SAAB V4 TRANSMISSION DIP STICK

 SAAB, in their infinite wisdom, made the transmission for the 95/96/97 models VERY unhandy when it came to checking the transmission oil level. The drill is to remove the check plug [see drawing above] and if oil runs out, the oil level is good.  If no oil runs out, take out the fill plug and add oil until it does run out, then replace the check plug.  Some Saab owners don't even know where the check plug IS, and has even less inclination to go through this drill.  So a dip stick is a real good idea, and can prove to be a transmission saver since the owner MIGHT actually check the transmission oil level on occasion.

 I built a construction fixture [red item at the bottom in the photo above and top red item in the photo below] that exactly matched an original SAAB trans dip stick, so when the stock of dip sticks have been sold, I whip out the fixture, and make up some more of them.

This photo shows seven [of a dozen] freshly completed dip sticks plus the original Saab dip stick [red, top next to the fixture]. I add the "MIN" and "MAX" notches, as per the original. Now, y'see, all you have to do is remove the fill plug with a 3/8" drive extension, dip the dip stick into the trans, pull it out, read the oil level, add if necessary, put the fill plug back into the transmission case, wipe off the dip stick, and if you're  a neatnick, you didn't even get oil on your hands. PLUS, your transmission stays properly oiled and happy. By the way--SAAB used to offer these dip sticks through their dealers. Since that is no longer an option to the vintage Saab owner, I thought it would be a good idea if I made the little buggers available.  Good stuff, huh?