How much will it cost to fix a problem with going in reverse on a 1996 SAAB 900S?

you will have to start by removing the centre consel and look at the linkage or cables to see if any thing is jamed up

I assume you have owned this car for a while and now how to get into reverse. this problem may be due to worn shifter or bushings to linkage for ****** or shifter, and last may be an internal trans problem. you will need to do some checking . have some one help you as you move the shifter and look for play in the shifter arm or linkage,good day.

You need to get your water pump and/or thermostat checked out.

hi Donna.
go to this link might help you find out.
how to change fuel pump on 1996 SAAB 900s Google Search

As part of the safety/theft detterent system, most SAABs will only allow key removal when YOU PUT THE (manual) TRANSMISSION IN REVERSE. Not sure how it would work with an automatic transmission. If yours is a manual transmission, give that a try. I had a 1992 SAAB 900S convertible. Ran like a raped ape but the A/C gave out on us. Miss the old girl though.

Hope this helps!

Check the Top Latch Position Switch/Sensor and the Convertible Top Control Module....not a cheap fix!

Here is an illustrated tutorial for the 2.0 liter turbo. It is essentially the same for the naturally aspirated 900S: http://bellsouthpwp.net/m/a/mattiaso/WebPages/Auto/therm.htm

The shift pattern is standard 5 speed H: 1st is all the way up to the left, 2nd straight back and down from that, 3rd is up and slightly to the right of 1st, 4th is straight back and down from 3rd, 5th is up and all the way over to the right. Reverse has a reverse lock out collar under the shift knob that you grip with one finger on either side of the bottom of the knob and pull up while pulling back and all the way to the right.

You take all the center console and plastic ducts from between the seats. There are 4 10mm bolts holding the shifter mechanism to the floor. Take these off and do your best to flip the whole housing to where you can access the bottom side. The ignition switch is attached under there. As I recall there are 2 T20 screws holding it on.

Hi,

To my understanding this is a common problem with Saab 900s. The cure was to replace the existing linkages with an upgraded one. There was even a recall or service bulletin to this effect.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

Thank you for using FixYa.