4 Spots Where Your Saab 9-3 2.0T Could Be Leaking Oil From

[@alexandermcdiarmid3822]

One important thing to mention is why these seals leak. There is a PCV check valve inside the intake manifold that is supposed to help regulate crankcase pressure. When it fails, that pressure buildup has nowhere to go and will blow out any rubber seal on the engine. It’s a cheap plastic part and is a common issue that requires intake manifold removal to replace (this was the case on my ‘06 2.0T). Be sure if you have an oil leak to check it before all of your other seals go as well!

[@AutoAutopsy]

i've never heard of this issue on the 2.0's if im being honest! fair advice though

[@nvpb77]

@@AutoAutopsy i'd love to see a vid on that! another saab presenter i watch did it but it was harder for me to follow lol; I've watched several of your 9-3 2.0T series, Great work, did valve cover gasket and still more to go.. new project to me this year, and its gonna be sweet when its all done

[@jefferyhunn]

been watching for a few months, finally found a 9-3 arc in my area and can now say im a proud saab owner. these videos are super helpful, keep it up man.

[@AutoAutopsy]

awesome! congrats on the purchase and thank you for the support

[@MsBannannas]

Just bought a 99 9-3 hatch

[@tachimachine]

Thank you so much! Your videos are extremely helpful for a newb such as myself to fix these little problems on my car. Please keep making more of these!!!

[@jordonrichard2044]

Thanks man, you just confirmed it for me I am leaking out of the oil sensor gasket and also the power steering pump, two out of the four leaks I have going on right now lol

[@AutoAutopsy]

Looks like you’ve got a couple of repairs to do! 😁

[@jordonrichard2044]

@@AutoAutopsy I just ordered the gasket kit for the power steering pump 😁 next oil change I’ll seal the sensor. I’ve got a check list goin lol I’m actually installing a new front motor mount today

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

Great tips! What I have seen, like you. -PS pump you mentioned. Thanks for that idea! Just rebuilt mine! -Have not done the vacuum pump yet. Thanks for that idea! Next on the list! -Nothing quite as exciting as pulling a coil and finding a spark plug drowning in a pool of oil! Valve cover gasket. -Outer valve cover gasket leaks as well, especially if the PCV system is not working properly. -Oil pan sensor port on the oil pan, due to o-ring failing and the fact they submerged it in oil. Dumb. -V6 has the same leak, but requires engine pull to remove the pan. Real dumb. -Turbo's can get too worn and start leaking oil past the bearing seals, into the exhaust, fouling the cat. Not yet for me, but I heard the tip off is bluish-white smoke at idle and especially at WOT. Not to be confused with dark smoke which is too much fuel burning. Normal maintenance items considering the mileage, and regular oil changes will reduce wear on the turbo bearings. Worth it on these cars!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yep! The V6 can be done without pulling the engine though, just a FYI!

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

@@AutoAutopsy That is awesome to hear. Next one I own will be a manual vert 08-09, so that will be on the agenda. Thanks!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

Heck yeah, no problem

[@hazee6703]

im not too knowledgeable about cars but mine has that problem where ig the turbo is worn and oil is coming into the exhaust leaving a lot of black residue. my question is what should i do at that point

[@MassiveTrackHunter]

@@hazee6703 Black residue could also be too much fuel. I believe powdery black is fuel, while sticky greasy black is oil. If you are burning oil from the turbo, you will typically get a gray-blue smoke out the exhaust especially at idle. White smoke is coolant. Black smoke is gas. A worn turbo can be checked by seeing how much bearing play there is in the turbo spindle, by someone who knows turbo cars. There should be almost none. If there is a siren sound during boost, it may also be loose enough to contact the sidewall of the impeller opening. OG turbo is not a hard replacement, but the NG is a bit more involved. There is also the possiblity that the EGR valve needs replaced, which can cause oil consumption. If it is an OG, not a big deal, but an NG2.0 requires intake removal. Best of luck!

[@WonI127]

2013 Regal GS 2.0L Turbo, nearly the same setup. So if any Regal owners are watching, he stated it well. All easy repairs and it doesn't mean any of these cars are bad. Maintenance is key to knowingly have the confidence to get in your car and take a drive. Drive safe

[@AutoAutopsy]

Definitely! 😁

[@troythejust]

Confirmed. All 4 of those spots exactly where mine was leaking! Nothing too difficult fun DIY jobs actually.

[@AutoAutopsy]

yep!

[@aquastu]

Leaking from 4 spots??....... Wtf?... I just bought a 2011 9-3 and im pretty sure i just made the dumbest decision of my entire life. I feel like im stuck in a bad dream. Financed the car for over 10k and it apparently pisses oil and they cant even find simple parts for it.. Fuckin joke. Anybody want a 11' laser red 9-3 awd with only 78k that pisses oil? Lol..

[@goodcitizen3910]

@@aquastu I wouldn’t vouch for any Saab made after 2006 personally

[@aquastu]

@@goodcitizen3910 thx man, too late for me! Lol

[@Jakidziad182]

If you replace the valve cover gasket and oil still appears in that area, it’s either a blown gasket from factory or - common in pre facelift models - a cracked head

[@AutoAutopsy]

I’ve never seen a cracked head on one of these before! 😬

[@tobbsnobb1366]

front crankshaft seal. Had to change two serpentine belts in half a year before i decided to change it :)

[@mikseymono1]

Me too! Like all things Saab....pretty easy once your have done it the first time around...

[@AutoAutopsy]

RIP :( good addition

[@mr.freeman3199]

Thank you good sir! Just bought my Merlot Red '03 9-3 Linear and it'll be on the lift soon! You should set up an east coast meet, I'd totally roadtrip there. - SE Michigan

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nice! SOC 2022 will be in sturgis, SD next year

[@mr.freeman3199]

@@AutoAutopsyAhh the Saab community is so wholesome. Now thats definitely a roadtrip. Ty! I'll do my best to prepare, and I hope to see you there.

[@troyvisserhbhs4069]

Just bought a used 2007 9-3 92,000 for $1,100. Previous owner. Engine smokes. They were not handy and new it was a leak somewhere but didn't do repairs themselves but kept up with all the service stuff.. Less than $100 and 3 hours, replaced 3 out of the 4 leaks (no leak from oil sensor) you mentioned. No leaks and love this car. The ECU spacer kit is arriving this week and going on this weekend.

[@fazeobama8872]

is the ecu spacer kit a must have? or only for hot areas?

[@troyvisserhbhs4069]

@@fazeobama8872 Don't know. I live in SoCal so it can get hot. I am doing it more of preventive maintenance and for $70 it seems worth it to me.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Nice!! @Faze, I would recommend it. Consider it preventative maintenance. It's cheaper than replacing the ECU!

[@aquastu]

4 different leaks? Wtf is this shit? I should have just burned all my money instead of buying a fucking saab

[@Nathan-nf5xp]

I’m pretty sure I have the first two leaks this clears it up lot thank you for your vids👌

[@AutoAutopsy]

happy to help!

[@popeye5808]

Fixed my leaks in my 04 saab 9³. Thanks autodude.!

[@AutoAutopsy]

:')

[@aquastu]

For how much money?

[@christmethod8878]

Oil cooler leaks too. It's right under power steering on the left side. Alum triangle-like shape part.

[@mohanadalshaer3464]

How did you fix that? I have the same issue

[@christmethod8878]

@@mohanadalshaer3464 replace oil cooler. 2. Replace power steering pump seal -engine connection point. 3. Vacuum pump seal. They are all in the same area.

[@christmethod8878]

I have a SAAB 2009 9-3 FOR SALE

[@Antreas93]

Hi there love your videos!!! I have a question am about to buy a saab 9.3 2004 20t aero everything looks find but the only problem it has is the turbo not working need fixing should i buy this car? and it’s dangerous to drive it without fixing the turbo?thanks in advance

[@manguchops8151]

Fixed my oil leak from my 08 9-3 2.0T. O ring replaced from turbo oil return line, some may mistake the leak coming from oil pan drain nut since the oil seeps down the oil pan

[@AutoAutopsy]

Good one!

[@djcuthaloon]

Hey man, good video , good to know, but in my saab, It leaks radiator fluid with oil, and the engine is warm even 3 h after turning off. The stain is under the car, leaking from the left side of the radiator on the corner. Is it a damaged oil cooler maybe ? Thanks.

[@AutoAutopsy]

You need a new radiator. The coolant is likely mixing with the transmission fluid

[@Prismo1176]

The vacuum pump was the first to go for me they said I could just do the seals but I got a brand new one put in since it’s at 93k miles. No leaks since but where can I get some clean brake calipers? I have new pads and rotors on it but the calipers are nasty looking.

[@AutoAutopsy]

i'd paint them versus replacing them tbh. it's a lot easier if you do it when you change out pads and rotors too. i did mine here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6qpZ56vnbmnnpI

[@Prismo1176]

As always, thanks hoss. Let’s get this man to 100k y’all!

[@kevintucker1539]

Crankshaft Position Sensor is also a common leak

[@redrogers7947]

thank you

[@AnthonyMcLean-km2dt]

I have to replaced timing chain tensioner oil ring and tensioner that was causing the oil leak

[@chilidogcats]

Wish I could replace the oil level sensor myself on my V6 Aero, but you have to pull the engine!😱 I'm having the legacy SAAB Dealership do it next week for . . . $1,650 😢 I don't have car payments. But my repaint budget is blown for this year.

[@okletsskate]

Wish I had the link handy but there's a tutorial on SaabCentral where you push the sensor in and slip a new durable seal on. I did it and I'm leak free without dropping the oil pan.

[@chilidogcats]

@@okletsskate That might work. First I would need the replacement seal. Method would be: 1. Disconnect sensor then slip new gasket over sensor connection on side of oil sump. 2. Reconnect wire to sensor. This keeps sensor connection from falling into oil sump. Remove circlip holding sensor connector to oil sump. 3. Get surgical blade and cut old seal and remove it. 4. Push sensor connector in and push seal into hole. 5. Pull sensor connector back into place while making sure seal seats in place. If that doesn't work then it's $1650 for the dealership!😭

[@okletsskate]

Here's the guide. Has a link to a much more durable seal. It is a finicky job, took me about an hour, it's just a bit tedious but it's well worth it.

[@AutoAutopsy]

Yep! Can be done without dropping the engine ^ well put

[@michaellinton7353]

Where can I get a down pipe for my 2006 Saab 93 2.8

[@LSxHC]

Thanks man! Just got my saab yesterday drove it 40 mins home and it was burning oil on the exhaust :(

[@codytroutman7199]

Litterly same I love the car tho

[@ij3g600]

Thanks! and one other thing is that i have a 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero and my speedometer stopped working is there any easy way to fix it?

[@AutoAutopsy]

i think i replied to another comment of yours ago this; my guess would be wheel speed sensors

[@ThomasAndDylan]

i have an 02 saab 9-3. its DUMPING oil from behind the pan but it looks like it goes higher, any ideas?

[@AutoAutopsy]

I’m not sure. I’m not very familiar with those unfortunately. I’d post on a Saab Facebook page. I’m sure someone there could help

[@fazeobama8872]

hey uh quick question i have a 1.8t badged 2.0 93 ng and i get sorta loud intake noise and im wondering if i have a boost leak... any common spots to look for?

[@asssiesgaming453]

The plastic hose from air filter box going on the turbo 👍🏼

[@AutoAutopsy]

that would be my guess ^ check for cracks on your intake pipes

[@goodcitizen3910]

@@asssiesgaming453 u mean opposite from the MAF side right?? (B206)

[@asssiesgaming453]

@@goodcitizen3910 b207* I mean the plastic hose between the airbox and the turbo.

[@Spicy_Rob]

Hey, I have an 05 Saab 9-3 Linear (nothing fancy at all lol) but when I go full throttle the turbo gauge maxes out and the vehicle stutters. Any ideas on what that might be?

[@nedlerswedlers19]

Ignition coils & or spark plugs but more than likely ignition coils. They start acting funky when they start failing as you describe it won't actually throw a check engine light for a while though. Other than that either of the boost solenoids either by the turbo or the throttle body one. (they look the same pretty much) or the last one I can't think of is your ECU is on its way out but hey that's just a good excuse to get tune! Good luck 👍

[@AutoAutopsy]

99% chance its coil packs or spark plugs. See this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnvcf32we71lgKs

[@amaansmith6529]

Mainseal?

[@amaansmith6529]

Rear mainseal

[@QUAD405]

Timing chain cover gasket

[@The_waffle-lord]

Mine not leaking oil while sitting but burning oil while running. Would these be applicable?

[@AutoAutopsy]

possibly; check the turbo

[@trencher7]

Ok so that's motor oil leaking out of the power steering pump or is it steering fluid? I am leaking something out of there, but wasn't sure what it was.

[@AutoAutopsy]

It could be both

[@trencher7]

@@AutoAutopsy ok thanks I didn’t realize it could also be motor oil. I will use your guide to fix that. Thanks!

[@DannyLawrence87]

Do you have video on how to change the second 02 sensor

[@AutoAutopsy]

i don't. try checking saab wis for step by step instructions

[@azizziyainanici7733]

What about crankshaft seal and O-ring?

[@AutoAutopsy]

i haven't heard much about that one, but doesn't mean it can't leak!

[@devandickey2313]

Hey man I just got a white 2003 Saab 93 it’s my first car I’m 35 years old just got my license I’ve lived a hard crime filled life due to my drug addiction but I’m trying to move forward now that being said I’m poor as hell I live in Paoli Indiana I used to ride my bmx bike instead of drive but after getting a car that’s as bad ass as this Saab I don’t want to ride bikes anymore I don’t even like other cars but this Saab can you help me I’m leaking oil all over the top and bottom I can’t figure out what to do

[@AutoAutopsy]

I can’t really help you with that information you provided. I’d advise joining some Saab Facebook groups and asking there

[@devandickey2313]

I got the steering column issue can you tell me how to fix ?

[@devandickey2313]

@Auto Autopsy also got the key not recognized I crashed my bmx bike and shattered the end of it

[@MoSaabii27]

Viva Saab 4Life!!!

[@AutoAutopsy]

😁👍🏼

[@craigpardoe71]

You dont need to buy an oil level sensor you can replace just the o ring

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s a cheap part, so why not just replace it while you’re in there and removing it?

[@syshin1482]

Where can I fix my car? All repair shop don't want to fix my car. I have a same car and same problem, 2004 Saab 9-3. I am in L.os Angeles

[@AutoAutopsy]

Join the California Saab club on Facebook and ask there. I’m not sure as I don’t live there

[@ezekielarchuleta]

Oil filter cap O ring but still have a bad leak

[@AutoAutopsy]

It’s probably coming from somewhere else

[@msmithy7813]

Can someone give me some shop cost estimates when I take it in for a couple days for each of these repairs?

[@AutoAutopsy]

it depends entirely on the shop. most are very easy fixes

[@thomaspgallagher2095]

Hi there how can I meet up with you in az I live in mesa az

[@AutoAutopsy]

You can best reach me on Instagram, @Auto.Autopsy. Please shoot me a DM on there!!

[@thomaspgallagher2095]

@@AutoAutopsy hi like to find out more about this group and how I can join in the saab club have two car's both are 9-3 one 5 door one convertible both need work but the vert is the one going back in service it has a problem with the clutch before I rip it apart like to see if I'm not over looking something it shifting fine and have a good pedal no leaks I'm lost with it

[@AutoAutopsy]

I don't get notifications when people reply to comments, so I won't see this. If you want help, I need you to contact me via instagram or email. Both can be found in the description of this video. We have a facebook group called saab club of arizona as well.

[@jonlight1499]

I can't get my turbo to change completely

[@AutoAutopsy]

i'd check where the bulbs physically connects. they might need to be pulled a bit closer together to create a better contact

[@videosyoutube8998]

Stop oil leak

[@jamiekennedy8423]

2:00 where he starts the locations

[@continuousminer]

Anyone ever had a warped valve cover on this motor at around 200k? I had the valve cover gasket done about a year ago and its leaking again. Also had the power steering pump and vacuum done, but it looks like its the back of the valve cover still…

[@AutoAutopsy]

I wonder if it's possible to have that diagnosed by a shop. Might be worthwhile to pull the valve cover off and make sure the gasket is intact still

[@continuousminer]

@@AutoAutopsy yea i guess i could have had it torqued wrong or improperly installed initially. Just was curious if anyone else ever had a warp in that cover. Either way, needs to be redone and i may as well get another cover before pulling it just in case it has to be replaced. Goldwing is like 30 mins away so ill head there and see if i can grab a low mileage one.