Saab 900se taladega probs

[drivin_me_nuts]

I've got an old shed that's doing me fine at the moment, apart from what I can only describe as piss poor fuel economy. It's currently around 18-20mpg in town and not much more on the motorways. At idle it surges taking a long time to settle and when it even does that it hunts periodically.

From time to time the engine check light appears and pretty much all the time under hard acceleration it chucks out a load of black smoke (overfueling?). It's got 101k on the clock, it pulls like a train otherwise, just this annoying fuel consumption problem.

Does anyone have any ideas where to start looking for the solution?

When the ignition is on, the car bleeps and the check light shows a flashing sequence. Now I am sure the sequence means something, but i have no idea what. One long flash, three in short succession, slight pause then seven in quick succession.

Cheers

[Pumaracing]

A failed coolant temperature sensor leading the ecu to think the engine is cold would be my first pick in the absence of knowing what your fault code means. I suggest you find out what that is first.

[N Dentressangle]

Interpretation depends on what engine management system you have, but this thread will almost certainly tell you what you need to know:

http://www.saabscene.com/forum/index.php?showtopic...

FWIW I'd go with a faulty sensor diagnosis too.