Econmancer

The SAAB 9-5 has some of the hardest to read dipsticks. The markings can be confusing and the fluid seems to end up on parts of the stick that you know doesn’t reflect the fluid level. Personally, it leaves me doubting my level readings.

I use my fluid vacuum and a clothes-pin to get the perfect level after a fluid change or top off.

Start by refilling or topping off the appropriate sump as normal. Add a little extra fluid so it is just slightly over-filled. Less than a quarter quart is plenty extra.

Line the end of the vacuum tube with the max level line on the dipstick you are using.

And then clip the clothes-pin on the vacuum tube where it lines up with the top of the dipstick seal.

Put the vacuum tube into the sump, stopping when you reach the clip.

And then start sucking out the extra fluid. The vacuum pump will stop when the fluid level is correct.

This trick comes from Chris 9-5, a moderator on the SaabCentral forums. It was in a thread from July of 2007. I found it while searching for Forge diverter valve information. The OP had posted about weak turbo pressure and Chris 9-5 suggested the following modification:

Remove the top vacuum tube from the boost control valve and then plug the loose tube.

Chris 9-5 explains that it bypasses a one way valve that can become faulty.

It worked wonders for the OP. Chris 9-5 recommended that only people with weak turbo symptoms should make this modification.

As far as I knew I didn’t have any problems, the car drove as spirited as the day I purchased it. I had all the power I needed, the car was quick… so I naturally decided it wouldn’t hurt anything to try this trick.

The results were dramatic! It is like driving a different car. My whole driving experience is totally enhanced. The most noticeable change is when the transmission kicks down at wide open throttle on the highway. I really feel the torque steer for the first time, just like the OP in the thread described.

Here is how I plugged the vacuum line; I found a bolt that was the right diameter and cut it down to about an inch long. I then painted the head to make it look nicer. It’s that easy.

Some people in the thread didn’t see a difference when they removed their line. Other people tried it and found the change remarkable. The people who have made this modification haven’t seen any problems and I will make a post if I see any negative results on my 9-5. I’d say people should give this a try and see if they get back some turbo pressure. Just revert it back if there wasn’t a positive change in performance.