AboutJerry Schwell Expertise Most anything about SAAB 900's 1990 and earlier, except for automatic transmission info. Also, I have lotsa vintage parts.
Experience I have rebuilt many dozens of SAABS, from 1970's to 1990's.
Education/Credentials BSEE grad work in electronics and underwater acoustics.
Expert: Jerry Schwell Date: 5/4/2008 Subject: 1995 Saab loss of power
Question I have a drastic loss of power when going up a hill. 15 MPH is as fast as it goes. A Saab dealer said it might be the clutch on my manuel transmission. The cost would be $1200. Does that right?
Answer Bill:
The inability of your SAAB to go up hills can be attributed to two possibilities; (1) The engine "tries" but doesn't deliver the power (struggles!!) OR (2), the engine turns over "fast", but doesn't transmit that power to the wheels (as if there were slippage somewhere).
If your clutch were the problem, then possibility No. 2 would be the symptom, and the SAAB place is likely correct in their diagnosis; kinda pricey, though!
If possibility No. 1 is your observation, then the clutch is probably OK, but the engine needs attention (there are many ways for this to happen, so a thorough, with a good diagnosis necessary).
Since its most likely the clutch, I would consider going to a small non-dealership garage to get a quote...doing a clutch replacement is not that difficult and the $$ might be much less.
