How To Troubleshoot Your Saab’s Issues
All drivers at some point experience one problem or the other and Saab car owners are no exception. Diagnosing problems with your Saab does not have to be a hassle. Here, you will find simple guidelines that will help you diagnose and fix most issues your Saab may have, keeping it in perfect condition.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Use an OBD-II Scanner
One of the most useful devices for troubleshooting in modern cars, including Saabs, is an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) scanner. First, find the OBD-II port, which is most commonly situated under the dashboard near the steering column. Connect the scanner to the port and start your automobile. The scanner will display any error codes that the car may have stored in its computer system giving you a precise location of the problem. It is possible to search for these codes on the Internet or in the manual of your Saab to know their meaning.
Inspect Electrical Components
When you have electrical problems, first look at the battery and the alternator. It may be the cause of the problem. Check and make sure that the terminals of the battery are clean and tightly connected. If your battery is old, then it is advisable to take it for a test or get it replaced. Next, examine the alternator to see whether it is charging the battery or not. Furthermore, examine the fuses and relays of the car in the fuse box. Replace any that are blown or appear damaged, because loose fuses or relays may be the cause of various electrical issues.
Examine the Engine
When it comes to issues involving the engine, the first areas to inspect are the spark plugs and the ignition coils. Check the status of the spark plugs because if they are worn out this can result in misfiring and rough idle. Replace them if necessary. Check the ignition coils, which also lead to similar problems if they are bad. The air filter needs to be cleaned or replaced since a dirty filter can reduce the performance of your Saab engine.
Listen for Unusual Noises
Strange sounds are often good indicators of what may be wrong with your Saab. Squealing or grinding of brakes usually indicates that the brake pads are worn out or the rotors are damaged. A knocking or pinging engine may be a result of misfires, which may be caused by bad spark plugs or ignition coils. Squealing coming from the transmission could mean that the transmission fluid is low or the gears are worn out; while hissing usually means that there is a vacuum or coolant leak and this should be looked into immediately.
Check Fluid Levels
Proper fluid levels are critical to the proper functioning of your Saab car and its related systems. Ensure that the engine oil is always full since lack of it can lead to damage to the engine. Further, it is recommended to check the coolant levels to avoid the car overheating by looking at the coolant reservoir and adding more if necessary. Look at the brake fluid, it is dangerous to drive when the brake fluid is low, and add some if necessary. Check the level of the transmission fluid as low transmission fluid results in shifting issues. Also, it is recommended to check the level of the power steering fluid to facilitate smooth turning of the steering wheel.
Test Drive
One of the ways that you could notice problems is by taking your Saab for a test drive. Listen to how the car accelerates, if it does it weakly, this could be a sign of a fuel system problem. Check the braking; soft brakes could be a result of air in the brake lines or low brake fluid. Observe how the car steers; if it pulls to one side, then this may be a sign that the car needs an alignment or the tires have unequal inflation. Last is the monitoring of the transmission; slippage or rough shifting can normally be felt during the test drive.
Trust Munich West With Your Saab Troubleshooting
At Munich West, we 
are the go-to repair shop for Audi, BMW, Saab, Mini, Volvo, Mercedes, and VW car owners in Decatur, Atlanta, GA. We have been assisting drivers in the area since 1976 and our shop has all the state-of-the-art tools to handle any repair you may require. If you are in search of an efficient shop where you can bring your Saab and have any faults diagnosed, then you have come to the right place. Book an appointment now.
* Silver Saab Car image credit goes to: Srdjanns74.
