I currently own a Saab 9000CSE 2.0ltr LPT with auto box. The vehicle has covered 85000 miles and has been regularly serviced including changing the auto box oil. I have previously towed my caravan (approx 21cwt laden) with a BMW 2.8i auto with no problems. I changed that car for a 2.9 Scorpio auto and blew two boxes, one whilst towing and the other shortly after a tow trip. I am therfore a little apprehensive of towing the van with the auto Saab and am considering changing to a manual diesel ( see previous query re Tuningbox). Before I do so does anybody have experience of towing with a similar Saab, and particularly the longevity (or otherwise) of the auto transmission? All advice gratefully received.
Peter Leech
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I am sure that one of the "regulars" with more specific knowledge that I, will come up with a good reply! My offering is that some years ago automatic cars used for towing were fitted, as an extra, with a gearbox oil cooler. The problem was that the auto transmission fluid was overheating due to the sxtra load and breaking down chemically, causing the box to be damaged or to fail. Good luck
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Change the fluid every 12k, not 36k as specified. Saab specialists I've spoken to swear by it. Otherwise, autobox failure is common at about 100k, even without the added strain of towing. Don't forget that a fluid 'change' only involves replacing about half the fluid - the rest is retained within the box and torque converter.
Fitting a cooler is sound advice. It may not be necessary - try checking the fluid colour after towing runs, red is ok, brown indicates overheating.
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You must be getting near the legal towing limit for this car .
I tow with an automatic Chevy Blazer 4.3litre turbo petrol motor with gearbox and engine oil coolers and this is ok.A small motor towing a big van is always going to struggle and put undue strain on working parts it was never designed for this purpose.
If you do buy a TDI do not black box it you will shorten the cam belt life by half if you use the extra power available.Thats why VAG limit the motors
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Andrew wrote:-
If you do buy a TDI do not black box it you will shorten the cam belt life by half if you use the extra power available.Thats why VAG limit the motors
How the hell does Black Box tuning affect cambelt life?
As long as the maximum engine speed is not exceeded then I cannot see a possible problem.
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it allows faster acceleration
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Andrew Bairsto wrote:
>
> If you do buy a TDI do not black box it you will shorten the
> cam belt life by half if you use the extra power
> available.Thats why VAG limit the motors
So how about halving the cambelt replacement interval?
(Halving it from the concensus interval NOT the manufacturers suggestion
that is!)
/john
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