how to repair saab 9-3 convertible roof (soft top failure)

does your roof show soft top failure on the display?, then buy show trolley jack fluid from halfords £4.99 dont get caught out buying gucci saab stuff its the same thing in a different bottle.
METHOD..
you will need a pozi screwdriver a 13mm socket or adjustables, a small stick and a bottle of lucazade for some energy to get to the three 13mm rusty nuts in the boot.
first take the ignition key to the passenger side back seat and lower, then unscrew the screws holding the black plastic around the t key, this key is for manual emergency operation, then remove the 10x 13mm nuts, pull the pump up, prop up with a stick then top up,then open and close the roof 3x to bleed the system...mine works like a dream now.. time 30-45 mins ..enjoy.

[@talllikelurchis]

I had soft top failure on my 99.... Had to change the impeller gear.. A 10 dollar part!! Works like a champ!!

[@werdew65]

Hi.

[@todengel6692]

great video. quick simple and to the point. really helped me out thanks :)

[@Drnardinov]

Thanks, you just saved me $400. Or more. These are great cars but they sure generate a lot of little quirky quandaries.

[@rozdog333]

Thank you so much!! The roof on my 2000 9-3 SE is now working perfectly!!! I only paid £300 for it because it was sold as spares or repairs due to roof malfunction!!!

[@leonagraca2239]

I presume this is an early model not a 2004 onwards? Mine is a 2004 UK. Pump is on right hand side (petrol filling side) take out side panel in boot and it should be there toward the rear seat.

[@Jaqen-HGhar]

haha that pillow over trunk latch, wish I thought of that. Sent myself to the ER when a clip came loose unexpectedly lol.

[@saltypro]

do you fill it to show between the two lines on the fluid tank. Thanks

[@deanrush6722]

Sounds like you're not too far away. Do you service them? I've just bought one

[@paulgrothem4474]

Mine was only about a third full, so I filled it up with Hydraulic Jack Fluid but, the front part of the top does not go down.....any other suggestions????

[@joeleary85]

Would automatic transmission fluid work as well?

[@mixkain]

Wouldn't the oil just leaked back out if you do not stop the source of the leak?

[@TheMoisesgooner]

hello mate I don't quite get where the oil level checker hole is as you didn't say on video.

[@tomas.1990]

I just faced similar incident. My soft roof not flopping any more, it stops in one position and now i found out that it is leaking fluid under the rear right seat and on the ground. Any idea what can it be ??? Thanks

[@rubblejohnstone4460]

Should this not be CHF? not jack oil?

[@olivierredman738]

hello she hydraulic oil to you used?

[@kennethcampbell3864]

are u 100% positive that this cheaper fluid is exactly the same as the GM expensive fluid? I need more fluid but I am afraid to put this stuff in. I dont want to damage the seals cylinders etc by using the wrong stuff. It seems like every component to the top is extremely expensive.... but if i can buy hydraulic fluid that works perfectly for so much cheaper i am down with that.

[@consumedwithyou]

Hey thanks for the demo Paul! I have a 97 900 SE Turbo convertible. I can't seem to find the panel to refill the hydro fluid. Are the 900's different?

[@robertzielinski7547]

my name is Matt and I own a Saab 9-3 se convertible and it's a 2000 and all ok is when I bought the car the top did not work but it said check trunk storage is there any thoughts of what that means?

[@Majaci1999]

I did ask a shop here middletown ct usa why is not opening my conv. Sir $95 just too start and will see about 3hr work it's going to cost you around $370 ,I just looked on KZbin found your video and did exactly the same thing saved me 365dollars I just got some hydraulic Jack oil and it worked like a charmhydraulic jack oil any work like a charm