[newtosaab1996]

Hi

As the title says what is a good service manual for a OG 9-3, you guys recommend?

Thanks

 

[jvanabra]

Download WIS from the stickies - zero point trying to find passable paper manuals when the factory software is freely available.

 

[newtosaab1996]

could not find in stickies, but DVD-ROM on sale on evilbay, if any one need one.

For SAAB 9-3 (9400) 1998-2003 Service Repair Workshop Manual WIS & EPC | eBay

EPC 2011: Electronic Parts Catalogue. WIS 2013: Technical Information / Wiring Diagrams. Compatible with ALL SAAB models listed from 1994 - 2012. Contains step-by-step procedures, detailed illustration, diagrams, and explanations that will guide you through your servicing and repairing of your...

www.ebay.com

 

[jvanabra]

Try https://www.saabcentral.com/threads/wis-and-epc-for-windows-10.622081/

 

[Jeremy R.]

The WIS is also online at www.saabwisonline.com. I like having the Haynes manual around as a quick reference for torque values, but it's become less useful even for that with the online WIS.

 

[BobSaabit]

I started with the Haynes back in the day when the WIS wasn't available outside a Saab dealership. It does have some good step by step procedures. Most of the time they are accurate. My complaint with ALL Haynes manuals is that they will go into the most minute detail in some areas, like dissecting a lifter into its component parts (which .01% of users will actually do)... but then in other areas like removing a console they'll guide you down to where you really need to know a "trick" to remove a part and it will say something like "then remove the six hidden fasteners and extract the console off the unseen clips". They drop you off a cliff. It's hard to fathom since they'll show (for example) the part removed from the car afterwards in a photo but they won't tell you how it came off.

That all said... the WIS takes some getting used to and often assumes knowledge you don't have since you didn't take the Saab Factory training. Or they use a special tool you can't get and they don't show an illustration of. The user interface is terrible and takes a lot of getting used to (learn about bookmarks!). Not having a Tech II can be a handicap when using the WIS. But overall it's a winner and a godsend.

 

[Jeremy R.]

The WIS definitely leaves some things to be desired. I know there are quite a few jobs that are relatively easy if you have their board full of specialty tools, but considerably more difficult (or expensive) if you don't. I'd love to have the plastic tool that drives in the axle seals, but the only one I've found is $150 on eBay. The WIS does include some tips that you can't find anywhere else, like which of the three holes in the strut housing of a NG900 that a tab on the upper spring seat needs to line up with, and for things like that, it's indispensable.

 

[jvanabra]

I'd love to have the plastic tool that drives in the axle seals, but the only one I've found is $150 on eBay.

When it comes to seals, the answer is always a piece of pipe with a cap!

 

[newtosaab1996]

this is good. Thanks guys. I tried the online WIS version, and it does take some getting used to. I was mainly interested to diagnose my turbo. I think I am have brittle hoses or my BPC is not working.

I think I will get the Haynes manual, just to have some reading material

 

[BobSaabit]

this is good. Thanks guys. I tried the online WIS version, and it does take some getting used to. I was mainly interested to diagnose my turbo. I think I am have brittle hoses or my BPC is not working.

I think I will get the Haynes manual, just to have some reading material

The normal WIS is a PITA to use. The on-line one is worse. Do the download; late night / wee hours is best for that.

Start another thread on your turbo issues. There's a lot of expertise here that can usually narrow down the problem for you.

If you do buy the Haynes, try not to pay more than $26 for it. Some sellers are gouging.

 

[newtosaab1996]

Thanks for the info BobSaabit! I did download the WIS now i need to find a windows machine to run it in.

Also, ordered the haynes manual.