[J Hardy]

For a few weeks, the car has been acting up. It has not been wanting to go into 1st or reverse for me. But if I turn it off, and place it in gear, it would start with no problem and shift gears as it should. Until I stop at a light and I have to repeat.

One day, the car got stuck in 2nd gear. Once parked, fortunately in our driveway, it was not in any gear at all. Here is a video of the only action that the shift rod would do. Saab gear shift action

We discovered that the linkage was missing a bolt/screw.

From this link, Gear rod (900NG Parts > Transmission > Transmission & Related > Gear rod) I harvested a diagram of the shifter linkage above. My missing bolt should be threaded through the bushings and into the engine side of the assembly. See the blue arrow?

I can not find specs for this bolt. I need to know exactly what to order. It may be a 9/16ths bolt. It should be under 4 inches in length. Does anyone know exactly what I should purchase?

Currently, the linkage is being held onto the car with a cobbled-together too-long bolt with nuts and washers to shorten it. I need to do better. To be explicitly clear, the bolt I need is neither "screw #4" nor "screw #10" listed on the diagram.

It is still doing the "not been wanting to go into 1st or reverse for me. But if I turn it off, and place it in gear, it would start with no problem and shift gears as it should. Until I stop at a light and I have to repeat."

I have located and ordered a used linkage, I also just received new metal bushings from Maptun parts.

Bushing kit, Shift Linkage, Saab 900/9-3/9-5 -2003

Bushing kit, Shift Linkage, Saab 900/9-3/9-5 -2003 - Following the success of our update kit for model year 2004 and onwards, we have now developed a corresponding product for previous model years as well. With bushings in bearing bronze, this kit is a really good update that improves the feel...

www.maptunparts.com

I will assess the two linkages, and decide which one to have the new bushings put on, then replace.

Here is a picture instructional on how to lock the transmission in the correct gear until the linkage is put back on the car: 25.03.2005: Saab NG900 Shifter Alignment - photo.platonoff.com

Here is a picture instructional on how to rebuild the linkage: 25.03.2005: Saab NG900 Shifter Alignment - photo.platonoff.com

Here is a video of the movement of the linkage prior to putting in the bolt:

Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[J Hardy]

Sorry folks, the car:

Year	1996
Model Name	Saab 900
Trim	SE
Body Style	5D / 5-door
Engine	B204L 4-inline, Turbo - Petrol
Engine ID	B204L5M20T057663
Gearbox	5-speed manual / Front wheel drive

 

[jvanabra]

I could be mistaken, but I don't think the think you've identified as a bolt is a bolt. I believe it's just an axle, probably press-fit into place. This probably illustrates it:

 

[J Hardy]

I could be mistaken, but I don't think the think you've identified as a bolt is a bolt. I believe it's just an axle, probably press-fit into place. This probably illustrates it:

We put a bolt through it. The bolt is screwed into something and is currently keeping the linkage attached to whatever it is inside. I don't know what else to say...

Maybe it is supposed to press fit... It wasn't.

 

[Jeremy R.]

Since you have a 1996, this might be a good time to upgrade your linkage. The newer style came out in 1997. All you need is the linkage and the ball stud that attaches to the side of the transmission right above the axle.

 

[J Hardy]

This is what I received, according to the tag it came from a year 1995.

https://permies.com/t/86189/a/177935/thumb-20220521_152633.jpg
https://permies.com/t/86189/a/177936/thumb-20220521_152623.jpg

In the good news column, it has metal bushings instead of nylon.

Thanks, Jeremy, I'll keep an eye out for a linkage from after 1997 in the future. For now, I need to work with what I have.

jvanabra, I imagine the linkage on the left in your picture is the newer style?

Any other suggestions? Questions?

 

[J Hardy]

...or maybe very detailed instuctions?

 

[J Hardy]

Ok. I think I finally found the instructions in WIS. I should have asked for them sooner... These things often appear to me only after I have asked others for the information. Please take a look. Is this it?

Cars affected – NG900 1995 | SAAB Workshop Information System

I don't see anything specifically saying if one is supposed to use a bolt, or if it should "snap on".

 

[J Hardy]

And it references the linkage here in step 15.

SAAB Workshop Information System WIS Online saabwisonline.com

Also above in step 60, while removing the locking pin.

 

[jvanabra]

I believe the linkage is one piece. It is not intended to come apart... One end goes to the transmission and the other end the shifter. The stuff in the middle not really serviceable (by intent). I imagine your bolt fixed something broken, it didn't replace something missing.

 

[J Hardy]

It is the transmission side that we put the screw into. The bolt is inserted through the nylon bushing that slides over a shaft...

 

[J Hardy]

Hmmm... maybe bolt #10 came out and we accidentally fixed it in a dangerous manner where we did?

We'll check that out after a series of major thunderstorms blow through.

If there are other suggestions, please please post them. I'll be checking back often.

EDIT: the diagram calls it Screw #10.