Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSSAAB19999-3 BASE, 2D HATCHBACK, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ELECTRICALCHARGING SYSTEMSGENERATORS & REGULATORS - OVERVIEWON-VEHICLE TESTINGGENERATOR NOT CHARGING9-5
1999 Saab 9-3 Base, 2D Hatchback, Automatic
Generator Not Charging: 9-5
1999 Saab 9-3 Base, 2D Hatchback, AutomaticSECTION 9-5
- Turn ignition on. If charging indicator light comes on, go to next step. If charging indicator light does not come on, go to step 5 . Start and idle engine at 2500 RPM. Measure voltage at battery. If 13.5-14.5 volts are present, go to next step. If 13.5-14.5 volts are not present, repair or replace generator.
- Put a maximum load on generator by turning on headlights, rear window defogger, etc. Measure amperage between battery positive terminal and generator. If amperage is equal to rated current of generator, go to next step. If amperage does not equal rated current of generator, repair or replace generator.
- Check voltage drop between battery and generator by turning on high beams. Measure voltage between generator B+ terminal and battery negative terminal. See Fig 1 . If voltage is less than .5 volts, go to next step. If voltage is greater than .5 volts, repair wiring as necessary. See WIRING DIAGRAMS .
- With high beams on, measure voltage between battery negative terminal and generator case. If voltage is less than .5 volts, system is okay. If voltage is greater than .5 volts, repair wiring as necessary. See WIRING DIAGRAMS .
- Connect jumper wire between generator terminal D+ and ground. See Fig 1 . If charging indicator light comes on, repair or replace generator. If charging indicator light does not come on, problem is in instrument panel. See INSTRUMENT PANELS article in ACCESSORIES & EQUIPMENT.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.