New Saab Owner...random questions

[vannatte]

I recently purchased a used 04 9-3 Arc and had a few questions come up that I couldn't get answered using the search function. I am quite anal about my cars (even used ones) and want everything in pristine condition and totally functional. I am in the process of replacing the radio, HVAC, and info unit just due to worn buttons. I'd like to know what these random electrical connectors are for:

Right rear trunk...




Also, the shifter plate is peeling and I can't find any threads on how to fix it. You can see the temporary fix was a marker.



Thanks for any help, I look forward to contributing to this forum alot.

[Titansaab27]

I'm not 100% on that first one but I would imagine it might be a connector for the lights on a trailer...

The second pic is the connector for the heated seats.

As for the gear selector plate, I believe thesaabsite carries the panel and would be a straight replacement. They also make dash kits that have a cover for that piece. It is removable (pop off the wood trim gear surround, the one screw at the back of the plate and just lift it off and carefully disconnect the various connectors and paint it. Or you can go the route I chose and just fit a leather (or in my case vinyl) boot around the gear lever.

[slosaab]

I think the first is for the fuel door lock...

[vannatte]

Originally Posted by Titansaab27

I'm not 100% on that first one but I would imagine it might be a connector for the lights on a trailer...

The second pic is the connector for the heated seats.

As for the gear selector plate, I believe thesaabsite carries the panel and would be a straight replacement. They also make dash kits that have a cover for that piece. It is removable (pop off the wood trim gear surround, the one screw at the back of the plate and just lift it off and carefully disconnect the various connectors and paint it. Or you can go the route I chose and just fit a leather (or in my case vinyl) boot around the gear lever.

Thanks for the input. My heated seats seem to be working fine, so I'm not sure if that is the misc. connection from the engine bay. I'd thought about painting the shifter plate, but wasn't sure I'd be able to do so without painting over some of the lettering. I'll check the Saabsite though.

[vannatte]

Originally Posted by slosaab

I think the first is for the fuel door lock...

Thanks. I wasn't aware that was an option as mine does not have it. There appear to be 2 connectors there. Would the fuel door lock use both?

[Jblk059320t]

I checked on the Wis and picture 1 appeared to be for the alarm siren

[vannatte]

Originally Posted by Jblk059320t

I checked on the Wis and picture 1 appeared to be for the alarm siren

Odd. Is that a standard option? I accidentally triggered my alarm yesterday and it worked (horn honked). Is something disconnected or is this just not an option on my car?

[Jblk059320t]

I don't think so.

[turnerxce]

I also noticed the disconnected plug in photo 2 in my '04 Arc as I was changing the power steering pump seal this weekend. Would be curious to hear what it's for. The one in the trunk (photo 1) is disconnected on mine as well. I have the alarm going off randomly, so I'm curious if it is alarm related or fuel door related.

Also based on photo 2, it looks like you have the same leaky seal in the PS pump (oil/hydraulic fluid spilling out the top), so seek out the How-To on that...

[aerojon]

1st i'd say gas cap cover lock and siren

2nd is the reverse lamp switch connector for mt

3rd carbon fibre wrap it,or similar

[vannatte]

Originally Posted by turnerxce

I also noticed the disconnected plug in photo 2 in my '04 Arc as I was changing the power steering pump seal this weekend. Would be curious to hear what it's for. The one in the trunk (photo 1) is disconnected on mine as well. I have the alarm going off randomly, so I'm curious if it is alarm related or fuel door related.

Also based on photo 2, it looks like you have the same leaky seal in the PS pump (oil/hydraulic fluid spilling out the top), so seek out the How-To on that...

Thanks for the advice. The place I bought it from says they replaced the power steering pump reservoir. I think the fluid is residual, but maybe not. Do you think they would've replaced the seal along with the reservoir?

[turnerxce]

Originally Posted by vannatte

Thanks for the advice. The place I bought it from says they replaced the power steering pump reservoir. I think the fluid is residual, but maybe not. Do you think they would've replaced the seal along with the reservoir?

The seal that needs replacing is in the PS pump, not the reservoir. You may want to just keep an eye on it. If you notice fluid on the top of the reservoir around the cap, and the reservoir looks overfilled with dark fluid (not the blue/green that the PS fluid is supposed to be), then the PS pump seal is leaking engine oil into the PS pump.