Check out my 9-5 trailer hitch install and my DIY taillight wiring module
I finally got a hitch installed on my wagon. I went with the Draw-Tite 36286 class ll. I also made my own DIY taillight module that normally cost around $150. It's virtually the same thing. Just plug and play baby,,,lol. It does take a set of high dollar crimpers though. But I all ready had them for my motorcycle wiring projects.
I did a lot of research between Saabcentral and the Saabworld forum. So I want to thank everyone else for their info. So some of this is repeated. But I do want to add a couple of tips.
I read where other guys said to drop the mounting bolts through the frame first. Well if you do that you just knock them back up in there when you lift the hitch up. I just followed the directions and loosely installed the 2 smaller bolts where the tow hook was attached.
Speaking of lifting the hitch. I first tried the balancing act on jack stands and a floor jack. I soon got tired of that and just man handled it up into place and started the center bolts. Of course it would be much easier with some help.
At first I spent a lot of time trying to fish the bolts through the hole with a wire. Then I had a bright idea. But unfortunately I didn't think of it until the last bolt,,,lol.
I used a telescoping magnet and a small screw driver. I imagine you could use one on a flex shaft too. Through the elongated hole I first pushed the flat plate through and lined it up. I the held the bolt with the magnet and pushed it towards the hole until I could see it trying to poke through. Then I used my small screwdriver to wiggle the bolt and it dropped right in. Took all of 5 seconds. I swear,,,lol.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/8.jpg
This is the access hole from underneath on the passenger side. I forgot to take a before picture. But I'm sure you can figure it out.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/9.jpg
I'm not sure if you can use the magnet on the drivers side because the muffler may be in the way. But give it a shot. If not, it's easy.
I'm not sure if it's the same for a sedan and a wagon, but should be pretty similar.
On the wagon the left side has a storage compartment that has a plastic tray in the floor that needs to come out. I think in the sedan you might just be able to lift the carpet up. Then you will find a foam plug in there directly above where the bolt need to go. Just drop your bolt in and all is well.
Back to the wagon. I first removed the plastic trim piece that goes all the way across the back. It's held in place by a torx screw on each end. Then just pull it up to release some clips.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/10.jpg
Here you can see a tab on the plastic tray that is covered by the rear trim piece.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/11.jpg
Once you have the tray out you will find your prize. The foam plug.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/12.jpg
Remove it and drop your bolt in.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/13.jpg
The rear hole on the passenger side takes more effort. That's if you don't use the magnet from under the car. And I read there no access hole to the front bolt. So you have to use the magnet or a wire. What ever you decide.
I could not get the plastic tray out for nothin. So I removed a couple of the carpet trim fasteners and just pried the tray up some. This allowed me to drop my bolt through the hole.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/14.jpg
Here's a shot bent way down.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/15.jpg
You hardly notice it just walking by.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/16.jpg
Here's the plug and play taillight module I made.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/17.jpg
Here it is loosely installed. It has a mounting hole that I slipped over an existing screw. I still need to secure it with the supplied double sided tape. See the green wire hooked over a screw. That's where the factory plug was secured with a cable tie. But I temporarily removed it. I'm going to see if I can find a nut that will thread onto that screw to secure the white ground wire. I actually over tightened the self taper and striped the hole. It's still working. But I need to re-do it.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/18.jpg
Loosely attached.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/19.jpg
Ready to hit the trail.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/20.jpg
Lights, camera, action!! All the lights works perfect so far. The module seems to be working fine. But I have not got a chance to actually pull the trailer yet. Sorry for the fuzzy pictures. But it was night time.
http://saabworld.net/images/imported/2016/07/21.jpg
So there it is. Just trying to help the next guy from scratching his head so much,,,lol.
If anybody has any suggestions on how something could be better please speak up.
Also. I thought about if there was any interest I might make up some taillight modules and sell them. But every time I try to make a buck it backfires on me. Let me know if anybody wants one. It would be a lot cheaper than the Saab unit.