2008 Saab 9-3: misfire or rough idle

Filed Dec 30, 2020 · Engine · NY

Had to have valve job done due to bad /defective/inferior intake valves, from manufacturer. Had to have all intake valves replaced, with modified/upgraded intake valves. Obtained po300 - random misfire codes, had rough idle, checked engine compression, had 45psig in cylinder number 4. Engine had 72862miles, on it, this should be covered under warranty by saab/gm.

Filed Dec 3, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 160,000 miles · NY

My vehicle doesn't start/idle well in the cold due to the air intake manifold bolts slowly becoming loose. **when driving and shifting** the vehicle cannot handle the extra unclean air entering the system and will stall out while going anywheres from 0-60+ MPH, once the engine shuts off all power steering also shuts down. The secondary issue is an acceleration problem because the seals on the air intake valves into the combustion chamber have become faulty resulting in cylinder misfires and a high amount of vibration intermittently while driving, the symptoms come and go with increasing frequency as time goes on. This secondary issue ties into the first issue because of shifting with a standard my vehicle today (12/3/2020) shut off while driving 7 times to and from my job.

Filed Sep 25, 2019 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

Rough idle and start on cold starts. This issue is well known in the saab community due to gm putting weak material in factory fuel injector valves. Engine loses compression until car is warm, but may result in stalls or limp mode

Filed Feb 15, 2018 · Engine · MN

Hard starting cold with engine misfire and low compression, vehicle starts and runs normally when hot 2007-11 9-3 b207 & 2011 9-5 a20nft ______________________________________________ this is a re-issue of a previously published document with updated information highlighted inred. Models: 2007-2008 saab 9-3 b207r (this pi does not apply to the b284 engine) update: this condition could also occur on 2009-11 b207 or 2011 9-5 a20nft condition/concern: a technician may comment of hard or no starting when cold. They may also find engine misfires with dtc's p0300, p0301, p0302, p0303 or p0304. The vehicle will start and run normally when hot. Recommendations/instructions: this condition may be caused by a worn intake valve and is typically found on vehicles with 50,000 or more miles. Due to the nature of this issue it can be more frequent in cold climates and could exhibit the condition at a lower mileage; inversely in warmer climates it may occur at a higher mileage. Tac has found intake valve wear of the valve seat face will cause significant compression loss in cold temperatures that will not be readily apparent when hot. To properly diagnose this condition perform a cold (after an overnight stay is best) compression and leak down test. As an example, an engine with a 150-175 psi hot cranking compression reading may only show 75 to 90 psi when cold. Once a technician has determined he has the above described concern he must initiate a technical assistance center (tac) case by email at xxxx or by phone at xxxxx prompt #3. Tac will provide the full information on the parts/repair procedure when the case is set. Parts required: inlet valve 2007 to 2011, biopower 55563529 (8 required)

Filed Jul 31, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 99,000 miles · NC

Reached 100k miles, and car began running very rough. Engine light came on and diagnosed as bad ignition coil. Paid for tune-up, ignition coil, and and fuel service. Less than a month later, same issue. Car running fine, then suddenly almost stalls and engine light blinks then stays on - car runs very rough at idle and acceleration. Replaced 2 more coils. Less than one month issue, same issue - car running ok, then just almost stalls and runs rough - engine light blinks then stays on - relaced #5 coil. When diagnosing, service tech advised that issue was likely worse, not maintaining compression - likely required valve job. Have already paid several thousands of dollars on ignition coils and other service to dealership for this issue, now facing large bill for valve job.

Filed Jan 4, 2017 · Engine · 130,000 miles · WI

I have owned my 2008 saab 9-3 for about a year now and I have had an ongoing rough running issue that seems to be getting worse. When I start my car up in the morning it runs very rough and recently the check engine light has been turning on and off with cylinder misfire codes. I have done some research and had this problem diagnosed, several times, as having bad intake valves. After doing more research on this problem, I have come to find this is a rather common issue with this specific year make and model. This is concerning because I have had this repair quoted at over $2000.00. I am very familiar with manufacturer recalls and have been told by multiple dealerships to submit a complaint in order for this problem to be covered under a manufacturer recall due to faulty parts.

Filed Apr 5, 2016 · Engine · 90,000 miles · MI

Car was manufactured with a bad set of intake valves which is noted on many saab owner threads. Valves break down in cold weather around 50k miles. Car starts and bottoms out sometimes and has rough idle until warmed. Accelerating while engine is cold can cause safety issue. Quoted repairs run $2000-3000.

Filed Feb 16, 2016 · Engine · 75,000 miles · NY

I didn't have a problem with the car in southern california, but I moved to new york at about 75k miles - and I noticed a problem right away. Rough idling started, and would even turn on, then right back off. The problem was not an issue again during the summer months, so I was able to drive it to 83k miles. Now that it is winter time, even though it is garaged it will not start if it is under 45 degrees. I had it checked out with a certified saab mechanic and he confirmed by way of compression test that it is indeed the dreaded intake valve problem. The estimate for repair is $2,230!

Filed Jan 26, 2016 · Engine · 108,954 miles · FL

Hard/rough start especially in cold temperatures. Mechanic said #4 cylinder is misfiring. Confirmed to be low compression due to prematurely worn intake valves. #1 cylinder/intake valve is not far behind #4. Became a serious problem when engine stalls when sitting in traffic. Also vehicle engine has stalled/shut off while driving at low speeds, for example, in parking lots, redlights, 4 way stops.

Filed Aug 9, 2015 · Engine · 60,500 miles · IN

I have the same issue that others have talked about. Gm put cheap valves in engine--they have now failed for a number of us. Cold starting, rough idle, smell of gas, ultimately will not start. Expensive repair on car without much mileage 60k repair is 2500-3000 gm should fix these for free or reduced cost.

Filed Mar 3, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 120,543 miles · TX

On the 2007-2011 saab 9-39-3 there is a common issue with the intake valve seals going bad causing a rough idle and/or misfire on cold starts. Mine exhibits this behavior but is not still under warranty. This is not just wear and tear it is a bad part or bad design that is basically designed to fail. To fix this it costs $1500+ and gm should be responsible for a flaw in the vehicle regardless of the 5 year/100,000 mile warranty.

Filed Feb 16, 2015 · Engine · 81,704 miles · NJ

Check engine light on.. Shop found multiple engine misfires.. Checked engine compression.. Compression below manufacturers specs.. Needed complete valve job per saab recommendation.. Parts sent to machine shop for repairs and re-condition.. Re-install of cylinder head assembly with new head gasket and all other needed gasket and seals.. Flushed and refilled all engine transmission fluids.. Complete valve job with intake and exhaust valves.. Defective valve is reported issue on saab 9-3 2008..