Technical Data, Service, Engine & Electrical
TECHNICAL DATA
Vehicle Identification Number - The Federally required 17 character VIN incorporates a new designator for model year 1987 - "H". This new designator is also added to the engine serial numbers. New model series designators are also used in the VIN and denote occupant restraint types as well. All other characters remain as in 1986.
Gasoline-Methanol Fuel Blends - From model year 1987, gasoline-methanol fuel blends are approved for use in Saab engines and fuel systems providing that the ratio of methanol-to-gasoline does not exceed 5% and that the blend contains a co-solvent such as TBA in amounts equal to the methanol-to-gasoline percentage blend ratio.
The recommendation for gasoline-ethanol blends remains as stated in the Owner's Manual.
Premium Fuel Recommendation For The SPG - Premium fuel only is recommended for the 900 Turbo with the SPG option. The car is well labeled to reflect this change and the information is also included in the Owner's Manual.
Use only premium unleaded fuel with a minumum AON of 90.5 or higher (90.5 - 93).
Recommended Fuels (General) - To avoid deposit formation on the fuel injectors which can adversely affect performance and cause driveability problems after a cold start, use only quality gasolines which are blended with detergent additives. Most major brands will advertise this fact if their gasolines are so treated.
Towing By Commercial Tow Truck - New towing recommendations are in effect for model year 1987 as a result of the new front and rear bumpers. The Saab 900 should not be towed from the front or rear with "sling type" equipment. Sling type equipment will cause damage to the rear bumper and front bumper/spoiler assemblies (and fog lights if so equipped). Only "wheel lift" types or flat bed transportation may be used.
Please remind new owners of this and advise them to specify their requests to the towing company if it ever becomes necessary to have their car towed.
Running-In Of New Brake Linings - Please advise new owners that a running-in or break-in period of 90 miles of city driving or 300 miles of highway driving is recommended for the brake system. Proper break-in (avoid hard braking) will extend the service life of the brakes as well as lessening the possibility of noise later on.
The 1987 Owner's Manual also advises this.
Body Colors - New paint formulas are in effect for the semi-metallic paint colors as a result of a new painting process at the assembly facilities in Sweden. New paint codes are being assigned. The labels on the cars are in the same location as last year.
A separate S.I. is being issued with paint code information, as in the past.
SERVICE
PDI Information - A separate S.I. is being issued on this subject although some highlights are given here. The PDI/Break-In service coupons are still located in the Warranties/Service Records Booklets. It is important that these checklist/coupons are adhered to and that the book is properly stamped when finished.
To protect the engine and front end bodywork during transport, the SPG models are fitted with rubber spacer blocks in the front springs and these must be removed at the PDI.
The Alarm System which is standard on the Convertible must be activated as with the 1986 models.
News Book - As with last year a "News Book" will be issued describing the new technical features and providing new wiring diagrams for the electrical changes that have occurred. This is a Section 0, Service Manual and will be mailed in early October.
Service Intervals - Unchanged from model year 1986. Major Services are every 30,000 miles, Oil Change/Safety Inspections are every 7,500 miles. 900 Turbos are required to have an Intermediate Oil and Filter Change every 3,750 miles.
ENGINE
900 Turbo W/SPG Option - The horsepower has been increased oh this model from 160 to 165.
Horsepower.................................................165 at 5500 rpm Torque.....................................................195 ft.lbs. at 3000 rpm Minimum Fuel Requirement...................................90.5 to 93 AON
Cylinder Head (Turbo) - All 900 Turbos receive a new cylinder head with asymmetrical ports and combustion chambers, which increases turbulence in the combustion area and results in more efficient combustion. Symmetrical camshafts (intake side) are now standard, as with the 900S and 9000 Turbos.
ELECTRICAL
Instrument Lighting - The instrument lighting is now turned on and off with the ignition key (the same as the 9000). This was done to bring the specification in line with the 9000 and allow full view of the instrumentation when travelling momentarily without ambient lighting (as when travelling in a tunnel or under a bridge).
At the same time the owner should check the headlight position before travelling at night and not use the instrument lighting as an indication that the headlights are on. The Owner's Manual cautions against this.
Seat Heater Rheostat - Separate temperature regulation is now possible with the driver's' seat of 900S and Turbo models. The passenger seat is regulated as before. The temperature can be adjusted in three steps or shut completely off if desired. The new control for this function is located just below the headlight switch.
The heat regulation of the 900 base model remains as before.
Fog Light Switch - Due to the new seat heater control switch location the fog light switch should now be installed in the spot below the seat heater switch.
Fog Lights - A new fog light kit and installation procedure is now required due to the new front bumper.
Electric Sunroof - All Turbo models are now equipped with the Saab electrically operated sunroof. Previously only the leather cars were so equipped.
Dome Light - A 9000 type dome light is introduced with a 3-position control switch mounted in the center console.
Cruise Control Wiring - The wiring necessary to install cruise control on the 900 base model is now standard.
Saab-Guard Alarm - The 900 Convertible is factory equipped with a fully installed Saab-Guard alarm system (the same as 1986). All other models are pre-wired to accept a quick installation of this same system.