2000 SAAB 9-3 Repair Question
Asked on March 30, 2012
How do i differentiate a sound that may be a bad "air pump" from another type of noise at startup?
It does seem to be at startup.. it is sort of a "stress" sound.. it isn't a whine, not a grinding or clanking.. a steady sound and seems to go away after a minute or two..usually after the car has been sitting. I have been advised it might be an "air pump" but was also told it might be a clogged oil screen... any good way to make a best first stab at a fix? The air pump supposedly is not urgent but the clogged screen is worrisome to me. thank you
Answer
Replied on March 30, 2012
is air pump accessible under open hood? use a listening device lie auto stethoscope to check it out? $5 at harbor freight. or a vac wand us useful for directional sound locating.
Replied on March 30, 2012
why worry about oil screen? if oil pressure is ok it's ok.
Replied on March 30, 2012
Un plug the air pump and see if the noise isn't there
Replied on March 30, 2012
oh, it's an electric pump not belt driven. check this out. http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120134