Saab Repair and Service in Athens, GA
Saab repair in Athens, GA is getting hard to find. Saab stopped building cars in 2011. The dealers are gone. Athens Import Auto Repair still works on them, and we still enjoy it.
Saab service in Athens, from people who know the brand
We have serviced Saab since our shop opened in 1991. James Miner owns the shop and is an ASE Master Technician. He knows the 900, the 9-3 and the 9-5 well.
Parts are still out there for most Saab models. We know where to look. Call 706-353-3880 and tell us what your Saab is doing.
Models we see most
Common Saab problems we fix
DIC cassette
The DIC cassette is the ignition unit that sits over the spark plugs. It fires all four plugs. When it fails, the car misfires or will not start. We replace it and the plugs.
Crank sensor
The crank sensor reads the spin of the engine for the computer. On a Saab it fails when hot. The car dies and then starts again once it cools. We replace the sensor.
Sludge in the 9-5
The 9-5 four cylinder is known for oil sludge. Sludge blocks the oil pickup screen and starves the engine. Frequent oil changes with synthetic oil stop it. We can check the pan for sludge.
Turbo trouble
Most Saabs have a turbo. Its oil line can clog and the turbo wears out. You see blue smoke or feel no boost. We check the turbo and its oil supply.
Throttle body faults
The electronic throttle body on the 9-3 and 9-5 can fail. The car goes into limp mode with low power. We test it and put in a new one.
Coolant leaks
Saab coolant tanks and hoses get brittle with age. A cracked tank drops the coolant level fast. We replace the tank and the worn hoses.
Saab services we offer
Check engine light
Misfires, throttle faults and sensor codes read with the right tool.
Learn moreNo start diagnosis
Crank sensors, DIC cassettes and fuel pumps tested and replaced.
Learn moreSaab oil change
Full synthetic oil on a short interval to keep sludge away.
Learn moreSaab diagnostics
We trace electrical and engine faults on cars the dealers no longer see.
Learn moreCooling system repair
Tanks, hoses, radiators and water pumps to keep the turbo cool.
Learn moreClassic Saab care
The 900 and 9000 need a shop that remembers them. We do.
Learn more
Why Saab owners choose us
We still work on Saab
Many shops turn Saab away. We welcome them. We have fixed them for more than 30 years.
We know where the parts are
Saab parts take some searching. We have the sources and we know which parts to trust.
50 years of foreign car work
James started on imports in 1972. A Saab holds no surprises for him.
These guys are amazing and great at what they do!!!! I had a problem with my mercedes E320 wouldn't start, AFTER leaving it here to be fixed I'M NOW ABLE TO START IT WHEN I'M READY TO GO. THANKS A MILLION AND I WILL RETURN FOR FUTURE SERVICES!!! GOD BLESS THIS BUSINESS!!!
Scott, J., customerSaab repair FAQ
Do you work on Saab in Athens?
Yes. Athens Import Auto Repair still repairs Saab cars in Athens, GA. We work on the 9-3, 9-5, 900 and 9000. We have done so since 1991.
Can you still get parts for a Saab?
Yes, for most models. Many parts are still made, and some come from other sources. We will tell you if a part is hard to find before we start.
Why does my Saab die when the engine is hot?
A failing crank sensor is the most likely cause. It stops sending a signal when it gets hot. The car restarts once it cools. We replace the sensor and the problem goes away.
What is a DIC cassette on a Saab?
The DIC cassette is the red ignition unit on top of the engine. It fires the spark plugs. When it fails, the engine misfires or will not start at all. We keep them in mind on every Saab visit.
How do I stop sludge in my Saab 9-5?
Change the oil often with full synthetic. Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is best. We can also drop the pan and clean the pickup screen if sludge is already there.
Is it worth fixing an old Saab?
Often, yes. A well kept 9-3 or 9-5 can run for many more years. We will give you a straight answer about your car. You decide from there.
Other brands we service
Let's take a look at your Saab
Book a visit or call 706-353-3880. Your Saab still has a home in Athens.
Open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. After hours, leave a message or send the form and we will call you back.
Send us a message
Tell us your car and what you notice. We will call you back during shop hours.
If the form does not show, call 706-353-3880.