[Saabseeker]

The 9-3 manual (at least here in the US) makes no mention of cooling down the turbo. No word as to whether or not it is needed. I've always thought that one should idle a turbo car for awhile before shutting it off after driving it for awhile to allow the oil supply going to the turbo to cool off. Is this a valid concern for the 9-3?

Has anyone installed a turbo timer to help with this?

 

[madmax252]

I do not have a turbo timer, but I think it is a wise idea to let any turbo engine cool down a bit before shut off, especially if it's been driven hard or been under heavy loads. I started to give it 30 seconds to 1 minute before shutting down, and now I just do it all the time out of habit.

 

[aero1116]

I've been wondering the same thing. I let my car idle for 30sec or more just to be safe. It's not too much time to wait but it can be annoying sometimes sitting there waiting. Seeker, what part of Atlanta you from?

 

[Cojoroh]

the turbos used in the SS are water cooled. no oil coking issues to worry about so a turbo timer isn't necessary. besides, turbo times can present theft issues. just drive conservatively in the last mile before shutting the car off.

 

[Saabseeker]

I didn't know the turbo is water cooled. I looked up the parts in my repair estimating manual and it only lists oil lines going to it, nothing for coolant...?:roll:

 

[BlackSaab]

I asked my dealer. he told me to go easy when arriving at my destination. So mainly I allways have to go a bit trought the city etc. to get to my home. Thats a 10 minute drive. So 10 minutes doing normal driving and no "full-power" actions. Should be enough the cool the turbo down. When I'm on the autobahn and was going balistic and go for a stop I let the car idle 1 to 2 minutes prior to shutting down. There are allways some people allways looking puzzeled. But hey..I don't want to risk my turbo.

So give the a ca a break and take it easy the last few kilometer or stay a bit in idle to have the turbo get down a bit. That's at least what my dealer told me - but I'm not turbo specialist. So that's just the input I got.