When to change transmission fluid?

most like ly the clutch actuator or electronic setting from the TCM
have a fault code reading done to determine the fault

There is a Haynes manual for Saab 9-5 (1997-2004) which covers most tasks.

You need to change the oil every year or 10.000 miles. The oil will be polluted with foreign material like water, sulpur etc.

you probaly need a new trany and some one might have put in the wrong kind of fluid for it either way you have to either rebuild or get a new one

This sometimes happens with Manual Trans; there's suppose to be a fix an all metal linkage replacement for the plastic one. You can also try changing out the trans fluid with the Saab Syn MTF.

Try this website for resolving car problems by downloading a FREE service manual for your vehicle. This is not an owners manual but a factory mechcanic's manual.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Find-the-Free-Auto-Repair-Manual-You-Need-Online&id=92717

http://www.onlinefreeebooks.net/automotive-machinery-power-equipment-ebooks/saab/2005-saab-9-2x-92x-owners-manual-pdf.html

is sounds like your transmission fluid has overheated. Simply needs the fluid and the filter to be changed on the transmission.

There is a transmission dip stick on the side of the engine, this is used to check the trans fluid level. The engine oil dipstick has a large diameter plastic cap, and is on the left/driver's side of the car (in North America); the trans dipstick has two notches at the bottom when removed and a label telling the fluid to use. The best source of info on this car is the "Bentley Bible" aka the Saab 900 Official Service Manual, costs about $40 from Amazon! 16 valve manual: http://www.amazon.com/Saab-900-Valve-Service-Manual/dp/0837603137 8 valve manual :http://www.amazon.com/Eight-Official-Service-Manual-1981-1988/dp/0837603102 get the appropriate manual for your car and enjoy the Saab!. + If this helps, please give a "thumbs up", thanks. saabreur

ASE Mechanic:
Try checking the fluid level first, and then look for any leaks. if corrected right away you might not have to rebuild the trans. but other wise look into the cost of a rebuilt transmission.