20 Most Recent 2003 Saab 9-3 Questions & Answers

oxygen sensor, should have 2 of them needs specialty tool to remove available at most part stores

Mine did that a few months ago. I ended up getting mad and pulling the plastic off of the emergency brake. It is just two halfs snapped together. After doing this, I could see that the cheap plastic trigger you squeeze to release the brake had a crack in it and was no longer able to pull the cable to release the brake. Until I get it fixed, I am able to just use one hand to pull up on the emergency brake slightly to ease the tension on the cable, then use the other hand the grasp the metal cable and pull it, which will allow the brake to be released back to it's lowered/released position. That was what was wrong in my case anyways... one of my MANY problems I've had with this car. I'd NEVER own another Saab.

I could give you the part number and some information for this alternator if it initially helps. Part Number: F321S001. (if anyone else knows, please make sure this is correct, just in case. This is for UK cars, so not sure if other countries use the same part number, although I don't think it would be a problem). Make: Bosch E8 - 14V, 75-140 A

Search Saab forums for your year and model to get advice on the driver's window. Re the heated seats not turning off -- try spraying some WD40 into the switch and turning on/off several times to clean it. If that doesn't work, you'll need to take out the switch and either repair or replace it.

I assume this is the turbo version. If so, check the bypass valve (diaphragm often develops leaks) and ALL the hoses and connections.

Saab 9 3 2003 2007 Service repair manual The only website that has these so now you can fix it yourself

see here at saab forum. How To Fix Your Leaking Saab Convertible Permanently No New Top

Check the throttle position sensor if there is no cable to the throttle body.

always treat a warning message as serious and have it check at an accredited service center could be that the oil needs replacing, a problem sensor or wiring or clutch/band adjustment although there are manufacturers that say the oil never needs changing(GM for example), transmission oil suffers from extreme temperatures and loads and these factors cause oxidation of the oil (burning ) that requires the oil to be changed on a regular basis (60,000-100,000 miles or 100,000 klm

The linkage inside the door may have come off, so you will hear a lock/unlock sound but nothing happens, if this is the case the door panel needs to come off to repair it. you need another tech, if there is a code number there is a corresponding symptom listed.

Take the car to Autozone, they will read the codes via OBD II for free.  Other parts stores may have the same policy ... call first.   My VW dealer charges $40 to pull the codes!!   I bought a low-end OBD II reader for $50, as the wife and I  both have VWs.

White smoke is usually antifreeze, the most frequent cause of this is head gasket blown or cracked head ... big bucks.  Hopefully this is not you.  Unless the car had a dramatic overheating incident, for most makes of cars, this should not happen until you have over 100K miles, probably closer to 200K.   
White smoke could also be break fluid sucked in from power brake booster.  If it's brake fluid, it will smell very bad.  
On cold days, when the car first starts, white smoke can just be normal condensation in the tailpipe ... if it happens after the car is warmed up ... it's something else.
Check your coolant overflow tank level ... if it's very low or empty ... put water in (don't bother with antifreeze yet in case you are burning it up in the engine).  
Good luck, ..ajm

Sounds to me like the ignition switch itself,or the interlock device,might be worn out.Is it a straight shift ??(Sometimes on SAAB's you have to put the vehicle shifter in reverse to enable starting,I believe ??)

the ac is a gas leakage problem and can be fixed by an accredited ac specialist shop the exhaust gas smell could be the flex pipe at the exhaust manifold or a exhaust pipe gasket that has failed ( come loose after the engine replacement) as for the engine lights , it con=mes on from reports from the engine and the transmission so have the fault codes read to find which sensor is reporting a fault could be that same sensor that reports on the exhaust problem hard to start is an electronic reporting fault and that will be in the codes as well

At the rear brakes. Loosen the nut holding the cable, reposition and re-tighten.