How to open fill plug on later automatics?

[MI-Roger]

I gave up on this tens of thousands of miles ago and had a Dealer change the fluid for me. I need to change the fluid again and am still stymied by the stupid T55 plug which replaced the dip stick tube.

Is there a fool-proof method to remove this?

Thanks,

[nordwulf]

What's so special about this plug? You can't just use a Torx bit and unscrew?

I would get a fill tube like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/230505698424 But that's for the 4-speed transmssion, may not be the same as for the 5-speed.

Should make things so much easier with filling and checking the fluid level. I am changing my fluid again after 55K miles and it looks pretty dark.

[MI-Roger]

Access.

You can see the T55 plug, provided you know where to look and have a powerful enough light to overcome shadows cast by ambient sunlight, but you can't reach it.

When you assemble enough bits and pieces of various socket accessories/sets to reach the T55 plug, the angular displacement and slop in the connections of your assembled tool prevents you from developing enough force to crack the plug open.

One Saab Pro told me a couple years ago to remove the battery and battery tray. That doesn't appear to provide any benefit.

Two other Saab Pros said yesterday to use a 2-foot long 3/8 socket extension, and to really lean on the tool to keep the bit in the plug's recess when you turn it. One said to also place a stubby wobble extension on the end to compensate for the bad access angle.

I had a stubby wobble extension and bought a 2-foot long 3/8 socket extension today at Harbor Freight. I'll let you know how it goes.

[MI-Roger]

Success!

I posted the tools and methods in the Sticky for ATF changes, page #8 I believe.

[nordwulf]

Just in case you didn't know, you can get the direct link for any post by clicking on the # in the upper right corner of the post itself.

http://saabworld.net/showthread.php?...ll=1#post67224