Saab 95 Aero Gearbox

[ddw78]

Hi,

I'm on the verge of buying a 95 Aero. It is a '52' plate 2003 car.

I'm told by my local garage - who are very competent but not Saab specialist that there can be problems with the auto gearbox on this model/year?

I believe it's got 'paddle' gear change if that makes a difference?

Thanks in advance for any advise.

Darren.

[fastcars_hardy]

i wouldnt say its common but like all things some have gone. When u put the car into gear if it takes a long time and goes in with a bang i would stay away. hope this helps . also if u do get one a fluid change is a good idea. and go to saab or someone that knows saab. there is a set way to do it.

[aeropilot]

There is no particular problem with the 5-speed Asin-Warner auto 'box in the 2002-on Aero's.... in fact they are stronger and tougher and less fault prone that the manual boxes.

However, as pointed out, they don't go on forever, and a high milage, neglected car can exhibit any of the normal problems associated with any autogearbox.

As mentioned, a clunky P-R-D engagement and 'slurred' changes could just mean the fluid changes haven't been done, or one of the software updates for the transmission module hasn't been implimented.

In 10 years or so of frequenting various Saab owners forums, I can only remember a handful of posts about failed 5-speed 9-5 autoboxes.

[WhoreSaab]

My 9-5 aero auto had a failed gearbox due to the valve block giving up the ghost

[Big_Kahuna]

My 2005 Aero auto has currently got a problem no-one knows how to fix!!

[Slade Alive]

Big_Kahuna said:

My 2005 Aero auto has currently got a problem no-one knows how to fix!!

Which is?

[Big_Kahuna]

Slade Alive said:

Which is?

I was reporting that my car had an auto gearbox problem, I wasn't posting asking for help.

I don't really want to go into detail as a number of SAAB experts have already looked at the problem without solution.

[bikerPaul]

Big_Kahuna said:

I was reporting that my car had an auto gearbox problem, I wasn't posting asking for help.

I think the OP was only curious to know what the problem is. If you don't want to discuss then why say you have a problem? On a forum you are always going to have someone ask that question with the response you gave.

Paul

[Slade Alive]

Big_Kahuna said:

I was reporting that my car had an auto gearbox problem, I wasn't posting asking for help.

I don't really want to go into detail as a number of SAAB experts have already looked at the problem without solution.

Pardon me for asking, though clearly you've not asked the right Saab experts otherwise you wouldn't still have a problem, whatever it is. I am somewhat an expert, and usually charge a fee, but never mind.

[Big_Kahuna]

My post was intended for the OP, not to spark an argument.

I didn't mean to get up anyone's nose as I obviously have done.

Problems on this gearbox are more frequent than Aeropilot would lead you to believe.

The experts that I consulted are well known and have excellent reputations throughout the UK.

I didn't want to name and shame.

[aeropilot]

Big_Kahuna said:

Problems on this gearbox are more frequent than Aeropilot would lead you to believe.

Go on, enlighten me then.... I'm all ears (or rather eyes)

And I'm referring to what I'd describe as inherent, repetative common problems with this AW 5-speed gearbox, NOT faults/issues common to any other autogearbox as a result of high mileage/missue/service neglect etc.

[spaceship]

Big_Kahuna said:

My post was intended for the OP, not to spark an argument.

I didn't mean to get up anyone's nose as I obviously have done.

Problems on this gearbox are more frequent than Aeropilot would lead you to believe.

The experts that I consulted are well known and have excellent reputations throughout the UK.

I didn't want to name and shame.

I think it's that fact that your post(directed to the OP) offers no insight into any problems there may be with the autobox.

It seems strange why you don't want help from members of a website which is here to help others.

To the OP - as said, it's important to get the fluid changed once you get it. Mine is a 2002 Aero and doesn't have paddleshift. I'm currently on the hunt for the correct fluid for mine at a reasonable price.

[Slade Alive]

Big_Kahuna said:

Problems on this gearbox are more frequent than Aeropilot would lead you to believe.

The experts that I consulted are well known and have excellent reputations throughout the UK.

I didn't want to name and shame.

Actually I think Aeropilot over egged it.

Interesting you won't for fear of naming and shaming say who the experts are you've consulted, yet you're ok with slagging of the car itself in an attempt to enlighten the OP, presumably to put him off buying one?

I'm thinking you've not asked the right 'SAAB' expert. Nothing in this world can't be fixed.

[Big_Kahuna]

Slade Alive said:

yet you're ok with slagging of the car itself in an attempt to enlighten the OP, presumably to put him off buying one?

Oh dear - is this what's annoyed people here?

For the record, I'm a long time SAAB fan.

Stating that I have a problem with the gearbox is hardly slagging the car off.

My intention was not to put the OP off at all, but simply to report that I have a problem with it and that problems with this gearbox are more frequent than Aeropilot led the OP to believe.

I am talking to other SAAB experts about the problem.

If you can give me another perspective fantastic! If you could give me a hint of where your garage is and I'll look you up and give you a call to discuss the problem.

You guys have read way too much into my initial post.

A nice welcome to a fellow SAAB owner who doesn't post in this subforum ....

[aeropilot]

Big_Kahuna said:

My intention was not to put the OP off at all, but simply to report that I have a problem with it and that problems with this gearbox are more frequent than Aeropilot led the OP to believe.

And which you are still not be specific with some details.

It's not exactly helpfull to the OP is it, by adopting a "I know, but I'm not telling you" attitude, is it?

Until you or anyone else can say with facts that the following ..... blah, blah etc..... are known specific and recurring problems with this gearbox, that isn't attributable to general age/wear n tear/missue/poor maintainance etc that you'd get with any other high torque capacity fwd, autogearbox......I'm standing by my assertion that they are a pretty good and reliable unit, if looked after.

If you know otherwise, at least say so with some facts and information.... I'm more than happy to be corrected.

[Big_Kahuna]

aeropilot said:

Until you or anyone else can say with facts that the following ..... blah, blah etc..... are known specific and recurring problems with this gearbox, that is attributable to general age/wear n tear/missue/poor maintainance etc that you'd get with any other high torque capacity fwd.

Thanks, you just confirmed my argument for me.

So now the OP is aware that autoboxes can have problems due to the reasons you stated, as well as others, which is why we're posting on this topic.

As for the problems I have with my autobox, you still haven't taken the hint that I don't want to discuss them on a forum - mainly due to tts such as yourself that believe that they know everything and are always right.

[spaceship]

Big_Kahuna said:

Thanks, you just confirmed my argument for me.

So now the OP is aware that autoboxes can have problems due to the reasons you stated, as well as others, which is why we're posting on this topic.

As can a manual box and clutch for exactly the same reasons. Btw what arguement?

Big_Kahuna said:

As for the problems I have with my autobox, you still haven't taken the hint that I don't want to discuss them on a forum - mainly due to tts such as yourself that believe that they know everything and are always right.

You're doing yourself no good at all are you. And calling someone a tt when they are offering help is really constructive. Do us all a favour mate - don't post again. With comments like that i'm pretty sure we'll scrape by without your 'help'!!!

[aeropilot]

Big_Kahuna said:

As for the problems I have with my autobox, you still haven't taken the hint that I don't want to discuss them on a forum - mainly due to tts such as yourself that believe that they know everything and are always right.

Nice....

Perhaps your gearbox has expired because it's just got fed up being driven around by such a tool as yourself

[Slade Alive]

My apologies if I provoked the situation.

[bikerPaul]

Slade Alive said:

My apologies if I provoked the situation.

Nah, you've nothing to apologise for.

There's some weird folks out there!