Manual 5 speed that won't let me engage 5th gear. It isn't grinding or making horrible noise and I did once did it into 5th on the highway coming home the other day, I just mush and push and it just won't engage. I have to drive around town at no more than 4th gear. What to do?
1999 Saab 9-3
Worn out 5th gear synchros. Trans rebuild required.
that's what i'm worried about.... well, I can't afford a new trans right now, just gonna run this until the wheels fall off I suppose
That's a first-generation 9-3 which is basically an "improved" 2nd-generation 900. (Confusing enough?) Although the transmission may be worn inside, if you're lucky the linkage may just be worn or out of adjustment. It appears that the main shifter part (#12 on the diagram) is no longer available new. If that's worn out you would need to source a good used one from somewhere like Goldwing Used Saab Parts.
https://www.esaabparts.com/viewparts.php?searchpart=1§ion=441735464
Also note that the Saab WIS (Workshop Information System) that was used by dealers for diagnosing problems is available online, and it contains instructions for adjusting the shift linkage:
http://saabwisonline.com/a2/wis/9-3/1999/4-transmission/gear-selector-mechanism-manual/
Additionally, you can find community support for your car here:
https://www.saabnet.com/tsn/bb/NG900/
https://www.saabcentral.com/forums/ng900-og9-3-workshop.15/
I meant to add that worn engine and/or transmission mounts can also cause shifting problems.
Thanks for that helpful info - but it does shift into gears 1 - 4 as well as reverse, think it could just be a linkage adjustment issue?
It's worth checking out before condemning the transmission. Also check your engine mounts and change the transmission oil if it has not been done recently. (Look for anything bad, like metal pieces, in the old oil.)
Follow up - all the other gears (1 through 4) work fine and this car has been great. it's got about 130k miles on it. Well, aside from the the driver's door jamb not engaging and other little things it's peppy and fun and rides lovely.