"05 Saab 97X Linear

[frankie d]

Good day everyone. I purchased an "05 97X linear about 6 months ago. It's a very nice truck. The problem I'm having is a slight shudder while making a sharp turn. It almost feels as if the truck is locking up. This only lasts for a moment and doesn't happen all the time.

Someone told me to "change the transfer case fluid. It's possible that the All wheel drive isn't opperating smoothly."

Does this sound right? I'm going to change the fluid this week end. (GM Auto-Trak II type fluid ).

Also...The fuel economy is worse than I thought it would be. 10-12 MPG.
Any tips????

Thanks for listening.

 

[T9 man]

The 97X is not available over here in the UK. I think you use the 4.2L 6cyl and the 5.3L 8cyl engines. The gas mileage is I'm afraid typical for your SUV, but I am lead to believe that the newer V8's produce more miles for your gallon.
Also these 97's prefer the richer octane fuel so if you are using the cheap stuff to save money then please don't! The transmission fluid should not need changing unless of course the SUV has done an awful lot of miles since 05.
If this is the case then please do not put in cheap rubbish, trust me you will regret it. Seek advice from a GM specialist as to the preferred fluid to use, I say GM specialist as opposed to a GM dealer who will only know one type of fluid to use.

 

[frankie d]

Thanks for your insight. Yes the Linear has the 4.2 and the Arc has the 5.3... And yes I'm guilty of using 87 octane. I've heard before that you shouldn't cheap on the octane.... @ $3.88 / gal. it's hard not to. I'll go with a 93 octane for a while and see how it goes. I'll let you know if the specialty fluid "Auto-Trak II" does the trick with the shudder....

I was just told that with AWD, if your transfer case is not engaging/disengaging it will feel like a 4 x 4 on dry pavement. That is what it reminds me of. My old Tahoe.....We'll see.....

Thanks again....Have a great week end.