Saab OG9-3 (99-03) convertible top manual operation

Here's how I operate my OG9-3 top manually.

[@elwoodhopkins]

Just bought a 2001 Saab 93 that needs some work, including the power top. Lots to learn about this car! This video was very helpful and well presented. Thank you!!

[@louisthompson3134]

Thank you for your informed tutoring on how to lower and raise the top. I learned something that helps with my Saab 9-3 SE convertible.

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Louis Thompson you're quite welcome!

[@KimberlyOurlian]

thankyou !! I was upset my hydraulics failed and would be too expensive to get fixed but now with this way, I dont have to get it fixed!

[@louispierre154]

Thanks for this very helpful tutorial it makes what would otherwise be a very challenging job so much easier !!!

[@ericsimonson8540]

Thanks, helped me with my broken hydraulic so I can do it manually now.

[@LincolnCharlie]

Thank you SO much!You have MADE MY DAY🙏🏽 (Will Dowling ..Brisbane Australia )

[@flombobcn1578]

Thank you very much for this video. you saved my summer! Very well explained step by step and calmly. Thanks from Barcelona!

[@majorhype522]

You are the clutch thank you so much for the se class

[@utehamill569]

Thank you, so very very helpful

[@sohowsoon6652]

i still love mine even with this trouble

[@apurugganan]

Thank you, I guess there is a first time for everything, even for my 2003 9-3 vert

[@katekaniff5987]

I had my windows tinted… And I think there was a little monkey business with getting the top down during that process… now I’m having issues… Anyway, your video it so informative thank you! My latches are not latching… this is a great place to start!

[@williamgray997]

I was given a 2001 93 ragtop that otherwise is in super great condition. I have had the car one year now and because of your detailed video, i have the top down now for first time. This is my second ragtop but first Saab. Love this car. Thank you again for the video. I have a couple of other small issues that maybe you have the answers for.

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

That's great William! Glad you're able to enjoy it. What else is up? If you're on Facebook, there are several groups including a 900/9-3 specific group with people lots more knowledgeable than me!

[@williamgray997]

@@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997 I am having trouble with passenger power seat. All functions work except the seat back recline. Tilt works and forwsrd and back work and seat warmer works. Ideas?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

@@williamgray997 Sounds like a bad switch or loose connection, maybe the motor itself failed but that seems unlikely. I'd take it out and clean everything with contact cleaner, maybe try to hotwire the motor through the existing harness to see if it turns. Probably easiest to diagnose through repair with a known good switch from a junk car. I don't have extra unfortunately.

[@williamgray997]

@@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997 If you are referring to the toggle switch, i tried the one from drivers seat that does work and there was no difference.

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

@@williamgray997 bleh. Then I'd def try to hotwire the motor to a 12 V source and see if it runs. It it runs, then the harness has a fault between the switch and the motor. If not, it's the motor. Not really sure what else might lie in between without having been in that part of my car in detail yet. Hope you're able to get it sorted!

[@brucep9729]

My roof button only works forward now not back, so is there anyway to still get the top down manually?

[@roslynrusso705]

Thankyou for video I learnt a lot , Hi I have a saab 1998 900s 2.3 and the deck won’t raise to put the black roof in, , would this be the same to manually raise the hood like yours Thankyou

[@AVE000]

How do you close that back part that close to the two holes that locks that back part it won't close down I push them down but it won't lock down and the back holes

[@CityTunes]

I have a 2003 9-3 SE 2.0t convertible, same body as yours, Can I just leave that valve in the pass-though open all the time? Also do you have to lock it in the trunk or would the force of the wind open it? Mine is still good, but when it goes bad I will just do it manually, looks easy, is it?? Thanks!!!

[@dappawap]

Just want to mention It says in the 1999 9-3 manual that manual mode is ONLY for closing the top. Also, I had trouble getting mine to completely close in electric mode. It would not do last step of closing the rear section and we could not lock it to the windshield. In the end, we discovered that the rear seat lock was unlocked. After getting it to lock it finally closed properly...must be a safety switch.

[@johnplummer31]

Great video... Explains a lot for me.. One question though. I have exactly the same issue with one of the flaps broken off. Will this affect any microswitches/sensors? I am getting "Check Soft Top" error occasionally on panel, only when driving. I suspect that some sensor may need respositioning?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Sounds like a microswitch for sure. I've never gotten an error while driving, even with the broken flap.

[@MichaelPSmith-mp1fk]

that lever mechanism. is it at an angle of is it straight up and down.. hard to tell from the video. Brand new to Saabs and i am trying to secure mine. the entire mechanism seems to be at an angle instead of straight up and down. Also... how do you keep the top from just sitting on top of the closed tonneau? it has a piece of metal on the top that should go into the hole and close completely, but instead, it just sits on top of the tonneau and is not secure. I have no motor power. you flip the switch and it makes a noise.. mine is DOA,

[@kaedeehoward9870]

I have that same car but my latch won’t open to grab and hold down me top what do I do ?

[@CarlosSuarez-ro4qs]

Thank you so much for your video. It's been very helpful I'm in the process of buying a 1997 convertible Saab 900s I believe it is on Craigslist. Thank you so much. These videos are so valuable when you're on a budget and like to own a nice car. Even if it's use😇.

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hey Carlos! You're quite welcome. FYI, the 900 has a different top mechanism so I'm not sure this exact method will work. But I bet there's something similar. Good luck and enjoy your new-to-you car!

[@darlenecorreia5773]

Hey Carlos, i have the '97 Saab 900S. How'd you make out? Did you but it, and did you try to lower it manually? I haven't tried mine yet, and curious if the process is the same.

[@Michelangelo80]

How do you get the flaps to go down on the tonneau cover? I was able to follow your video (thank you!!) but I’m unsure on that part.

[@luisakalou]

Did you get if figured out I have the same problem

[@dirtylennymoto4593]

Hey Gabe, my fifth bow latches aren’t working when I put the top back up. Any advice?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hi Leon. Almost certainly microswitches. Get it on a Tech 2 and should be able to see which ones are not working.

[@gordondolan6443]

Tonneau cover is locked, does not release. What to do? 😢

[@travlerv]

Pretty good video. Great info. Would ave any for a 2006 9-3 ? The top is stuck open and we need it closed.Is the process the same?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

travlerv I don't know, I only have the older cars. There's a Saab Reddit and several Facebook groups. You could try connecting there!

[@travlerv]

Thats cool. I appreciate that. I just joined the saabcentral forum. Sure that will help.

[@BigTravGill]

what if the switch does nothing when I push it

[@davidrobinson4201]

so what if the locks dont latch

[@munirdawood3042]

Hello How did you Drop Back Seat Please,My 2000 Saab Convertible need oil Roof Power

[@andrewkinney6357]

I can hear the motor running, but 5th bow won't release from tonneau... Any ideas why this is happening?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hey Andrew. I'm not sure, but my guess is that you'll need a Tech 2 to diagnose it. If you hit up one of the Saab forums or Saab FB groups, you should be able to find someone near you that will be able to help. Good luck!

[@zarabiajnaclipachsupernuta5447]

2.12" I can't open up rear window. How ?

[@og3946]

Como se desbloquea el vidrio trasero mi saab no levanta el vidrio trasero y no puedo hacerlo manualmente

[@toddanderson2058]

I have an opportunity to get a 2003 9-3 Conv that is in great shape but the top doesn't work. The car looks well taken care of and only has 52,000 miles on it. Do the roofs have any component on them more liable to break than the other? I'm just trying to get a feel of how much it might cost to fix before I make an offer....Thanks and great video BTW...

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hi Todd! The failures on the soft tops are usually down to leaky pistons from failed/old seals. There are rebuild services out there for when they get really bad, but most people get by with just keeping the fluid topped up regularly. My car was unfortunately too far gone for that to work which is how I ended up here. There are also microswitches that can fail but they are much easier to source and replace. You'll usually need a Tech 2 (GM scan tool) to read the state of the switches and figure out which one is causing the problems. Lots of Saab DIYers have them though so if you can find a local group/club online, there's a good chance you'll be able to meet up with someone to check it out for you. Good luck!

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

One more thing: the full cylinder rebuild is $600+. Salvage/used parts are an option too. I have two sets of pistons that I'll be trying to combine into a single working set once I get some time.

[@ktuncer]

Frick. I already forced it back up w/out releasing the fluid res. Oh, well... But all of this is really helpful!

[@ashhuang1435]

I did that numerous times and it eventually blew a hydraulic line. If it hasn’t you should hopefully be fine still.

[@MrMasterkingg]

2:15; My Saab 900 does nothing (also manually) How can I fix the back “flyboard”

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hey there! The 900 has a different mechanism from 9-3 so I don't have any experience with it. Sorry I can't help!

[@rodknockreese]

So if I press my button after unlatching no noises are made and no message comes on the screen, I was hoping it was a fuse? Any ideas?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Definitely could be a fuse, pretty straightforward to check. But microswitches or another electrical problem is more likely. Best bet is to get it on a Tech 2.

[@williemaysfan1731]

I have a ‘96 and the top is down and the motor is busted. How do I get it up manually????

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

1996 is going to be a 900, which is a different mechanism. Owner's manual should have an emergency up procedure similar to what I'm exploiting here. Good luck!

[@williemaysfan1731]

@@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997 tyvm I will check in the am!

[@sourklondike8673]

So I was informed that for my car the previous owner could have switched to manual mode how do I switch it back to automatic mode

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hi! You'll need to verify that the hydraulics aren't leaking and then bleed according to WIS. But I'd be really surprised if the rams were good if the car was already being operated manually...

[@sourklondike8673]

@@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997 I haven’t seen or felt any leaks, how or where could I check the RAMS

[@anonsillybear]

Okay but what if hitting the button doesn't unlock it? Soooooo informative

[@justinkendall9559]

How do you unlock the back window part of the softtop

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hey Justin! Assuming all the microswitches are working correctly, you should be able to unlock the top at the windshield and then run the normal top movement using the console switch until the display shows "Soft Top Failure." Nothing will visibly move, but the rear window should release from the cover. It's at 1:55 at the video. Hope that helps!

[@justinkendall9559]

Gabriel Olochwoszcz no I think my electric motor that turns the bar at the top of the trunk doesn't work. Got a solution to manually turn it?

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Justin Kendall ah, gotcha. I'll take a look this weekend if we get some good weather and let you know!

[@justinkendall9559]

Gabriel Olochwoszcz yeah mine is a 98 900 se. With a manual top but electric lock on the 5th bow window part to the tonneau. The electric motor wont turn the bar below the window in trunk to unlock the window part.

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Justin Kendall I think the 900 top is a different mechanism than the 9-3. Maybe all electric motors instead of hydraulics?

[@mikad5914]

I got my top to close but the check soft cover message pops up what am I doing wrong

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Sounds like micro switches. If the switches don't trigger properly, that'll throw SID errors. It may also prevent the latch from running to completion when closing the top. Best diagnosed with a Tech 2. Good luck!

[@mikad5914]

Gabriel Olochwoszcz I can buy a tech 2 scanner correct I’m trying to learn how to fix my own car issues any recommendations for a good tech 2 scanner

[@mikad5914]

Gabriel Olochwoszcz also is there a way to stop the error code from popping up until I get it fixed because that drains the battery if I’m not mistaken

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

@@mikad5914 I got mine on Ali Express last year. Just do good research on the sellers and you should be alright. Should just be able to clear the error on the SID, never heard anything about battery issues. Check out the Saab groups on Facebook too, lots of good info!

[@main3658]

How did you get the seats down in the back on that Saab

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Use the key to unlock the rear seat, latch is on the driver's side.

[@jeffreyjacobs1549]

I did that and it unlocked the driver side but not the passenger sit off the back seat. Any suggestions?

[@EmelinePoncelet]

My dad has the same car and everything works with the button in the middle but I don't know why, the back window doesn't lock anymore ... So the top is always open.. everything worked for the past 15 years, just stopped working on Tuesday ..if you know what to do pleaaase tell me 😥😥😥 (sorry for my bad English)

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Hi Emeline! That definitely sounds like microswitches to me. My guess is the computer doesn't know the top is there and ready for locking because of a failed switch. You'll need to find someone with a GM Tech 2 tool to diagnose which ones have failed. Check out one of the Saab forums or FB groups to find someone nearby if you don't already have a shop or friend with the tool. Good luck!

[@glamelhershkovitz1664]

My latches wont hook on

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Probably micro switches. If you have Tech 2 access, you can monitor their activation status.

[@dondonrigmaden3797]

The back won’t lock like where them lil hooks in the back

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

Not sure what you mean. The latches for the fifth bow operate with the normal mechanism when the top is up and the manual operation of the latch in the trunk secures the tonneau with the top down.

[@dondonrigmaden3797]

Fuck bro I just got this got and I got the same problem but where the window at in the back but then hooks things it won’t hold the back down

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

@@dondonrigmaden3797 ah I gotcha. Sounds like the switches are bad so it's not running the motor for those latches.

[@joshuasilva9902]

@@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997 what if it locks when the fifth bow is up but when it’s down it doesnt

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

@@joshuasilva9902 "fifth bow up" = "in position to move the tonneau?" That sounds like microswitches as well. But maybe I'm misunderstand?

[@kadenellis9183]

I can’t lift that at 2:16

[@brucep9729]

Try $1400!

[@G1tube2020]

put some oil in dude

[@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997]

So it can end up on the floor again? :-) Pistons are totally shot, leaks right back out the next time the top runs.

[@G1tube2020]

@@gabrielaolochwoszcz5997 hmm thinking about replacing mine rod arm or something or other. Suprised it pisses out that quickly should give u a few months atleast