[B1G Keen]

Having researched this myself I found a lot of threads with partial information that were not super clear. Here is my bypass for the dash light illumination rheostat that are notorious for going bad. Simple “fix” that at least keeps the lights on. One pin I wasn’t able to trace, but I’m thinking it’s the input from the light sensor on the dashboard computer, as this is supposed to dim the rheostat automatically when ambient light is high. (Guesstimation from the info I was able to find)

Vehicle specifics are 98 900s. Wouldn’t be all that surprised if different years differ, as info I found on pin numbers wasn’t correct for my vehicle. Best method in my approximation was using a multimeter to find power, and checking resistances to ground. Once I found the pins I suspected as being to the bulbs I used a 2 amp fuse in a holder with probes on each end to jump from 12volt to the circuits. The fuse will pop very quickly if/when you short to ground- and you shouldn’t have to worry about the fuses in your fuse box as this will be the weak link.

End result is lights on permanent when vehicle is powered on but that beats a blank(literally)

Rheostat is now acting as a fancy plug for the hole in the dash but that’s just a dirty secret I can keep to myself.

 

[B1G Keen]

Thank you. Might be useful to to my 900s 1997 (scandinavian). Any wiring diagram?

Couldn't find any myself, but following the fused probe method worked well for me.

 

[B1G Keen]

Interesting.

If I happen to run across an NG900 rheostat at the U-Pull are you interested in buying one dirt cheap? They usually charge something like $5 for them depending on the yard. I can try to remember to grab one if I see it. Shipping is probably $7 these days. Or you could find one on eBay pretty cheap I'd guess. There might be someone putting out a car in the classifieds here too.

Under 15 bucks total I would probably have interest, or someone would. Every one I've found of the correct style has been pinched from the yard I go to, I think someone who works there takes them or tips someone off. Usually this style is pretty expensive and untested (so maybe broken too) on ebay. This is the large rheostat- unit is maybe 4 inches long. The following model is a short little block, look the same from the dash but not interchangeable of course. They can be had for cheap on ebay and I think tend to last anyhow

 

[B1G Keen]

Yeah, the Og 9-3 model is different. That's the smaller one. The NG900 was the larger one. I'll keep my eyes open. Not many Saabs down here, but I see some here and there.

Sounds about right, appreciated