Saab Tech Tips
Repair of Saab 900 Loose Dash Vents
By Don Andrews, Andrews Inc. of Princeton
Problem: Repair of 900 Loose Dash Vents
Symptom: Dash vent fails to stay in the position set
This repair is approved by Andrews Inc. of Princeton.
The Repair
A common problem with the Saab 900 dashes as they get older is that the vents lose their stiffness and will not stay in place, causing all kinds of "Home Remedies" to be performed to solve the problem! For example everything from gum to candy wrappers to note paper folded small enough, to jam in between the vent and the dash have been used. All very effective, but not very attractive!
A "clean" way to repair the situation is to carefully remove the troublesome vent, using the blade of a small flathead screwdriver. Gently insert the tip of the screwdriver a slight ways between the top of the vent and the dash. Gently pry up a little until the top of the vent pops out from the pin that it swivels on in the dash. Install a small O-ring (victor #72008 or 1/16" material, 3/16" ID x 5/16" OD, from your local auto parts store) on the lower upright pin of the dash opening, see the diagram below, (also a good time to use a small parts brush to remove some of the dirt that has collected) and re-insert the vent! The O-ring provides enough friction to keep the vent stationary without any ugly papers hanging from the dash!!
Summber 1997 Service Bulletin