Saab 93 convertible 1999, how do you refill hydraulic roof

Remove the rear seats, remove the plastic cover on the lower part of the opening, remove the galvanised steel cover and lift it up from the front and under you will see a plastic hydraulic tank with a brass nut/screw, remove the brass nut screw and fill to the line with a good fluid, I used Lucas hydraulic (power steering) fluid which also has a stop leak (for seals only will not stop leaks in fittings) in it. Utube has a few videos on this opperation and thats where I go to Saab school.

ive been told it can be done but the saab 900 roof is electronic and the early saab 9-3 roof is hydraulic. i was toying with the idea of getting mine converted when it was playing up(mine saab900) hope this helps

Check fuses and relays first. Then check the wire connections at the motor. Sometimes the plugs get corroded and just need cleaned up and put back on.

there should be a alan key port on the drive motor/pump side that if you remove will allow you to put fluid into keep in mind that this is a closed system. The fluid should not need to be topped up unless there is a leak... good luck

If you lower the back seat you will see a plastic cover on the botom of the opening. Remove the cover (6 appolstry fasteners) to reveal a metal box. The box is not actually a box but a cover for the hydrolic pump. Remove the fscrews from the lid and lift. The resevouar is clear and easy to check against the two fill lines on the side.

my 1999 saab 93 converible roof will only open if i press the button twice why is this

Hi David:

First, check the fuses for the hydraulic motor; if they're blown, replace and monitor (why did they blow? Perhaps an overload, or ...) These fuses are located in the engine bay on top of the fender by the front right wheel housing.

Next check the voltage supply to the top switch, possibly a loose connection or broken wire.

Also check relays C (raising top) and D (lowering top) under the rear seat.

Lastly check for voltage at the pump, also under the rear seat, when the switch is actuated, and that the voltage polarity reverses when the switch is actuated the other way (up or down).

After that, it's a hydraulic/mechanical problem. Check the fluid level in the pump reservoir (use SAAB fluid to top up if low) Fluid level should be at the upper marker with top down, and at the lower marker with top up.

Check behind the rear seat side panels that the piston shaft is still properly attached to the roof mechanism bracket at one end, and the piston itself is still firmly attached to the body. Look for any leakage from the system.

If all tests out OK and looks good under the rear seat and behind the side panels, then there is the possibility that the piston seals have failed and the fluid is just circulating around without activating the piston. Pistons are available (http://www.convertibletopguys.com/cgi-local/displaycat.cgi?cat=584 - scroll down) but the entire system should be removed to avoid getting hydraulic fluid on the interior.

However, that fact that you can operate the hood using the bypass valve (manually) would indicate that the hydraulics are likely OK, and that it's probably an electrical or mechanical problem.

Good luck!

Saabreur

This happenrd to me the first few times after filling the tank. When the roof stops push the switch to up then back until movement stops then go back to down, eventually it will get rid of all the air in the system and the roof should start to work.

Your tonneau motor is probably bad, though reprogramming the limits may fix it. You will need the factory tool, unfortunately. There is a lot of information on this webpage. Be sure to read the information relating to updates on 1995 models.

Had same problem, in the boot right hand side, behind the removable panel there is :
1 - a hydraulic reservoir which must be at correct level.
2 - a black box (stc) this controls the roof system,
switch ignition off then pull the 2 connectors off for 30sec then reconnect.
This worked and hope this resolves your problem