[Osteomata]

1998 900S Convertabile:
The wiper fluid on the driver side has VERY poor output: the dual stream travels about 2 inches. Been this way for a while, just getting around to fixing it. On the passenger side it works great.
I checked the fluid line, and there is a hole in the bottom of the three way connector on the driver side. Only thing is this whole looks intentional, like that is the way the three way connector is designed. I can't figure out how the fluid on the driver side is effected, but the downstream passenger side is just fine. Any ideas? Should I just plug it up, or is it some kind of overpressure relief thing?
Thanks.

 

[earthworm]

The washer jets are probably clogged.

This occurs on all vehicles periodically and is part of maintenance.
Also, I think some check valves may be used, they tend to stick, sometimes can be cleaned..

 

[stromer]

If there was a hole you should have fluid loss. I agree, check that they aren't clogged up.

 

[mike saunders]

Ahhh...you'll be needing the Saab wiper nozzle clearing tool, Part #459445. It's about $30 at the dealer...

 

[stromer]

I use one of those every time I do a wax job. No matter how careful I am!!! I actually have a gold plated one I use. It has a larger diameter for increaded load bearing. :cheesy:

 

[PMI]

... there is a hole in the bottom of the three way connector on the driver side. Only thing is this whole looks intentional, like that is the way the three way connector is designed.

The hole is intentional. It's an air hole. It allows the rubber diaphram inside the check valve to move freely. The driver side three way connector is both a T-connector and a check valve. The passenger side is just an elbow and a check valve. The valve allows fluid to flow in one direction, and blocks air and mold from getting into the lines in the other direction.

I can't figure out how the fluid on the driver side is effected, but the downstream passenger side is just fine.

Fluid is passing through the connector to the passenger side, but the short line up to the driver side nozzle is plugged, or the check valve is not working right.

I clean the jets, but I replace the check valves when they start going bad (for $2-3 each online). You can also try cleaning the valves or replacing the rubber diaphrams with a new piece of latex.

The check valve consists of a small disc of latex rubber with a plastic piston and a small spring inside a barrel which snaps together. There are the two check valves for the windshield, one more behind the bumper for the headlight washers, and one inside the driver side fender for the rear wiper washer. The pic below is the 3-way valve on the driver side.

 

[earthworm]

Ahhh...you'll be needing the Saab wiper nozzle clearing tool, Part #459445. It's about $30 at the dealer...

This made me laugh; this made my day.. I mean to say we really have some very intelligent people here and with a high level sense of humor...
I used to use a large safety pin; needles were good as well, but too easily lost and painfully found...

PMI, very helpful again.
The washer fluid control device with the tiny vent hole is the reason for the leak in the headlight washer circuit.
The diaphragm cracked on mine ; I'll have to buy a new control valve...

 

[PMI]

This made me laugh; this made my day.. I mean to say we really have some very intelligent people here and with a high level sense of humor...

ditto... you think stromer wears the gold-plated one on his keychain next to the plug gapping tool or around his neck... <chuckle>