This problem is very common and occurs in all Saab 9-3 cars with manual transmission up to 10 years old. The reason is simple – fatigue of the material, underneath the clutch pedal is a small spring that rests on one end with the pedal and the other end rests on a yellow plastic clip.
This yellow little plastic support is the cause of the problem, due to material fatigue, the Yellow clip snaps in half and the spring simply falls to the floor of the car. When the spring drops, many riders are scared, but do not have to fear, Saab is drivable, but since the spring is out of service – the clutch pedal cannot return to the top up position and will not operate cruise control (for cars with cruise control as an option). If your Saab doesn’t have cruise control, the car can be driven but the clutch pedal stroke is shorter and more force is needed.
Chances are your spring is able to be reused, you just need to order one of the yellow retaining clips because yours probably broke. In most cases it is enough to change just that small clip, you can find it at a number of web stores and it only costs a couple of dollars. see the part replacement process below, no tools required and only a few minutes:
If the problem is also the spring, in addition to the yellow clip, both parts need to be replaced and can be purchased as a replacement kit. The good thing about the Saab 9-3 is that it shares a lot of parts with the Opel (Vauxhall) Vectra C.
So this set is exactly the same on the Saab 9-3 and Opel Vectra C and even the same as on the Opel (Vauxhall) Signum. So you may find it easier to find a replacement kit if you search for it through GM serial numbers, here are the product numbers of this set:
- Opel Number: 9006348
- GM Number: 93183937
The Replacement set can be found at a number of web shops selling auto parts, with a set price ranging from 20 to 30 euros. Replace it, but in the meantime, you can drive it.
