2003 Saab 9-3 Linear 36,000 miles.
Shortly after the expiration of the warranty, the windshield wipers stopped working correctly:
-Washer fluid would not dispense
-Mist mode and intermittent mode would not function
-Normal and High speed would work, but wipers would stop at any position when the stalk was moved to the OFF position - wipers would not park at bottom of windshield
Several possibilities: fuses (all okay), relays, washer pump motor or wiper motor. Wiper motor seemed the most likely talking to mechanics and reading the forums.
Ordered a new wiper motor through local supply store and received Cardone A1431956 wiper motor - rebuilt Saab motor - $90. However, when attempting to replace it became obvious that this is not the right motor for the Saab 2003 or later vehicles. This same part is listed on internet sites for the 2003 Saab. Tried ordering for a Saab 2004 9-3 but no wiper motors were either listed or available. Returned the motor.
Called the dealer... purchased a new wiper motor and assembly for $263.00. Removed the old assembly and replaced with the new one, and the wipers work perfectly including the windshield washer.
Replacement:
-disconnect battery
-remove wiper arms: remove plastic cover and loosen the 13mm nut attaching the arm. Arm should come free - if tight use some WD-40 or similar and move gently back and forth to loosen.
-remove plastic cover over the wiper assembly: remove rubber trim. remove 2 plastic molding clips (these may break - replacements are cheap) Gently remove the cover noting the underside clips and that the cover tucks under the molding at each side of the windshield.
-disconnect the wiring harness: use small flat screwdriver to slide the holder to allow the harness to be disconnected.
(You may want to test the new part by connecting it to the wiring harness and reconnecting the battery to see if the wipers/washer function normally. (Leave room for the assembly to move and not get damaged.) If it does work proceed. If not, you technically have not installed the part and may be able to return it.)
-assuming you have the new assembly it should be rather apparent as to the 4 bolts (10mm - if I remember correctly) that need to be removed to allow the assembly to be removed.
-Place the new assembly into position and tighten the 4 bolts and connect the wiring harness. Check that all works properly with the battery connected.
-Replace the plastic cover. Make sure the underside clips engage and replace plastic clips and trim.
-Again make sure all works. ENGAGE THE WIPERS AND ALLOW THE MOTOR/WIPER ASSEMBLY TO STOP/PARK ON ITS OWN. With the assembly and motor having cycled, this would be the normal position for the wiper to park at the bottom of the windshield when it has cycled and turned off.
-When you are certain the assembly is in the park position, replace the wiper arms with the wiper at the bottom of the windshield. Use a small amount of blue lock-tite if you like and replace the 13mm nuts and plastic cover of the wiper arm.
Hope this has helped.
Please contact a qualified mechanic or your dealer if there is any doubt about your performing a repair.
Shortly after the expiration of the warranty, the windshield wipers stopped working correctly:
-Washer fluid would not dispense
-Mist mode and intermittent mode would not function
-Normal and High speed would work, but wipers would stop at any position when the stalk was moved to the OFF position - wipers would not park at bottom of windshield
Several possibilities: fuses (all okay), relays, washer pump motor or wiper motor. Wiper motor seemed the most likely talking to mechanics and reading the forums.
Ordered a new wiper motor through local supply store and received Cardone A1431956 wiper motor - rebuilt Saab motor - $90. However, when attempting to replace it became obvious that this is not the right motor for the Saab 2003 or later vehicles. This same part is listed on internet sites for the 2003 Saab. Tried ordering for a Saab 2004 9-3 but no wiper motors were either listed or available. Returned the motor.
Called the dealer... purchased a new wiper motor and assembly for $263.00. Removed the old assembly and replaced with the new one, and the wipers work perfectly including the windshield washer.
Replacement:
-disconnect battery
-remove wiper arms: remove plastic cover and loosen the 13mm nut attaching the arm. Arm should come free - if tight use some WD-40 or similar and move gently back and forth to loosen.
-remove plastic cover over the wiper assembly: remove rubber trim. remove 2 plastic molding clips (these may break - replacements are cheap) Gently remove the cover noting the underside clips and that the cover tucks under the molding at each side of the windshield.
-disconnect the wiring harness: use small flat screwdriver to slide the holder to allow the harness to be disconnected.
(You may want to test the new part by connecting it to the wiring harness and reconnecting the battery to see if the wipers/washer function normally. (Leave room for the assembly to move and not get damaged.) If it does work proceed. If not, you technically have not installed the part and may be able to return it.)
-assuming you have the new assembly it should be rather apparent as to the 4 bolts (10mm - if I remember correctly) that need to be removed to allow the assembly to be removed.
-Place the new assembly into position and tighten the 4 bolts and connect the wiring harness. Check that all works properly with the battery connected.
-Replace the plastic cover. Make sure the underside clips engage and replace plastic clips and trim.
-Again make sure all works. ENGAGE THE WIPERS AND ALLOW THE MOTOR/WIPER ASSEMBLY TO STOP/PARK ON ITS OWN. With the assembly and motor having cycled, this would be the normal position for the wiper to park at the bottom of the windshield when it has cycled and turned off.
-When you are certain the assembly is in the park position, replace the wiper arms with the wiper at the bottom of the windshield. Use a small amount of blue lock-tite if you like and replace the 13mm nuts and plastic cover of the wiper arm.
Hope this has helped.
Please contact a qualified mechanic or your dealer if there is any doubt about your performing a repair.
