Theres no dipstick, if you are standing at passenger side fender, look between manifold and engine block, there is a bolt sitting there in the middle of plain site on the pan, that is your "dipstick" Ratchet it off, there will be a line gauge beneath. It's where you'd put more trans fluid or magic prayers in as well.

When a transmission is toast....it just gets toastier.

Lucas is worth a try.

 

don't use the lucas crap. it's a good fix for short term if you're fixing a car to sell, but for long-term ownership, be warned. it's a seal sweller.

it's a temporary fix that will eventually catastrophically fail an auto unit.

more likely scenarios include that it's likely a failed solenoid that's sticking and won't engage properly. the car should be taken to a transmission specialist to diagnose properly and have PROPERLY repaired if you want to enjoy the car a long time

(auto trans certified ASE)

 

you are correct that the auto trans dipstick is at the front, (Second Saab is thinking of a manual box, not auto)and it has a hot and cold level mark on it, it maybe you are low on fluid, as if it's been leaking a while, so obvious check first, but if level ok a checkover by specialist would be better, it may just need filter and oil change, but they will soon know.

 

Yeah, I should know that cause one of my Saabs is an automatic. Was messing with the pots on my APC tonight on my automatic one. I glanced over and yes dipstick is protruding like a hitchhikers thumb just in front of radiator. Thought to myself oops, but thx for clearing that up. Don't believe all you read on the internet kids. Case in point. Sorry new guy, sure you figured that out by now. Probably least of your problems.

 

this is the best option.

gheck fluids, top off if needed. otherwise don't condemn it with lucas crap.

 

This B/W 37 adapted to the SAAB primary drive is a Flintstones-era box; it has no solenoids. Diagnosis is more a matter of 'feel' and experience. Rule of thumb: If it starts slipping it's a deathwatch, if it's just lazy, I'd try some tranny-in-a-can cleaner (I've had good luck with 1/2 cup DOT 4ish brake fluid) for 100 miles before a fluid change. Change the fluid again in 500 miles if you see improvement. If it seems cured, treat it to a band adjustment.
I got Borg-Warner factory training on the Model 35 and 37 back in 1974, so if Borg/Warner Security noses around, I'll deny this unauthorized post.

 

Not to jack thread, but can you expound on "Lazy." Example Im thinking of a lazy trans and what you define it as, I'd like to know. Figure it's for greater good of this thread anyhow.

 

Hey MJ! I live in Mad City but keep my Saabs in Milwaukee, south side!

Whatever you do, use only Type F fluid. I hear that any Dexron fluid will ruin the transmission in pretty short order. And before I'd start adding anything to it, I'd change the fluid a few times. My recollection is that I can get about a gallon of fluid out of it each time. This is far less than what is in the thing, because a lot of it sits in the torque converter. Unlike my old Mercedes, the torque converter doesn't have its own drain plug. I use suction to take the oil out from the dipstick tube so no lifting the car. Folks who do this every oil change seem to report long transmission life.

 

One more thing! This transmission DOESN'T shift smooth, at least not by today's standards. You might contact me as I'd be happy to show you my minty fresh '92 automatic for comparison purposes when I'm in Milwaukee, which is usually at least a couple of times a month. My point is that you might be trying to fix something that isn't wrong...