Expert: Jim Geyer - 9/22/2009

Question
I had the alternator go out on my 93-900 Turbo and it has been back 3 times now with the same problem, the shop sending the new alt back for another.

I'm just not getting enough charge with ACCESS on. I get @ 12.9-13 plus V with all off, but it will pull down to 12.1 with hi-beams n heater. With AC on max and headlights I only get 11.4-11.8 V...its exasperating for both me and the shop I've been using.

Help! Its my daily driver and stays at the garage have totaled nearly 3 weeks now. They tell me its fine n the same day it is not,

The car also blew a heater core recently and I was wondering if you could recommend a good source for new and used parts-

Thankz-max

Answer
There is a ground wire that goes from the alternator to the mounting bracket, be sure that is there still. Frequently people remove it when they do an alternator and they don't put it back. Are you sure you need a heater core? They rarely fail, usually a coolant leak in the vehicle is the heater control valve. If this shop does not know that I'd say their Saab experience is very limited and you should likely look elsewhere for future repairs.