Saab Tech Tips
Saab Dead Battery/Alternator Problem
By Don Andrews, Andrews Inc. of Princeton
Problem: Dead Battery/Alternator Problem
Symptom: Classic 900 or 1980's 9000 seems to be having mysterious charging system problems
This repair is approved by Andrews Inc. of Princeton.
The Repair
If your Classic 900 or 1980's 9000 seems to be having mysterious charging system problems, you need to be sure the exciter circuit to the alternator is in working order. To do this, turn the key to the "Run" position and the battery symbol in the instrument cluster should light on either model. If it is not lighting, the green/white wire that comes for the wiring harness may either have a bad or loose connection, or the wire may have a break in it or even have fallen off. If this seems to be a problem, repair wire connection by pinching wire end tighter and cleaning the spade on the back of the alternator as per diagram.
Another situation is that the battery/alternator light is glowing all of the time after first start up of the morning and will only go out after the engine has been rev'ed a few times. The problem could be brushes in the voltage regulator/brush unit, which may be either worn down to nothing, or one is worn more than the other! The alternator may not be giving the battery an effective charge because of this. To fix is not difficult, but just takes time! The voltage regulator is held onto the back of the alternator with two machine screws. Remove the screws and the regulator is lightly spring loaded and will drop out in your hand. Replace in reverse order!!
Note: disconnecting the negative battery lead, although not necessary, should be done as a general safety precaution.
December 1997 Service Bulletin