Electronic Diagnostics: Saab 9-3 2.0 petrol
Tracing and fixing faults in electronic engine management systems
Stylish, solid, fast and comfortable, the petrolpowered 2.0-litre Saab 9-3 is a true drivers’ car. But is it diagnostically delightful?
Kim Henson and Edward Haggar lift the lid on a 2002 example.
The first-generation Saab 9-3 arrived for the 1998 model year and was based on the previous 900. Buyers could choose between a 2.0or 2.3-litre petrol or 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine, with all variants transversely mounted and front-wheel drive. Bodywork options included three- or five-door hatchbacks or a two-door convertible. A heavily revised secondgeneration 9-3 was introduced for 2003. Subsequent 9-3 models were made until 2014.
For this feature we are looking at a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrolpowered example, first registered in January 2002. The engine on this car incorporates 16 valves and twin overhead camshafts and features Saab’s Direct Ignition set-up.
Our guide to the diagnostic aspects of this engine (code number B205E) and its Trionic T7 management system is Edward Haggar.
Preparation On these turbocharged 9-3 models it is essential that the engine oil and filter are changed frequently and regularly or it will adversely affect the turbocharger (see Fault 2: Turbocharger failure). Check the maintenance history of the
vehicle and, if in any doubt about the last service, carry out a full service and renew the engine oil and filter, using oil to the recommended specification and OE quality parts.
It is also important to assess the condition of all the rubber hoses within the engine bay, ensuring that there are no splits, as the slightest air leak can cause running performance issues.
If serviced regularly, these engines can clock up massive mileages. There is no cambelt to worry about, but it is not uncommon for auxiliary drivebelt issues to arise – the tensioners can become noisy, so it’s wise to renew it sooner rather than later. We have seen vehicles where the tensioner fails and the drivebelt jumps and wraps itself around the crankshaft.