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Look at the Caddy CTS steering wheel and look at the 9-3 steering wheel....the sharing may already be happening.
Wiring? Not sure this is optimum, but I simply spliced into the wires that go to the small, round speakers that now live between the 6 x 9s. Total labor was about 2 hours, most of which was trying to figure out which wires were positive and which were negative. Finally, I had to snap off one tab from each speaker cover (Saab covers already on rear deck) to keep the tabs from penetrating the mid-range speaker material. This still left about 4-5 other tabs per cover that snap the cover into place, and they're still plenty secure (and don't buzz).
REsult? I'd say it was worth the $63 plus my labor. The system now has noticable, high quality sound coming from the rear, and I now have the fade set near the middle detent (whereas before, I biased heavily towards the front). I had hoped for more bass, and the best bass notes still come from the fronts.
Subwoofer? Wonder if there's enough power left?
Bottom line? Maybe a 25% improvement in overall sound.
I've also posted it here http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tgp1810/wheels.png
and an updated price listing for Employee/Supplier discounts (it's as of 1/1 though it is out of date again, as the increase in the Arc price, the increase in the auto transmission, and others are not reflected).
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/tgp1810/saabprices
(you will have to download and open with Word)
Also, just curious if anyone has heard anything along the lines of lease support for the Arc yet...
Everything else was great about the 9-3 and I highly recommend buying one over much of the competition; my opinion is free.
The salesman told me a story about how some ship sank with 600 new 9-3 on it recently. He then told me how concerned Saab was about any enviro damages caused by the sunk ship; his story made me want to barf.
http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/12/15/channel.wreck/index.ht- ml
It's been hit a couple of times since it sank. A friend in the UK has told me it's becoming a bit of joke. The Channel isn't that deep and the Tricolor is really only a few feet under water and surronded by emergency vessels.
dindak- agreed. Saab is closer now than ever to challenge vehicles such as the Audi A4 and the BMW 325 and 330. I would be interested to see what the 9-2 has to offer.
Anyone heard anything more about the 9-3X?
Nav system is not in the US models
Can I ask a question?
Why would you buy a 35K car when you don't seem to know much about it, don't enjoy driving it, and drive another Saab more often?
Just wondering...
I say local dealer, because the local guy is 1-mile from my house, vs. the dealer I got the car from, which is 25-miles away. As you recall from my post way long ago, the local dealer's sales people were unprofessional. At least the local dealer's service group is nice, which, ironically, isn't true for the place I got the car from. Odd, eh?
Anyhow, I'm still a bit concerned about some of the first year issues. As I said, Saab USA wasn't really helpful other than saying, "talk to the dealer". They're (the dealer) fixing everything (nothing major, just a bunch of annoying stuff)... and not giving me flack about it, which is nice... Maybe it is just the I-am-mad-my-car-is-in-the-shop voice talking, but I guess that is what you get with a new model.
Overall, great car. For as little as I paid for it (even with tax, under $30K) I guess I shouldn't complain.
I saw the new Maxima today, man-o-man am I glad I didn't wait for that pig.
I've bought both of my Saabs from Sewell. They will deal. Actually, I have helped a few folks on the East coast get cars through Sewell here in Dallas (dealers in the East usually are more stingy with rebate sharing). Who is your salesperson?
2) also the service offered, picking up your car and providing a loaner then, in most cases seemed too good to be true.
-They come through for you. As long as you make a reservation about a week in advance, a Saab will be waiting for you. Any earlier, you'll probably get something else. Pick-up is something new. I've personally never done it. When you pick up the car, it is washed and vacuumed.
-As for being the only dealer, they do a good job. Sewell bought out the Saab dealership here in Dallas back in 1999, San Antonio and New Orleans. As for service advisors, George Munn (manager) does a good job. I had my car in for steering alignment problems and he came up to the office to make sure it was fixed right on his day off. Not bad!
Anyway, leased the car from Lund Saab in North Phoenix and it was a pleasant experience I detailed here previously. Couple weeks ago, had my first mechanical issue. Went to start the car in the morning at my g/f's house and a message light flashed saying I had a brake failure and to park safely and call Saab.
I ended up driving the car home and it felt fine, but drove my motorcycle on to work and called from there. Between my dealer and Saab, they sent a tow truck to my home to pick up the car. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a bad ABS module the next morning and had another new 9-3 Linear delivered to my home that afternoon. Only difference was the loaner was an auto and didn't have Xenons or climate control.
My car was delivered back to me about six days later (counting the weekend) good as new.
While I don't enjoy having even the mildest of mechanical failures, I must say Saab's customer service was exemplary and definitely made a positive impression on me.
Oh yeah, they updated my stereo software at the same time and it seems slightly better, but still not great.
Dion
Thanks!
Like I said, I've got an annoying rattle or two which the dealer said they can't find (they drove my car for 30 minutes the other day) and said they heard some, but couldn't pin-point it. They invited me to go out for a drive with them (I drive, they look). So next time I have time, I'll do it.
At least they are trying.
changes. I asked my service advisor about software updates and he said they only had to change some codes. subsequently, they were only able to do one out of three requests. I don't think they know what they are doing. Any help? Also, 1200 miles on my 9-3L and have had 2 check engine light problems and car dying on one occasion
Thanks
My dealer just had a "get to know" session for new buyers to meet all the service guys and to go over the car (excellent idea, BTW), and we played with the Tech II for an hour or so- I got everything I wanted done, except comfort close, which seems to be hardware limited for the time being (has anyone got this to work?), at least in the US. BTW, per the tips on this board, I got my DRL's off, but with foglights still working- the trick is after turning the DRL's off, the dealer must go into the "front fog lights" menu item, and select "positions 1 & 2 (Special)" This tells the car to use Euro spec, not US, so the fog lights work.
Also, I have seen various references to upgrades to the 150W stereo system, including indications of a Tech II driven software change, and the replacement of the rear speakers w/aftermarket 6X9" speakers. Short of replacing the system, what (inexpensive) changes has anyone found that actually work ?
Adjustment Item Options / Feature Customer Benefit
SIDC Profiler Profiler Adjustments (User Prog.)
Rain Sensor Sensitivity of Rain Sensor can be adjusted Rain Sensor High: The wipers will operate when there is a small amount of rain on windscreen.
Rain Sensor Medium: Default Setting of Rain Sensor
Rain Sensor Low: Wipers will operate when there is a greater amount of rain on the windscreen as compared to High & Medium settings.
Theft Alarm
(Aero only, or accessory fit) Full theft Alarm
Door Alarm Only Full Theft Alarm: Default Setting Provides full theft alarm security. including Interior Movement, Vehicle Tilt, Door/Bonnet /Boot opening detection.
Door Alarm Only: Enables customer to select Door Alarm activation only when pet is in the vehicle, vehicle transported on a ferry, or during adverse weather conditions which may trigger alarm..
Climate Control
Rear Defroster
Heated Seats Auto
Manual
Auto
Manual
Auto: Default Setting that provides automatic selection of Rear Window and Door Mirror demist, based on ambient temperature.
Manual: To activate Defroster, Driver will need to press the Rear Window Defrost Button
Auto: Seat Heating will be switched on automatically when the ambient temperature is below 15o c and the seat temperature is below 20 o c (defaults to temperature level 2, driver can adjust to level 1or 3 which will be saved)
Manual : Default Setting. The Driver presses the Seat Heating switch and adjusts the seat heating to the required Temperature Setting 3= approx 56 oc Setting 2 = 46 o c Setting 1= 39oc
Fan Setting High Speed
Medium Speed
Low Speed
High Speed: ACC will adjust the fan speed according to the conditions however, this setting will provide the driver with slightly higher fan speeds than Medium & Low
Medium Speed: Default Setting ACC will adjust the fan speed according to the conditions.
Low Speed: ACC will adjust the Fan Speed according to the conditions, however, Fan speed will be slightly lower than if fan speed High or Medium was selected..
Air Distribution Auto
Manual Auto : Default Setting. Automatically directs the Air Outlet to the Windscreen, Air Vents Face or Floor dependant on ambient temperature and setting.
Manual: Provides the Driver with the option of selecting the appropriate Air Outlet
AC Mode Auto
AC Off Auto: Default Setting Automatic engagement and disengagement of Air Conditioning Compressor.
AC Off: Turns the Air Conditioning Compressor off to save Fuel. In this mode no cooling or dehumidifying is available and the windscreen may fog up. Pressing the Auto or AC button (above 5 oc) will reactivate compressor. However, the AC compressor will be remain off the next time the vehicle is started.
Dual Single Zone Dual Zone
Single Zone
Dual Zone : Default Setting Provides for the setting of individual temperatures between Driver & Passenger zones.
Single Zone: Adjustment of the Driver’s temperature will also adjust the passenger’s temperature, however if the passenger temperature is altered the system will revert to Dual zone until the vehicle is switched off. On restarting the vehicle, single zone will result.
Climate Control Default Setting Yes / No Allows the driver to quickly reset all adjusted ACC parameters to the original default settings
Currently when Default is selected Customise will still appear on ACC Display. This can be removed from the display by selecting Heated Seats Manual
System Setting Language
Units
Speed Scale illumination
Service Information Select Appropriate Language
Select Metric or Imperial
When Night Panel is selected 0-140 or 0- 260 illumination can be selected.
Service Data detailing Oil Quality and Time for Service can be viewed.
Tech 2 Adjustments Menu Item:
Most Common Adjustments
Panic Alarm Enable
Disable Enables the Panic Alarm
Disables the Panic Alarm
Trunk Unlock Single Press Unlock Only
Single Press Unlock + Open
Single Press unlock Double Press Open Single press of the remote or door switch will unlock boot
Single press of the remote or door switch will unlock and open boot
Single press of the remote or door switch will unlock double press will unlock and open boot.
Trunk Lock After Closing Yes
No Yes: Automatically lock Boot on closing
No: Boot can be reopened using micro switch button located on the trunk/boot
Trunk Lock After Drive Off Yes
No Yes: Trunk/Boot will automatically lock when vehicle increases speed
No:. Trunk/Boot will remain closed, however will be in the unlocked condition if No was selected in the previous option.
Door & Trunk Unlock at Key Out Yes
No Yes: All Doors & Trunk/Boot will Unlock when the Key is removed from the Ignition Switch
If Driver frequently locked all Doors when driving this feature would be beneficial.
No: Doors and Boot will remain in the same condition as they were prior to Key removal
TSL Locking Logic
(Theft Security Locking/Deadlock) TSL at First Press
TSL at Second Press Driver Preference. Normal Locking or Dead Locking at first Press of Remote
TSL at firs Press: Default Setting. All Doors will lock in Deadlock Mode
TSL: at Second Press: All Doors will lock in Deadlock mode at the second press of the Remote.
Lock /Unlock Acknowledge None or Indicators Current vehicles fitted without Alarm can only option indicators only.
Follow Me Home
Tail Light
Back Up Light Tail or Reverse lights can be selected when Follow Me Home is activated
Tail Light: When selected Tail Lights will be illuminated
Back Up Light: When Selected Reverse Light will be activated
Tech 2 Body Exterior Lighting & Horn
High Beam Follow me home Active Time
Follow Me Home Follow me home Active Time can be adjusted between 0- 10 minutes
This Feature can be turned on or Off .Yes / No can be selected
Low Beam Automatic Low Beam also in Position 0
Yes / No
Follow Me Home Active Time Daytime Driving Lights can be activated
0 – 10 Min Can be selected
Parking Lights Lead Me To the Car Light
Type of Rear Light
Park Light On Reminder
Function can be turned off or On Yes /No
Tail Light or Reverse Lights can be selected when Follow me Home is activated.
If Ignition is turned Off and the parking lights are active, Driver will be warned.
Turn Indicator Left None
Turn Indicator This function is limited to vehicles fitted with Alarm system.
On vehicles without alarm options Current software will allow option None or Indicator only
Turn Indicator Right Same as Indicator left
Back Up Light Type of Rear Light during follow Me Home Function is Active Tail Light can be selected
Reverse Light can be selected
Trailer Light Show Trailer Light Outage Yes:: REC will detect blown trailer light and display on SID
No REC will not detect blown trailer light.
Trailer Light Fog Light Rear will be disabled When Trailer is connected Yes
No
Horn Lock Unlock
I got a Vector 6sp at the beginning of April. I really have no complaints about the shifter. That being said, my last car was a 97 Jetta GLX.
the stereo. I've seen a few posts regarding upgrading the rear speakers. I contacted Saab and
here was there response:
"The audio system now uses fiber optics, so standard speakers will not work. However, there is currently a software upgrade for the audio system which will improve the base response of the rear speakers. Does your vehicle already have the OnStar installed? If not, the upgrade will be performed when the system is installed, which should be within the month. If it is already installed, please check with your dealer to see if you have the latest version of the audio software.
Later this summer we will also have a hardware upgrade for the system that will include an additional amplifier and 6 speakers, which will bring the system to 300 watts and 13 speakers. I do not have a date or price on this upgrade at this time."
Has anyone attempted this upgrade and how did it turn out? Thanks.
Why is it so - tough for car makers to put a - DIN slot radio in the dash with standard connectors and typical wiring if your factory setup is gonna suck?
Any tips to correct this?
I am still wondering if anyone has seen a difference in which the turbo behaves. I test drove another Vector before I bought mine and they both drove the same way. Right before you shift up, the turbo redlines slightly and you get a strong surge of power. I don't see that anymore. I guess you could say it's a smoother transition now with a little less power. The dealer said there wasn't anything wrong.
The dealer also told me I couldn't alter the DRL, which I know isn't true. This dealer just started selling Saabs and their technician hasn't been certified yet, so I'm afraid they are unaware of some of these modifications, but more importantly their possible inability to recognize problems. I will be relying heavily on this board to recognize problems myself, so that I can intelligently present them to the service manager.