Saab 93 (NG) - Topping up Hydraulic Roof Fluid

Locating and topping up the hydraulic fluid for a Saab 93 Convertible NG (2003 - 2011)

[@user-gf9un2cs7f]

Brilliant, no nonsense vid. I have the Haynes Manual and tried to make sense of it last night but it just wasn't going in. This is exactly what I needed (though haven't ried it yet). Thanks for the warning about the clip NOT to remove - I SO would have tried to remove that!

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thanks for your feedback . Like you, I struggled to find out where it was and what was involved to top up so, I decided to knock out a short video to help others,41,000 viewings later its still helping other Saab owners :-)

[@bondpyant5730]

You are the Best. Looked all over, and yours was the only one that completely and correctly showed how to do it. A much Heralded "No Prize" is heading your way!

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thanks Boyd, After struggling to find out where and how to check it I thought only fair to share in a video exactly where and what to do. Stay safe bud :-)

[@schnauzermom9325]

Thank you!!!! I have never seen so many bolts. Opened and fluid was bone dry! No leaks!

[@user-eq5tj3od8n]

hoping that’s the case for me 😂

[@dporritt64]

Just watched your video brilliant very professional please make some more about the Saab 93 just subscribed thanks

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thank you David, having struggled to find out what to do myself I thought it only fair to make a video to share and educate others. I believe there are things that some Saab owners still don't know about their cars, I shall be looking to produce other videos in due course. Stay safe out there.

[@duanejohnson6280]

Helpful stuff 💯. Well done 💯💯

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thanks Duane, I had no idea where to check and fill, so when I found out I thought I'd share with others :-)

[@chuckbradley1]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thanks Chuck, anything to help fellow Saabists :-)

[@jace2957]

Super, great video.

[@timayacounseling]

Whaou ! perfect ! So helpful 😍 Thank you 👌

[@niknoks7638]

Brilliant tutorial thanks 👏

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thank you, only too happy to create a video to help inform other owners

[@josephbingham1255]

Very informative video.

[@wofy1970]

Thank you so much for the tutorial

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thank you, only too happy to create a video to help inform other owners

[@Elpatronquinonez]

Good video

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thank you Don

[@yhird]

Excellent. Thank you.

[@princecharlie3217]

I didn’t bother moving the plastic boot bit just work it round the plastic side bit it’s easy quite flexible I did however take the elastic bit off to move the panel completely from boot also I bought the proper febi fluid from Germany as if you don’t put the green stuff in you’ll blow all your rams out think it was only about £20 delivered from auto doc

[@glamelhershkovitz1664]

Thank you JB

[@THEFBDJJB]

Anything to try and help fellow Saabists

[@CycloneCyd]

Sweet

[@1antonio516]

Hi, John, and all others. I’m having a top open or close to completion (without some manual assistance) issue. The issue started when I began moving the car from a parked position very very slowly, @3mph or lil’ less, while holding the top-down button. I know, the big No-No. Result has been that the top no longer fully closes into the trunk/boot, on its own w/out a little manual help. Similarly, in the reversal in that the top-up activation (from a fully open, top in the trunk/boot) I (w/another’s aide) must manually pull the top out of its pocket (in the trunk/boot) until it’s out about 10 degrees angle. The top then takes over and close on its own. Any help or info reference would be greatly appreciated. Spring is just about here in Central Indiana (USA).

[@THEFBDJJB]

Hi Anthony, greetings to 'the crossroads of America'. Sorry to hear you're having issues after moving the car while holding 'open top' button. This should not be an issue as I've driven my vert while raising or lowering the roof at speeds up to 15mph. I can only think it is a sensor issue that is causing your problem, that is the best 'guess' I can offer as my knowledge on the roof mechanism is very limited, others out there may be able to help you. Tech2 might be able to identify the issue at your nearest Saab support centre? Good luck resolving it, sorry I can't be more helpful.

[@francoismartin361]

Thank you very much

[@THEFBDJJB]

you are welcome, anything to help fellow Saab owners

[@canalfixe]

Good video, it’s maintenance or you should only do-it if you experience something wrong?

[@THEFBDJJB]

Thank you for your comment

[@grapewater123]

Does the fluid level naturally drop? If it's low does that indicate a problem?

[@THEFBDJJB]

Morning, no the level should stay constant, if you having to top it up occasionally there must be a minor leak. One place you would notice a leak is the headlining next to the windscreen starting to look stained. But there could be leaks elsewhere where other rams are. Leaks are a rare thing as you will seldom see posts about leaking rams on verts. Hope this helps

[@tigertruckerman]

Usefull thanks🌹got same car

[@THEFBDJJB]

You're welcome, anything to help fellow Saabists :-)

[@tigertruckerman]

@@THEFBDJJB best cars ever,,going to take good down tomorrow,first time since had car,bought last October

[@NickHarman]

Is there any need to check the level if the hood is working normally?

[@THEFBDJJB]

Hi Nick, I had to check mine because my pump seemed to be struggling and a bit noisier, I'd say it only needs checking if you encounter the same problem but the occasional check wouldn't be a bad idea - it might help point towards a possible leak. I check mine once a year (usually around MOT time).

[@TheatreOMatic]

thanks so much for this BUT I cant believe SAAB would hide this behind so many clips and panels just to fillup some fluid - your delivery did try to put a bright face on this hideous placement by SAAB congratulations on that :)

[@Number1HockeyPlaya]

Does this work on a 98?

[@THEFBDJJB]

My video was produced for for the NG 93, yours is an OG 93, I have never owned an OG, as far as I know yours is 'all electric', no hydraulic fluid. You can check in your owners manual.

[@THEFBDJJB]

Hi.sorry for the delay, I'm not familiar with the roof set up for a 98 plate 9-3 so I can't really answer your question. My video covers 03-11 plate models. Sorry I cant be more helpful.

[@burningmonk1039]

Thanks - would a low level cause the tonneau not to raise fully? Mine is not raising enough to let the roof collapse into the boot. Thanks for your video

[@THEFBDJJB]

Possibly, the system is not a pressurised system (meaning there is no fluid under pressure in the pipes all the time). The system only draws (sucks up) fluid from the reservoir when you operate the roof mechanism (to raise or lower it), once the task is done it flows back to the reservoir. A low level could be the cause. In my case my roof stopped working half way through while the car was parked on a slope facing upwards - it had run out of fluid. If your fluid level is ok then it could be a sensor fault - which I have little knowledge about, other may be able to help on various Saab forums on Facebook. Hope this helps?

[@spidersseen]

@@THEFBDJJB thank you John, i will look further into it!

[@1antonio516]

@@spidersseen Hi, I’m having the same issue. In my case though, I began moving the car from a parked position very very slowly, @3mph or lil’ less, while holding the top-down button. I know, the big No-No. Result has been that the top no longer fully closes into the trunk/boot, on its own w/out a little manual help. Similarly, in the reversal in that the top-up activation (from a fully open, top in the trunk/boot) I (w/another’s aide) must manually pull the top out of its pocket (in the trunk/boot) until it’s out about 10 degrees angle. The top then takes over and close on its own. Any help or info reference would be greatly appreciated. Spring is just about here in Central Indiana (USA).

[@aidanthompson6947]

Did you fix it lol? I have the same problem mine won’t move and have really low fluid

[@guitarlover302]

When new to my aero convertible a Saab garage in Lancashire charged me £95 to do this check ! 😡

[@THEFBDJJB]

Hi, sorry to hear that - a rip off considering how long it took me to access the pump. Stay safe.

[@Chillednfunked]

Great video annoying so many clips

[@chubbyroyston3880]

Don't use hydrulic jack fluid, you'll rot your seals out get the febi 06161.if you put anything else in expect expensive new bows

[@THEFBDJJB]

This is the recommended fluid to use.

[@snaLee1]

I have same color 2002 saab 9-3 convertible. Where can I buy new key fobs as my key fobs are close to dieing. Wear & tear is pretty bad. I am in Toronto Canada and work in Detroit Michigan USA. Plz help

[@THEFBDJJB]

Hi, I'm UK based and limited what help I can give you, my suggestion would be for you to Google 'Saab dealers Toronto/Michigan area'. Hopefully it will bring up a list where you can buy a genuine Saab fob. Its possible you could buy a fob shell on Amazon and change the internal bits carefully but the quality of some of the fobs is poor. this link might help if you buy a replacement shell only. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pH_GmoaEgdKBsLMsi=IzrNIgCiuv7rVIFS

[@snaLee1]

@@THEFBDJJB thanks I will try this . Appreciate your response

[@THEFBDJJB]

Hi, you are welcome. Nice to know there are other Lime owners across the pond, you might want to join this Facebook group - 'Saab 9-3 lime yellow owners group'. Take care, stay safe and happy Saabing 🙂