DIY - Saab Knowledge Base

How to put a top up and down Manually on a Saab 9-3 Convertible?

Saab soft top manually

The convertible version of the second-generation 9-3 began with the MY04, in the previous generation, a roof raising system were switch to an hydraulically operated convertible top instead of electric. With one and with the other system there were problems, but slightly more problems with this hydraulic.  However, even if the entire system is malfunctioning or your hydraulic oil is leaking, you can always manually lower or lift a soft top. however, even if the entire system is malfunctioning or your hydraulic oil is leaking, you can always manually lower or lift a soft top.

The soft-top system works with a combination of mechanical, hydraulic and electronic means. This provides fast and e)(ac t control of the motion. The soft top is opened and closed either with the control button in sIC-C or with the remote control and the function is fully automatic. No manual handling is necessary. The soft top, which is pulled taut on the mechanism, comprises three layers, one outer water- repellent , one insulating and one interior. The soft top mechanism is built of parallel three-part magnesium rails with six lateral bows. When the soft top is open, it is covered by the soft top cover and stored in a space between the rear seat and the luggage compartment. The soft top is opened and closed using a hydraulic system controlled by the sTC (So ft Top Control).

The top may be operated manually. There is a tool in the trunk that you insert in an opening just above the windshield to release or lock the top. Then there are two openings one on each side near the back armrest to crank the top down or up Your manual should have the full explanation, or just see video below:

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I have read that u need to lower the back seat with your key inserted somewhere under the rear seat headrest. What if I don’t have the key bit is there any other way to fold down the seat? You use the ignition key and located back seat near right headset.

Goran Aničić
the authorGoran Aničić
For over 15 years, Goran Aničić has been passionately focused on Saab automobiles and everything related to them. His initial encounter with Saab cars took place back in 2003 when the first Saab 9-3 and sedan version were introduced. At that moment, he was captivated by the car's Scandinavian design logic and top-notch engineering, and everything that followed stemmed from that first encounter. Later on, through his work at the editorial team of the Serbian automotive magazines "Autostart" and later "AutoBild," he had the opportunity to engage more closely with Saab vehicles. In 2008, he tested the latest Saab cars of that time, such as the Saab 9-3 TTiD Aero and Saab 9-3 Turbo X. In 2010, as the sole blogger from the region, he participated in the Saab 9-5ng presentation in Trollhättan, Sweden. Alongside journalists from around the world, he got a firsthand experience of the pinnacle of technological offerings from Saab at that time. Currently, Goran owns two Saabs: a 2008 Saab 9-3 Vector Sportcombi with a manual transmission, and a Saab 9-3 Aero Griffin Sport Sedan from the last generation, which rolled off the production line in Trollhättan in December 2011.

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