1988 Saab 900 Turbo Service Manual

The 1988 Saab 900 Turbo is a front-wheel drive sports sedan featuring a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine, 5-speed manual transmission, advanced fuel injection system, and Saab's distinctive aerodynamic design. This service manual covers maintenance procedures, technical specifications, troubleshooting guides, and repair instructions for the complete vehicle system. Below are key sections for technical data, maintenance schedules, engine systems, electrical systems, chassis, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine System 4. Fuel System 5. Electrical System 6. Transmission & Drivetrain 7. Brake System 8. Suspension & Steering 9. Body & Interior 10. Troubleshooting Guide

Vehicle Specifications

Technical specifications for the 1988 Saab 900 Turbo model.

Specification	Details
Engine Type	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4
Horsepower	160 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	188 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Transmission	5-speed manual (4-speed automatic optional)
Fuel System	Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection
Brakes	Front disc, rear drum with ABS
Suspension	Independent front, beam axle rear
Fuel Capacity	16.4 gallons
Curb Weight	2,755 lbs
Wheelbase	99.1 inches

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended maintenance intervals for optimal performance.

Oil Change: Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 miles
Brake Fluid: Flush every 2 years
Coolant: Replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Air Filter: Replace every 15,000 miles
Fuel Filter: Replace every 30,000 miles

WARNING! Always use genuine Saab parts for replacement. Follow torque specifications precisely.

Engine System

The B202L turbocharged engine features overhead camshaft design and electronic ignition.

Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Turbocharger: Garrett T3 water-cooled
Ignition System: Direct ignition system (DIS)
Valve Clearance: Hydraulic lifters (no adjustment required)
Oil Capacity: 4.2 quarts with filter

CAUTION! Allow turbocharger to cool before shutting off engine after hard driving.

Fuel System

Fuel Pump: In-tank electric pump with external high-pressure pump
Injectors: Bosch electronic fuel injectors
Fuel Pressure: 36-38 psi at idle
Turbo Boost: 7.5 psi maximum boost pressure
Throttle Body: Bosch electronic throttle control
Air Flow Meter: Bosch vane-type air flow sensor

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with alternator and battery specifications.

Battery: 12V 60Ah, located in engine compartment. Alternator: 70-amp output. Starter: 1.4kW reduction gear type.

Fuse Box: Located under dashboard on driver's side. Main fuses: 80A alternator fuse, 60A ignition fuse. Wiring: Color-coded harness with proper grounding points at chassis and engine.

Transmission & Drivetrain

Front-wheel drive configuration with transaxle design.

Clutch: Hydraulic actuation, 215mm diameter
Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.54, 2nd: 2.13, 3rd: 1.52, 4th: 1.13, 5th: 0.87
Final Drive: 3.67:1 ratio
CV Joints: Replace if boot is torn or clicking noise present

Tip: Check transmission fluid level every 15,000 miles.

Brake System

Dual-circuit hydraulic system with vacuum booster.

Front Brakes: 10.2-inch ventilated discs
Rear Brakes: 9.0-inch drums
Master Cylinder: Tandem type with fluid reservoir
ABS: Teves anti-lock braking system (optional)
Parking Brake: Cable-operated rear brakes
Brake Fluid: DOT 4 specification only

WARNING! Never mix different types of brake fluid. Bleed system completely after service.

Suspension & Steering

Independent front suspension with rack-and-pinion steering.

Front: MacPherson struts with coil springs and anti-roll bar. Rear: Rigid axle with trailing arms and Panhard rod. Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion, 3.0 turns lock-to-lock.

Body & Interior

Aerodynamic hatchback design with ergonomic interior layout.

Body: Galvanized steel construction with 7-year anti-corrosion warranty. Interior: Driver-oriented dashboard with night panel function. Seats: Orthopedic front seats with heating option.

Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Turbo lag excessive	Boost leak/wastegate	Check intercooler hoses; inspect wastegate actuator.
Rough idle	Vacuum leak/ignition	Inspect vacuum lines; check spark plugs and wires.
Overheating	Cooling system	Check thermostat; inspect radiator and water pump.
Electrical issues	Ground connections	Clean and tighten all ground points; check battery.
Brake vibration	Warped rotors	Resurface or replace front brake rotors.

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU if needed.

Service: Contact authorized Saab service center for complex repairs.