[dano2808]

Hello everyone, im here in need of some help!!!
My brothers '97 NG 900 2.0 5sp man has been to the garage today for inspection into "difficulty getting into 3rd and 5th gear, v tight" the verdict is "gearbox knackered, a common problem on saabs" !!!!not that im a mechanic, but i have a rough idea, its not somehow, but scanning the forums i cant decide which path to follow, gearbox linkage replacement, cable adjustment or anything else!!!!???

Anyone think they "may" be able to pinpoint the problem more accurately or is it a case of process of elimination?
I must admit i havent driven the car so cant describe the prob more honestly, and as bro is at work, i cant pin him down better, sorry, but any help would be greatfully recieved,
Thanks Dan.

 

[SaabScott]

My first suggestion would be to get the car in to somone who knows Saabs ... their tranny's are not as bad as this guy makes them sound ...

Good luck and keep us posted ...

 

[StormCrow]

Hi mate, I'm having a similair problem with my NG900, except its a problem with 5th and REVERSE...

Try adjusting the linkage first, it might help and it's a quick and easy check...

I've done that, am now looking at replacing the entire linkage, if I can find a part number/source of one...

Anyone know if the Saab 93 linkage will fit?

Cheers

 

[PMI]

I would try to adjust or replace the cable first, then the linkage, before worrying about the transmission. Also, my shifting improved quite a bit when I finally replaced the manual transmission fluid, even if it is far from perfect.

From the EPC CD:
(the part numbers are the same for later model NG900 and early 9-3 models)

Article : Linkage
PartNo : 4282307
Usage : 1994-1996
Order Quantity : 1

Article : Linkage
PartNo : 4626321
Usage : 1997-1998
Order Quantity : 1
Article : Linkage
PartNo : 4626321
Order Quantity : 1


There is a lot of info online on how to replace the older linkage with the newer one, and a Saab TSB on the genuinesaab.com in the reference section. Have not done it myself, but others have. Detailed directions and pics on Dip's web site, here:

http://photo.platonoff.com/Auto/

 

[JMarkert]

You might glance through the sticky FAQ's at the top of the forum, there's a transmission section that has some 'how to' info in it.I disagree slightly with SaabScott though, the early transmission systems (clutch cable/linkage/transmission) are definitely a weak point. The transmissions themselves were weak, and the dicey cables and linkages tended to speed them along to an early demise. Of course transmission replacement shouldn't be the first solution!

The cable and linkage should be checked / adjusted first since these are both easy and cheap.

I'm not sure, but many of the transmission weaknesses might have been fixed by 1997.