How to Replace a Rear Window Regulator in a 2003-2011 9-3 Sedan or Combi!

[@Boycottdigby]

Thanks for posting this. Could not have replaced mine without it. Good tip to drop the window, and replacement mechanism down a couple of inches as it makes the glass retainers more accessible. I popped the with unit off the door card to help with that at re-install stage.

[@TechCars]

Awesome. It was really easy to the replace the rear as well. Did my front drivers window regulator last year and that also simple. NG9-3s are good cars to work on it seems ;-)

[@steve323f]

It's a sin SAABS are no longer in production. Cars being manufactured as I type will die of reliability issues in years to come and there will be still 2005 SAABS with half a million miles still going strong.

[@jpogera9939]

nice joe....did good

[@SaabDr]

Thank you!

[@jpogera9939]

wheer ya from...what state...pa here

[@SaabDr]

Wisconsin

[@SaabDr]

@@jpogera9939 I'll actually be in PA this weekend.

[@jamiefisher198]

Opened up the rear door panel on our 2008 Saab 9-3 tonight, following your video (thanks!), and found exactly the same window regulator issue as yours! Now I just need to source the new part. My usual go to, Rock Auto only seems to have front, not rear, window regulators. :(

[@Trampolinwildlife]

fabulous - thanks!

[@MauriceDR]

How do you replace the hood release on a 09 Saab 9-5 or do you have any videos in which I can take a look at

[@SaabDr]

Unfortunately I've never had to do that job so I don't have any insight. Sorry!

[@steve323f]

Hey Maurice, the bonnet release is not that complicated usually. The majority of it is getting the bonnet or hood open in the first place. Usually the problem lies there, if my memory serves me correctly it is 4 ten mm bolts connecting the front bumper mounting to the slam panel. When you remove the plastic coving you will see where the problem is. The release catch has either unmounted or has been gunked up and seized. Worst case scenario is the catch has broken. Mine was both seized which caused it to unhinge. I used brake cleaner, lubricating oil and remounted the catch. Forgive my measurements and imperial units as I'm from Scotland. If it wasn't 10mm bolts it was torx t15 or t20. I hope this helps. Have yourself a great day and good luck. 👍

[@MauriceDR]

@@steve323f maybe I should have been more clear I was referring to the hood release that's inside the vehicle down by the brake pedals mine was broken off thank you

[@steve323f]

@@MauriceDR AHH I see. My apologies, I've never had to deal with that.

[@steve323f]

Great upload, my nearside rear window didn't work when I got my Saab. It's one of the few things apart from the power steering wiring connector that's failed me. Both easy fixes. Have a great day good Sir and thank you again. 👍

[@lorddiablo8575]

Man, I really like your Saab T-shirt ! You made it yourself or buy it from somewhere else ? If so, where to buy ? Please tell ... Thanks !

[@d4ve587]

Nice t-shirt that 😎✌️

[@SaabDr]

Thanks!

[@MrByscotti]

Great video. Looking at a window regulator at eSAABparts for my '09 9-3 that says "for vehicles without pinch protection". Stupid question: Will the regulator work with vehicles with pinch protection?

[@SaabDr]

If I recall you need to replace the wiring harness to run the non pinch protection ones, otherwise I think you can switch the motor out from the new one to your old one.

[@abdalrahmanhasan6150]

Do you possibly have the link to the exact regulator?

[@SaabDr]

I used a used unit. Sorry, no link.

[@HT__00]

Can replacing the window regulator also fix the power lock from not locking properly as it should.?

[@SaabDr]

No, that would most likely be a switch pack or lock actuator issue.

[@HT__00]

@@SaabDr my window stopped working 30 Min ago I managed to pull it up stick some paper in the windows slot so it doesn’t fall. And hope no nothing happens until I get to the mechanic to fix it. Sadly this would be my second rear window does failure and the lock failure happen too. I’ve fixed one lock but those loch regulators are expensive.

[@NahasMajeedA]

I have the same issue on my Saab 9 3 2007. The rear right window is stuck at the same height. I saw in a video that it might be a broken window regulator roller. Green colour. I can hear the motor working. How do I know if it's the roller or the entire assembly that's broken? Can't check without removing the whole door panel? Thanks.

[@SaabDr]

The rollers tend to be more of a 9-5 issue than 9-3. To actually look at the assembly you'll at a minimum have to remove the door panel.

[@koendb5456]

Hi, my left rear window is stuck all the way up (9³ MY 2008 SC). I can hear a grinding noise when I want to lower the window. How can I replace the regulator when the 2 bolts are hidden behind the door frame itself?

[@SaabDr]

I'd loosen up the regulator bolts (to the door) and see if you can get enough of a drop that way. You'll have to get a little creative.

[@jimstaszko1675]

Are all the 2003 (excluding vert) to 2011 9-3 rear window regulators the same?

[@SaabDr]

Yes and no. They're similar physically and you can put an early one in a later car and vice versa but you need to make sure that the one you're installing has the same number of pins as the one in the car.

[@jbarah05]

Hey joe my 2009 93 passenger-side makes a click sound but doesn’t roll down. Do I need to replace the whole assembly?

[@SaabDr]

If it's clicking but not rolling down I'd bet it's a regulator. Pull the door apart to check though before throwing parts at it.

[@Hielo1975]

Hey Dr. Saab...Great video btw. I noticed you were working on a 2010 9-3. However I noticed the regulator was slightly different from the original you pulled. Was that replacement from an Og (03-07) instead of Ng (08-11)? Would the OG regulator fit the NG?

[@SaabDr]

The replacement was from an earlier car (I believe 2005 to be specific). It was plug and play even though they are slightly different.

[@koendb5456]

@@SaabDr what do you mean by slightly different? The 2003-2006 model seems not to fit a 2008 car, according to my car parts guy.

[@larsk7708]

Though it's not the same in all models and cars 9-3 unfortunately I got that when I get through that door 😥8 different

[@SarcasticJargon]

Have you ever used a regulator repair kit instead of the full blown regulator? It is about 10% of the cost.

[@SaabDr]

I haven't, only because I normally have a regulator on hand from a parts car. I have used the repair kit on OG 9-3 though.