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(TA811-0604) Cleaning of soft top outer fabric

TECHNICAL ADVICE - Quick information for your help
Bulletin Nbr: TA811-0604
Date: ........... JuneĀ 2006
Market: All
Cleaning of soft top outer fabric

VEHICLES CONCERNED

Saab 9-3CV MY04 -

BACKGROUND

Customer complaints on greyish marks on the outer fabric.

CONDITIONS

The outer fabric get greyish/shiny marks in areas that are exposed for a high contact pressure when the top is folded down. The occurance of this type of marks has increased with the new generation 9-3CV as the folding is more compact than before. A thorough cleaning of the outer fabric will minimize the visibility of these marks.

ACTION

Always use cleaning agents and reimpregnation that is specially designed for the type of fabric that is used in a soft top. An improved cleaning "method" will be described in the Owner's manual for MY2007 and onwards (see below).

Owner's Manual:

The following cleaning method must be only used if the soft top is heavily soiled and must not be carried out more than twice a year.


1. Stop normal cleaning.

2. Rinse off the thick dirt thoroughly with water.

3. Spray the newly rinsed soft top with a suitable cleaning agent. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

4. Move the washing brush backwards and forwards, not diagonally, from side to side or in circles. Use a soft brush, like a clothes brush or a micro fibre cloth so that the cleaning agent foams. Never use a wire brush.

5. Then rinse the soft top with warm water and brush using a soft brush in the direction of the vehicle until all foam has disappeared. Brush carefully to prevent damaging the material.

6. Dry the soft top using a clean chamois leather or a cloth that does not leave lint on the soft top.

7. Allow the soft top to dry fully. Touch with a hand after a while, if the material feels damp, allow it to dry for longer.

8. If spots are still visible, repeat the treatment on these spots as before. Press lightly with the brush to prevent damaging the material. Do not use the brush excessively. This can irreparably damage the material. Do not repeat the treatment more than twice.

9. When the soft top has fully dried, it must be waterproofed immediately. Use a suitable recommended waterproofing agent. Follow the instructions on the packaging.

10. To obtain even and optimum waterproofing, the car must be closed for 24 hours after treatment. Do not touch the material and do not place any objects on it.