Saab 9-3 and 9-5: Checking the PCV system version - Trionic Seven Quick Tip

The PCV system (also called the crankcase ventilation or CCV) is a critical component in any engine, however early versions of the Saab B205 and B235 engines had PCV which in many cases caused oil sludge and severe engine damage. In 2004, Saab solved this problem by offering a PCV upgrade kit for existing cars, and re-designing the engine block for new cars.
If your car is a Saab 9-5 with model year 1998-2003 or a Saab 9-3 with model year between 2000-2003, you are highly recommended to upgrade to the newest version of the PCV system. From 2004 and onwards, the engine block was modified, thereby solving the issue.
This video shows how to check if your car has the latest version of the PCV kit. Carefully remove the upper plastic engine cover (do not break the clips!) and check if the oil dipstick housing has a house sticking out of the back end. If there is no hose, the car has insufficient crankcase ventilation and risks sludging the engine oil.
More information about the Saab 9-5 and 9-3 oil sludge issues and the PCV fix can be found at Göran Larssons excellent site: web.archive.org/web/201604090...
Svenska: Denna video visar hur man kontrollerar vilken version av vevhusventilation man har på sin Saab 9-5 (årsmodeller 1998-2003) och Saab 9-3 (årsmodeller 2000-2003). Till årsmodell 2004 gjordes motorblocket om, så denna film gäller enbart modellerna som släpptes innan detta år.
Ta försiktigt av den övre plastkåpan (akta clipsen!) och kolla baksidan av oljestickans hus. Om det finns en slang från baksidan (som i filmen) är det den senaste versionen. Annars har bilen otillräcklig vevhusventilation och måste modifieras.
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[@rymccoy5284]

thank you much and keep posting, everyday that goes by I noticed myself becoming more and more of an enthusiast. Go Saab!!! The videos are a big help!!

[@TrionicSeven]

+Ry Smith Thanks!

[@2steaksandwiches665]

LOL. I love that you still have the engine cover. Mine is looooooong gone my friend.

[@IslamEldib]

Thanks alot for posting this. This video really helped me identify if I needed the update kit or not , which I did (purchased and has already arrived... still waiting to install). Would be awesome if there was an install video on howto do this update.

[@TrionicSeven]

+Islam Eldib Thanks! Yes, such a video is on the todo list. However, all my Saabs are already updated, so I'll have to find someone who hasn't done it yet :)

[@glassartist]

Hello Trionic 7, Congrats for your KZbin channel. I have a Saab 9-5 from 1999. Due to a higher fuel consumption and it didn't start once. Now I want that the car get checked by a mechanic that knows Saab. I'm in Bornholm at the moment until December, do you know any mechanic in Ystad or Lokalområdet? Any recommendations for a good one? Thanks

[@johndesummer-brason1554]

Thank you for your excellent postings. Despite some city driving, my 2008 SAAB 9-5 with GM Dexos2 oil runs very well. Do you think it is recommended to have the engine sump cleaned at the next oil change?

[@rymccoy5284]

thank you for the info, I have a 1999 9-3 and I was wondering if you know a website that has the upgraded pcv system ready for order?

[@TrionicSeven]

+Ry Smith Any Saab Parts dealer has the kit. Just call them and they'll know what you mean

[@filipesilva1395]

Hello!Thanks for the advice because i will use it before i buy a Saab 9.5.

[@TrionicSeven]

Glad you like it :)

[@filipesilva1395]

Hi again!I will buy the car tomorrow but i asked the onwer to tell me if the engine have the pcv system and he told me that was a diferent pipe.Its from 98.what can you advice?Thanks

[@TrionicSeven]

If it's a 98 it needs that pipe, otherwise you'll need to upgrade the PCV system. And remember, without the upgrade the car likely has had bad lubrication, many costly repairs due to premature wear of turbo, chain, bearings, etc. etc. I'd avoid that car.

[@filipesilva1395]

Thank you very much.

[@toatski]

Did they have the same issues with the v6? If so how do I tell if the fix has been done on my 2000 95 wagon?

[@user-be1hp8yo1c]

Have saab 95 , where i see one pipie from on top pf turbo pipe crossing true in front of engine e their is two places to place the pipe on the blook which side this pipe must be connected?

[@chrispruitt5877]

I have a 2007 95 Aero wagon. What should I worry about? I just purchased it a week ago.

[@johnnysvendsen8]

Well I was pretty simple actually I know that it needs to be upgraded so thank you I was hoping it was already done but not so.

[@GEORGEZNEMETH]

Do you have a tutorial on how to install the upgrade for a 2000 SAAB 9-3? Great video...As Always!!

[@TrionicSeven]

Sorry, no. By the time I created the channel I had already done the upgrade. And now all my cars are 2006 or newer.

[@dennissorensen8765]

Jonathan, is there (in your opinion) anything to be gained from installing an air/oil separator like the Subaru guys do on their EJ25's? I saw a video about an installation of a "racing"-version of such a separator and it sounded like a very clever device for insuring your engine from sludge etc. Any thoughts on this?

[@TrionicSeven]

There's already an oil separator in the car from factory.

[@daveturner605]

Sorry slightly off topic... but see the plastic line that goes into the plastic intake tube to the TB, mine is capped off... what is that tube for n where does it go to??? Oh it’s a 2001 95 2.3t

[@gmmza03]

I bought a engine from a 04 9-5 for my 02 9-3. the pcv system is not as pictured with the hose you mention. I would like to know what is different about the engine block.

[@TrionicSeven]

The video only applies to the older engines, but check out the FAQ here: www.mitt-eget.com/saab/information_ccv_en.shtm

[@WeidongYu]

Hi there,for 2006 or later SAAB 9-5, how the check valve in hose from oil trap (part#: 5961610) to intake works, I just got my replacement from eEuroparts and it does not function as a check valve either. thanks.

[@TrionicSeven]

Sorry, I actually don't know. Check our forum! facebook.com/groups/733705113501723/

[@circuitodecultura3221]

I have a 2001 93, drove it for a couple of thousand miles with no issues, suddenly after oil change to a synthetic 5-30 the engine started spiting oil like crazy when engaging the turbo, still not sure where the oil is being blown out (I lost 3 pints in around 60 km) refill, drove the car again but keeping the revs low (avoiding engagement of turbo) and cero spitting, no doubt to me is related to PCV system, I have the not updated one.... Can the oil be coming out from the rear seal, I cant find the exact place where is coming from without disassembling stuff, any advice to where to look and if I can fix the PCV system for now without changing the kit? Thank you in advance Sr.

[@GEORGEZNEMETH]

Thank You!! Any videos on hydraulic fluid install on a SAAB 9-3 2000 convertible for the top would be appreciated!!

[@TrionicSeven]

I saw your question the two other times

[@GEORGEZNEMETH]

I looked but cannot find a reply..Many thanks anyway, your videos should be re-labeled as tutorials since they are done for educational purpose!! Best EVER!! Tritonic Seven University!!

[@TrionicSeven]

Hehe, thanks :) My other reply was that I don't have a convertible so I don't know the procedure. Check the WIS workshop manual if possible.

[@orcir]

Tja! Bra instruktionsfilmer. Har en saab 9-5 -06 och har ju den nya vevhusventilationen men slangen från olje påfyllnings röret fattas, kan det ställa till med nått tex att jag på besiktningen fått för höjt co på tomgång, tänkte om den drar tjuvluft där ifrån? Jag hade co 0,4 och det får vara 0,2.. Hoppas du förstår vad jag menar! Mvh

[@TrionicSeven]

+The laughing man Hej! Denna film gäller inte din bil eftersom de gjorde om vevhusventilationen 2004. Vet inte vad som kan höja CO på en modern bil, men kolla t.ex. vakuumslangarna.

[@orcir]

Jao insåg det jag med efter lite googlande. Ska byta katalysatorn å hoppas på att det är den som gjort sitt.

[@keithnewton8981]

My 2003 has this type fitted but I am still having to fit a new update kit because the hosts and everything and soft and mushy like play dough and I have an engine warning light and codes saying it not working so even the with the up date kit the previous owner had not looked this side of the vehicle I intend to address this and get the car good and clean .engine wise.

[@TrionicSeven]

Sometimes the hoses go bad, and in your case it's a good idea to replace them. Good luck!

[@BELHORIZON31]

Is the pcv could be responsible of a surge and stall engines after a few miles thats what i felt when driving , is the pcv valve on my saab 9-5 can be tested by shaking?

[@TrionicSeven]

Maybe, but I can't help you with so little info. I'd ask a mechanic to take a look.

[@simonvs5401]

Hej! Undrar om du har en video där du visar hur man installerar denna upgraderingskit ?

[@TrionicSeven]

Sorry, alla bilar jag äger nu är >2006

[@v0redor]

i have a 2004 saab 9-5 with 235E engine. Car was manufactured in 10/2003. The throttle body is bigger with an extra connection under the small vacuum line connection. Does my car need an updated pcv system?

[@TrionicSeven]

Nope, you have a 2004, which is the modified engine block/pcv system. Your car is completely different from what I show here!

[@ProBooKKK]

Jag funderar på att köpa en Saab 9-3 från 1999-2000, kan du kanske tipsa om någon sida där man kan köpa detta kitt i från ? Mvh

[@TrionicSeven]

ProBooKKK Finns hos alla Saab-återförsäljare samt de butiker (maptun, speedaparts) som säljer saab-delar

[@urbanjentry222]

Hi tried ordering this kit and Saab uk don't list it they sell the older version that causes the slugding the dipstick tube without the union

[@TrionicSeven]

+stephen jeffries So they are not selling version 6?

[@urbanjentry222]

+Trionic Seven: For Saab Enthusiasts no I asked for 9-5 breather kit was shown a kit for 2.0 but were told were same but looked at picture and didn't see Union so asked them to check the microfiche catalog picture and sent me that and it also didn't show the union so uploaded the linked site part number and they told me don't recognise or list it. Disappointed as I want to keep my pre 2002 face lift 9-5 in tip top I tried for genuine as there is a eBay seller but he/she doesn't sell complete kit. I worked for Saab previously and did the mod of boring the breather box to improve breathing but as I now own my former employers vehicle I do want the latest version.

[@TrionicSeven]

+stephen jeffries Which part is the "union" that you talk about? www.mitt-eget.com/saab/information_ccv_en.shtml

[@urbanjentry222]

+Trionic Seven: For Saab Enthusiasts as mentioned in your video the pipe /union you are mentioning is not on my particular vehicle so not latest version I've version 6

[@larsniklassonhede3798]

+Trionic Seven: For Saab Enthusiasts Do you have any instructions how to change the PCV-system with spare part 55561200. Is it complicated?

[@TrionicSeven]

+lars niklasson Sorry, no. I would make a video if I had a car to do the repair on :) The fix is not difficult,, you need to lift the car slightly to get underneath. Otherwise, you'll be good with a socket wrench.

[@larsniklassonhede3798]

Trionic Seven: For Saab Enthusiasts Jag behövde inte gå in under bilen. Tog allt uppifrån

[@J0hnnzZ]

Tack för videon. Efter att ha kollat så ser jag nu att jag inte har den senaste PCVn på min Saab 9-3 02. Vet du om någon butik i Sverige säljer den?

[@TrionicSeven]

+J0hnnzZ Jadå, alla Saab-återförsäljare och webbutiker säljer kitet.

[@daff4377]

Hej Trionic. Jag kollade just och jag har senaste version, men ändå är oljan helt gul och kletig som snor. Brukar det vara topplockspackningen då eller? Tack

[@daff4377]

THOMΔX okej tack för svar. Nä inte vad jag märkt men ska kolla extra på det. Han som sålde bilen sa att packningarna nyligen var bytta mem allt kan ju hända :)

[@andrzejjesswein7349]

I have an 03, but it looks like it has an 04 solution - I found out the hard way when ordered a kit and nothing seems to fit. It is a 09.2003 registered so a late one, is it possible it is what you call an 04 and onwards?

[@keppipappa]

Your car is 04 so you're good 👍 i have the same thing on my 9-5, its registeret 10.2003 but model year is 2004

[@TSCtheTHC]

So is the 05+ new style engine block eliminate this okay ? Or should we add this modded pcv ? I have a 07. I don't notice any sludge in oil.

[@TrionicSeven]

Yep, 04 and up have another block. 07 = no worries

[@TSCtheTHC]

Honestly I thought I'd hate GM has its hands in my Saab. But I love my 07. Maybe it was right before they changed it too much.

[@GTcooney]

is the thicker of the hoses in this video the Engine Crankcase Breather Hose? the one thats connected to the valve cover and is directly next to the dipstick cap on the left in this video. i have to replace mine but unsure which part to order.

[@TrionicSeven]

I think you find the answere here: web.archive.org/web/20160409095332/www.mitt-eget.com/saab/information_ccv_en.shtml

[@GTcooney]

Trionic Seven was there an actual recall for this set up or just recommended that it's upgraded? i tried looking up the recalls for the 9-3 and couldn't find anything on this specific recall. thanks

[@TrionicSeven]

Yep, actual recall and a *major* problem for T7 engines. Many, many Saab 9-5 and, to a lesser extent, 9-3 were affected with many failed engines, requiring replacement.

[@GTcooney]

Do you know the recall reference number? I tried looking it up and couldn't come across it. I have a saab service center near me and if i could save the money and have it done for free if prefer to do that.

[@TrionicSeven]

TSB 210-2561. However, it's easier to just search for Saab PCV update, or, again, read the link I sent.

[@urbanjentry222]

What is the kit number as uk Saab don't recognise the one on the link thanks

[@TrionicSeven]

+stephen jeffries Sorry, the ccv faq site is the best source I know. Perhaps check EPC?

[@BELHORIZON31]

I hear a strange noise in my engine is it the pcv valve?

[@TrionicSeven]

I really can't answer that. Don't ignore strange noises, it's definitely worth it to go have an experienced mechanic take a listen.

[@bengtlundgren1810]

Strange i have not on my vector -04

[@BrownyCakes1]

Just a very important disclaimer, 9-5 arc built in January of 2004 did NOT have the updated PCV system. 130k on this system thinking it was the updated version..the sludge is real. *edit: USDM California​ emissions cars

[@TrionicSeven]

That's interesting, thanks.

[@abdulsalimneazai7390]

Mine is o1 has it baba

[@siggensaab]

Interesasnt! Or Interessting.. :-)

[@TrionicSeven]

siggensaab Tack! (Or, thanks!) :)