Timing chain replacement: Saab 9-3 B204 2.0 (B204E, B204I, B204L, B204R, …)

🧭 Before you start

Remove the engine cover, spark plugs and camshaft cover, align the timing marks and dismantle the tensioner. Cover the chain housing, separate the old chain, connect the new chain to it and turn the engine clockwise to draw it through, keeping it tied to the head. Join the new chain ends with the special tool, refit the tensioner with sealant, turn the crankshaft two turns and check the camshaft and crankshaft marks. Refit the camshaft cover, tightening the bolts in the order shown.

Fits: platform codes 2.0, SE, TURBO, 16V, |, T, 2.0I, ECOPOWER

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job

Don't miss

• Always renew the timing chain.
• Cover the timing chain housing with a clean cloth before separating the chain.
• Tie the chain to the cylinder head so it cannot drop off the gears.
• Check the chain guides while the tensioner is out.
• Tighten the camshaft cover bolts in the specified order.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Always renew the timing chain
2. Chain tensioner
3. Remove the cloth
4. Remove the engine upper cover
5. Note: Temporarily tie the chain to the cylinder head

6. Remove the spark plugs
7. Disconnect the boost pressure control valve
8. Remove the camshaft cover
9. Turn the engine clockwise
10. Align the timing marks
11. Disconnect the chain
12. Unscrew the end-piece
13. Installation sequence:
14. Dismantle the tensioner
15. Check the chain guides
16. Secure the chain
17. Note: Temporarily tie the chain to the cylinder head
18. Separate the timing chain
19. Note: Cover the timing chain housing with a clean cloth
20. Remove the cloth

Installation and checks

21. Connect the ends of the new chain
22. Connect the ends of the new chain
23. Remove the special tools
24. Pull the removed timing chain pins out of the chain separating tool
25. Tighten the tensioner body
26. Apply sealant
27. Refit the chain tensioner plug with the push rod and spring
28. Refit the inlet hose
29. Refit the resonator
30. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise by 2 turns
31. Check the camshaft timing marks
32. Check the crankshaft timing marks
33. Refit the camshaft cover
34. In the order shown
35. Tighten the bolts
36. Refit the spark plugs
37. Fit the ignition module and cover
38. Reconnect the crankcase breather hose
39. Reconnect the boost pressure control valve
40. Raise the front of the vehicle
41. Refit the front right splash guard
42. Refit the front right wheel
43. Lower the vehicle
44. Refit the engine upper cover
45. Reconnect the battery earth cable

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