted to know if the 60K major was done.  They wouldn't tell me so I went
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
> Doesn't the dealer want to encourage new trade ?

Dealers don't make their money on the sales floor, they make it on the
shop floor.  A car, you sell to someone once every several to many
years.  A good service customer gives you money regularly.
Johannes - 25 May 2005 21:29 GMT
[...]

> Dealers don't make their money on the sales floor, they make it on the
> shop floor.  A car, you sell to someone once every several to many
> years.  A good service customer gives you money regularly.

Regularly? My dealer is very good, but I have no money. I put my 1993 9000
to MOT once a year, but there is usually nothing wrong or the it is minor.
This year I had front brake pads, that was all.
Dave Hinz - 25 May 2005 21:34 GMT
> [...]
>>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
> to MOT once a year, but there is usually nothing wrong or the it is minor.
> This year I had front brake pads, that was all.

Right.  So you and I aren't their favorite customers.  When my guy sees
me coming he knows it's something that requires a lift or is unpleasant.
Johannes - 25 May 2005 21:51 GMT
> > [...]
> >>
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
> Right.  So you and I aren't their favorite customers.  When my guy sees
> me coming he knows it's something that requires a lift or is unpleasant.

Years and years ago when I worked at a local University; the service manager
called and a departmental secretary took the phone. "Ahh you want Dr. Andersen",
she replied. Ever since then, they always write "Dr A.." on my bills. It annoys
me as they might think that I'm rich, but it is impossible to get it changed.
Pooh Bear - 25 May 2005 22:15 GMT
> > > [...]
> > >>
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> she replied. Ever since then, they always write "Dr A.." on my bills. It annoys
> me as they might think that I'm rich, but it is impossible to get it changed.

That gives you the perfect profile as a Saab owner though.      ;-)

Graham
 
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