Background, Description, Modifications, Parts Involved & Warranty Information
BACKGROUNDComplaints of insufficient electrical charging and battery discharge have been received mainly concerning M81-83 900 Turbos with automatic transmission driven in hot weather in city traffic. Turbos with manual transmission and, possibly 900/900S automatics, may also be affected if driving is restricted to very low average speeds and prolonged idling periods with AC and other electrical equipment in use. A series of modifications are now available to improve "energy balance" under the aforementioned conditions and an additional modification may be authorized for extreme cases.
DESCRIPTION OF AVAILABLE MODIFICATIONS
For M81-83 900's needing improved electrical charging, particularly Turbo automatics operated in hot weather in city traffic, the following recommended modifications are immediately available (see also Service Campaign, p.3 and PDI Upgrade, p.4). Step-by-step work instructions are at the end of this S.I.
"LEVEL 1" MODIFICATIONS
A. Exchange discharged original equipment flat top battery for fully charged late-style Gould battery with twin-box top (M81-late M82 only).
B. If not already done, upgrade alternator adjustment link to M82-83 type (M81 only) and tighten V-belt to proper tension (all). [Covered by previous S.I. 10/81-517.]
C. Install "Drive"-idle increase kit (automatics only).
D. Install rear window defogger time limiter kit (all).
E. Replace voltage regulator with special regulator for improved high temperature charging (all).
F. Check AC idle compensation valve function and idle speed setting, AC off (all).
"LEVEL 2" MODIFICATION
This additional step, done together with C-F (and A/B if applicable), must have prior authorization by a Saab District Service Manager to be eligible for reimbursement (whether or not owner received notice of Service Campaign #503). It is to be reserved for M81-83 vehicles operated for prolonged periods only in city traffic under conditions requiring continuous use of the AC system and other standard electrical equipment or genuine Saab accessories.
G. Replace 70 amp. alternator with 80 amp. alternator (change voltage regulator according to Step E, above) and install long/short twin belt drive system (included with new unit).
PARTS INVOLVED
*Prior authorization only. Includes 80 amp. alternator and long/short twin V-belt drive system. Spare Parts Note: Long/short twin V-belt drive also available as a separate kit (with belts) under 78-73-920. Extra matched pair of long/short V-belts available under 78-73-979.
WARRANTY REIMBURSEMENT
Use a regular warranty claim. Claim only steps performed. Step G. requires Recommendation for Reimbursement (RFR) form and the 70 amp. alternator (a proprietary part) is to be returned to Saab-Scania of America, Inc., Orange, CT with the parts copy of the claim. All other parts removed during the modification are to be scrapped.
Claim information continued on next page.
LEVEL 1
M81-83 Automatics (Steps C,D,E,F) -
Failure Code: 10362-00-0-02-01 Operation No., Time Units: 10362, 170
M81-83 Manuals (Steps D,E,F) -
Failure Code: 10361-00-0-02-01 Operation No., Time Units: 10361, 60
LEVEL 2 [Requires authorization, i.e., DSM RFR, and return of 70 A alternator]
M81-83 Automatics (Steps C,D,E,F,G) -
Failure Code: 10362-00-0-02-06 Operation No., Time Units: 10362, 170 91066, 30 (Add for AC) 10399, 110 (Straight Time)
M81-83 Manuals (Steps D,E,F,G) -
Failure Code: 10361-00-0-02-06 Operation No., Time Units: 10361, 60 91066, 30 (Add for AC) 10399, 110 (Straight Time)
Additional operations which may be claimed if necessary (LEVEL 1 or 2):
R & R Battery, M81-late M82 (Step A) - Operation No., Time Units: 31111, 25
Upgrade Alternator Adjustment Link, M81 only (Step B) - Operation No., Time Units: 32183, 20 91066, 30* (Add for AC)
*Extra time for AC may be added only once per claim.