[sandraqu]

What two hoses may have been swapped so that exhaust comes into the cabin (the interior of the car) when the fan is on? What other possibilities would force exhaust into the air system of the car?

This is a recent issue after exhaust work was done underneath the car to fix a hole caused by highway debris. I haven't had a chance to talk to the mechanic.

Thank you, --Sandra, 9-3 SE 2001

 

[earthworm]

No hoses necessarily; the exhaust must be properly repaired.
If the floor pan was punctured, then that must be repaired and sealed.
Has the cabin filter and intake air plenum been cleaned - this is part of the annual maintenance.

 

[longjon76]

earthworm has likely nailed it. You've got a hole in your exhaust and your cabin filter probably can't "scrub" that smell out of the air before it gets to you.

 

[watkins]

More likely than not the clamp holding the flex pipe on isnt tight or the flex pipe itself is damaged

 

[sandraqu]

Thank you. The smell comes into cabin when idling at a stop. When the car is on the highway - smell is not a problem. After figuring out how to search I found other posts with the same issue
--
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169689
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166417
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40415
--

suggesting a leak (fuel, oil, coolant, etc.) onto ground or engine or exhaust parts; the rubber pipe at the top of the CAM; rubber weather strip under the hood; and a leaky oil pressure sensor (located above the starter dripping onto exhaust).


"breather pipe that goes into the rear of the camshaft cover issue"

"Turned out one of the fuel lines had a drip from where two hoses connect, right by where the oil dipstick is. ...Another area to check is the pump itself."

"a small exhaust leak in the engine compartment, AND a bad rubber gasket around the hood along the back below the windshield. This allows the underhood gasses to work into the air intake for the AC system. If you open the hood and check the gasket/seal you will probably find a bad area."

"the plastic grommit that secures the rubber pipe to the top of the cam cover above the Saab lettering? This is a common breakage"

 

[sandraqu]

Answer: One of the rubber hoses from the PCV system was shredded so the exhaust smell emitting from the hose was sneaking into the cabin. You can see the PCV system here: http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/PartDetail.php?partCode=55561200

The hose was the lower hose off of that plastic heart, and is near the firewall.

Updating the PCV (which includes new rubber hoses) took care of the problem.

--Sandra