Service
When manufactured, the gearbox is filled with Saab synthetic gearbox oil and does not require any further oil changes. The oil, part no. 87 48 733, is adapted to Saab's gearboxes and can only be purchased through authorized Saab dealers. In an emergency and only temporarily, fully synthetic oil Dexron III ATF will also function. To stress the importance of using the oil recommended by Saab, the filler plug is marked with the following warning message "USE ONLY SAAB OIL NO 87 48 733".
The gearbox has 3 plugs; one filler plug (1), one level plug (2) and one drain plug (3). When working on the gearbox, the plugs are used when oil is to be drained. To check the level or top up with oil, the level plug is removed and oil filled until it runs from the level plug. Note that the drain plug contains a magnet. Apply thread sealant to the plugs before removing them. A "dry" gearbox holds 1.9 litres of oil.