[MarkJ]

I was driving towards Boston yesterday, The DTE on the SID read 12 miles to go and I was within 5 miles of a gas station, the car sputtered and died on the side of the road. AAA brought out 2 gallons of gas, but seems my fuel pump got killed in the process.

Word to the wise, dont trust the DTE and never let your Saab run out of gas. I am in for a $700 bill tomorrow :evil:

 

[robhurlburt]

sorry to hear about that, if it makes you feel any better, my fuel pump needs to be replaced also.

I agree with you though, don't rely on your SID on these cars with such touchy fuel pumps. I have ran out of gas before, and never had any issues with my pump, but i will make sure not to let it happen in this car!

 

[JonV]

This is the second instance in the past few weeks where reliance on the DTE in the SID has resulted an out of gas situation. The DTE is not an absolute, it is an estimate, just like the mpg display is an average.

It is really regrettable that these fuel pumps seem to burn out that quickly should you run dry.

 

[Vector-SS]

A couple of months back, my car ran out of fuel too, and my fuel pump burnt too. Luckily it was covered under warranty. My bill was around 1xxx

 

[dc99]

Comon to electric fuel pumps, they need fuel to keep them cool. Don't take much to burn them out. I always head for a station when that fuel light comes on in any vehicle I own. I'ts really good practice to fill up at 1/4 but in all honesty I don't either...

 

[FLA_SAAB_ DRIVER]

well mines pretty much dead on, i swear by it, and when it gets lower like under 15 miles, i just ease off her a bit

 

[JonV]

well mines pretty much dead on, i swear by it, and when it gets lower like under 15 miles, i just ease off her a bit

A foolish practice to let your tank get that low.

 

[MooF]

The first week I owned my Saab I was taking a chance and testing the DTE reading, got within 5km to empty ( < 3miles for my neighbours to the south ) and I was then inclined to fuel up, so I suppose I can trust the reading.
Having said that, mechanics have always told me never to let any fuel pump run dry due to overheating, even below 1/8th tank some pumps tend to overheat. But I suppose everyone on the thread has figured that one out..

 

[MarkJ]

Just got an estimate from the dealer
$380 for a new fuel pump + 5 hours labor x $115 = $955

Could someone tell me if this labor estimate it right...?

 

[Cameron Reddy]

You have gotta be kidding me. Running out of gas kills the car?

Sounds to me like an exceptionally cheap fuel pump.

 

[JonV]

Just got an estimate from the dealer
$380 for a new fuel pump + 5 hours labor x $115 = $955

Could someone tell me if this labor estimate it right...?

An alternative is go get a remaned and use a local Mechanic who's rates are going to be at least a third less. You don't need a "Specialist" to drop the tank and replace the pump.

Oh, and the cost is 334 at the Saabsite for the pump. Sounds like too many hours, I'll check my records later, I had it done for the fuel sender issue.

 

[robhurlburt]

An alternative is go get a remaned and use a local Mechanic who's rates are going to be at least a third less. You don't need a "Specialist" to drop the tank and replace the pump.

do you know where i can get a remaned one?

 

[JonV]

Call some of your local Autoparts Stores, the ones used by mechanics, or ask you local mechanic to get it. Or e-mail www.thesaabsite.com

http://www.thesaabsite.com/partsinquiryform.php?itype=USED+Parts+Inquiry

 

[earthworm]

Drop the tank ?

What is wrong with using an access port ?
One hour labor to correct this Saab/GM omission; mechanics are a lot slower today than in my time.
One hour to 90 minutes to change the pump....($120 aftermarket)
The CU black marks for a frail pump are bad enough;but must the labor be so much - or should these people earn nearly as much as pro ball-players ???

And ,in my time, the '66 Chevrolet fuel pump gave up the ghost, finally, at 10 years, 90K miles... on a Sunday....with borrowed tools, 30 minutes of easy time, and $20 or so, I replaced it..A rebuild kit was available for less than $10 ! The car gave warning that the pump was failing for 2 years !

What has happened in the ensuing 30 years is not good.

 

[robhurlburt]

i f there was only an access port....

 

[JonV]

LOL, even my 900's had an access port in the floor...

 

[MarkJ]

If my car was operational I would consider taking it to a indy, but since that would require another flatbed ride, I'm just going to suck it up.

Saab USA needs to realize that these type of ownership experiences do not make repeat buyers, and can even turn off rabid Saab loyalists like me.

 

[brianl703]

I bet you could cut an access port

The 1995 Ford Contour (Mondeo) I used to own has an access port. But the fuel pump never failed on it in the 195,000 miles it's been on the road.

 

[Cosmicflash]

No access ports means "more than lifetime" fuel pumps, correct:roll:

All the above posts seem to be true. The SID on my 03' was dead on--would pretty much run out just after the "0 Miles to empty".
With the 06' at about 15 miles it says "time to refill" or "refill now" I think.

 

[JonV]

Mark J said "Saab USA needs to realize that these type of ownership experiences do not make repeat buyers, and can even turn off rabid Saab loyalists like me."

That is a very valid point Mark, but it seems everyone who has burned a Pump has dryed out the tank...Duh! There is absolutely no common sense reason to get that low....and the "My DTE said..." excuse is poor, it's not gonna be 100% accurate. When you go to the edge, you can fall off.

From the Manual:

Fuel gauge
When less than about 2.5 gallons (10litre)
of fuel is left in the tank, a warning light on
the main instrument panel comes on.

What don't they get? It's time to get gas.