Saab 9-3 2lt turbo aero 2003 reving too low?

Hi bought a 2003 saab 9-3, it has been nothing but expense, have spent over 2k on engine repairs since I got it, still have the engine malfunction light on, seems like I am chasing ghosts.



My main concern is that when the car idles, it does so at about 300rpm, it judders all over the place and the headlights flicker, when driving it seems as though there is massive turbo lag as the car really doesnt like to speed up. (have bought a new turbo)



I bought the car with all my savings from Britian, I am currently based in Holland, so the faults didnt come to light until I got back here, I have since taken out loans for engine repairs, cant afford to sell the car with the engine light on and dont want to keep taking it to mechanics who plug it into a computer and say things like its your o2 sensor, then replace that, charge a fortune, reset the light and when the light comes back on within five miles, say its a new fault.



Any ideas? I want to fix it cheap myself with the help of a haynes manual.Saab 9-3 2lt turbo aero 2003 reving too low?
Since you did not give specifics on which generation Saab you have, (in the U.S., the 9-3 changed body style and engine/trans in 2003 on the sedans and 2004 on the conv.), Lets first assume you have the new generation 9-3.



For most recent generation 9-3, I would check the voltage of the battery with the car not running. Then check the alternator output voltage to assure the battery is strong and the alternator is putting out the proper voltage. Saabs seem to be, (in my opinion and experience), very voltage sensitive vehicles and some faults can be traced back to that.



If your vehicle is the previous vintage, (same as 01, 02 style), these cars had a problem with the vacuum pump on the side of the cylinder head pushing oil into the brake booster and causing problems with rough idling, hard brake pedal, smoking, and stalling. I have had three in my shop with this issue and once repaired, (replacement of brake booster), the issues were repaired. This does not pertain to the new generation 9-3 because the system is different.
First of all, it shouldn't be idling at 300 rpm, it should be at around 800 rpm. Get that sorted out first and then report back. You may email me directly.Saab 9-3 2lt turbo aero 2003 reving too low?
I am so sorry to hear of your issues and the money you have spent. Sadly you have the 9440 chassis which for '03 and '04 models built in '03 they are a firmware nightmare. Your issue lies in the CIM unit, (Central Integrated Module), GM decided to combine multiple control systems into one unit and blew it beyond all realm of bad. You will have to find a Dealer that still can obtain the latest updates for the unit and have it re-programed. Your idle issue and MIL light issues are all do to the CIM. There is NO other fix I am sorry to say. This really should have been a recalled model but it is not so owners are stuck. Your Euro model will have different settings from our U.S. models so I can not send you a laptop download that would work or I would be happy to do so. If you will send me your VIN number I can research your vehicle and maybe find something you can download online I will try. Sorry again and Good Luck
First job is to achieve idle speed so check every single inlet manifold vacuum pipe,take them off one at a time and super clean them,blow down them to check for blockages and inspect every end for hairline crack or splits,pass nothing that's not perfect,dont forget the big one going to the servo.

Now you remove the bigger air tunking and do the same,any air getting in will give your fault.When the trunking is off remove the throttle body and idle ai control valve and apply same technique,cleaner and better lookin than new,NO OIL anywhere inside the throttle body,like new.The best tools for this kind of job is eyes,ears and patience,DO IT RIGHT!.Re test from there but better than 50% of the time I'll find several small faults that mounted up to give problems.See how you get on.and when it runs listen for hissing,hissing is not good,track it down and kill it.Saab 9-3 2lt turbo aero 2003 reving too low?
This model Saab is very reliable and not expensive to own. Except, if it has not been maintained properly. From your post it seems that your Saab may be suffering from lack of serving early on and before you had bought it. As with any complex machinery, it is always a good idea to have an experienced person check/test the car before you purchase it. This way they can tell about this sort of problems. The other issue is that you are driving a Car that is somewhat very advanced and when it fails it requires special tools to diagnose, program and perform the repairs. I bet that you did not get your Saab fixed at a Saab repair shop. Here in USA, there are many independent Saab repair shops, I happen to be one of them and we have these special tools. Otherwise it will be impossible for us to fix the car. It 'll be like you said, "Chasing a Ghost".



You best remedy is first find a good independent Saab repair shop. Generic tool will not be accurate enough as you have already experienced. They need to have the SAAB TECH II to be able to diagnose and program you car. When Check Engine lite goes on they can plug the TECH II and find out in 5 less than minutes why the light has gone on. Then they can also check and tell you what is wrong with you Saab. There are no short cuts to this.



People who do not use an experienced Saab repair shop to fix their Saab, end up spending more than they should in the long run. Main reason is that experienced Saab shops have the parts resources and expertise to do it right so that you don't end up having to deal with recurring issues.



Some hints for you;



Flickering light may be due to low idle. Low idle+ check engine light, is cause due to electrical issue with fuel injection computer system. It should not be a guessing game. Plug the TECH II and your know exactly why you Saab is behaving incorrectly.