BenTasker.co.uk

The central locking door lock mechanisms on Saab 9-3s (and 9-5s) are known to occasionally malfunction/stop working. When you hit the central locking button on the remote, the affected door often won't lock (or won't unlock if it was already locked). The issue tends to start out intermittent and then worsen with time.

A new unit is currently around £140 (without labour), but they can be obtained second hand on ebay for around £30. Replacing them is incredibly easy.

It is also possible to strip the unit down to repair it, however, it's not without it's risks. While the door lock unit is removed the door won't latch closed (and certainly won't lock), so if you damage the unit trying to repair it, you're going to be in a tricky position. The route I took was to buy a second hand unit from ebay, fit that and then look at repairing the original (so I've got it on the shelf if the replacement starts exhibiting the same symptoms).

This documentation details how to dismantle and repair the locking unit mechanism

Below is the ordering and rating of fuses for the Passenger side fusebox (located in the end of the Dashboard) for the Saab 9-3

Wheel bearings don't last forever, and inevitably need replacing.

Saab 93's have a combined bearing and hub assembly, so replacement is - in principle - fairly straight forward, no bearing press required. The ABS sensor is also built into the assembly, so the procedure described here can also be used for replacing ABS sensors.

Although the procedure is quite straight-forward, if you're unlucky it can also be a bit of a pig. Although a hub puller shouldn't be required, it's advisable to have on one hand - unfortunately the driveshaft splines have a habit of rusting into the bearing, making it extremely difficult to remove the axle when required.

This documentation details signs of a failing front wheel bearing, as well as the process for replacing it on a >2003 Saab 93.

The rear fusebox is located in the boot, behind the right hand side panel. The panel should just pull outwards and then you'll see the fusebox and rear electrical centre (also the stock amp if it was fitted at the factory).

This documentation details what each of those fuses are. The image is clicky so you can view a larger version if required.

Replacing the front brake rotors and pads on a Saab 9-3 is pretty straight forward (in fact, it's almost identical - down to the caliper springs, to the process of doing the same on a Volvo S60).

Before you begin, you'll need to have made sure you've ordered the correct size of replacement disc for your car. If you're not sure what size discs you require, see my guide on how to ascertain brake disc sizes.

This documentation will walk you through the process of replacing pads and discs on your Saab 9-3. The car I've used in this documentation is a UK 2010 model, but the process should be more or less the same across the years (the caliper spring does differ in shape on earlier models though).

The process is simple, however, these are your brakes - if you don't feel entirely confident then either get a garage to do it, or get someone who is confident to help/supervise.

I drive a lot of miles, so statistically it's likely that at some point I'll be involved in a collision. In all my earlier cars, I've fitted a dashcam so that I can show whether or not (hopefully the latter) I was at fault when that day arrives.

Having recently changed car, I once again need to install the dashcam. The cam itself is a Nextbase 412G and simply clips to it's mount (stuck to the windscreen, with one of these adhesive mounts).

This documentation details how to install the Nextbase Dashcam Hardwire kit into a 2010 Saab 9-3 Saloon. It should also apply to most other years and variants of the 9-3 (and, to some extent, things like the Vauxhall Vectra).

I've had a front facing dashcam (in various cars) for quite some time. For a good proportion of that time I've thought about also having a rear facing cam, but in previous cars finding a switched live at the back of the car wasn't particularly straight forward.

The 9-3, though, has an rear electrical centre which includes a rear fusebox, conveniently located in one of the boot side panels.

This documentation details the simple procedure involved in installing a rear facing dashcam into the Saab 9-3 Saloon.

Just like many other models, the Saab 9-3 had a variety of possible disk rotor sizes. You'll need to know the correct size to order when replacing discs.

One option is to jack the car up, remove the wheel and measure, but on models newer than 2006, there's a much easier way.

This documentation details how to decode the VIN plate in order to identify brake disk and caliper sizes on Saab 9-3's.

Replacing the front discs on a Saab 93 is simple, however, the rears are a little more work (in fact, they're a pain in the arse), and you're going to some specific tools in order to achieve the job.

This was performed on a 2010 Saab 93 TTID, but the process should be the same for most model years (and may actually be more or less the same on the Vauxhall Vectra).

Be aware: some of the fixings are extremely tight and have limited access, there will almost certainly be periods where you'll wish you let the garage do the job.

Amongst the usual selection of tools and sockets etc, please ensure you have

• A selection of longbars/torque wrenches etc (you're going to need to find something that can fit)
• A E18 Torx socket to fit each of these. You cannot proceed without.
• A E20 Torx socket  (just in case)
• A deep 21mm socket
• An electric or air impact driver (you may be able to proceed without, but there's a strong chance of getting stuck)
• A small/pocket blowtorch
• A jack that can lift your car as high as possible (makes more room to work in on the hard bit)
• Brake rewind tool sized to fit a Saab (the "universal" 2 size ones don't) - I have this kit, the Saab needs disc "M" on there.

You will also need to ensure that you've ordered the correct size replacement discs for your car. You can quite easily ascertain what size you will need.

If you're sometimes finding that the remote buttons on your Saab key don't work, it's probably that the battery is coming up for replacement.

The key on both the Saab 93 and Saab 95 is essentially a large plastic sheath around a hidden key, with some rubberised buttons on the front.

Replacement of the battery is quick and easy, and follows much the same process as replacing the keycase itself.

The key for both the Saab 93 and 95 is essentially a large plastic sheath around a hidden key with some rubber buttons on the front.

Unfortunately rubber has a tendency to degrade over time, and the buttons eventually either fall out, or collapse in.

Replacement of the keycase is quick and easy, though, this documentation details how to do it, including replacing the battery. For those who prefer following a video, there's also a video tutorial at the bottom of the page