Performing a Saab 9000 Trionic boost adaptation run

This information is taken from the Saab technical documentation on the Trionic system. The original document describing the Trionic system is available at the Townsend Imports site.

Introduction

The Saab Trionic engine management system continuously adapts the maximum turbo boost level during normal driving. However, after replacement of parts of the system affecting the boost level, or disconnection or replacement of the Trionic control unit, a large amount of adaptation will be required, and the adaptation can be accelerated by the following procedure. This procedure may also be of benefit if it is suspected that the Trionic system has mis-adapted due to a faulty component (e.g. solenoid valve) or the use of an inferior fuel. If the system is suspected to be severely mis-adapted, it is probably best to disconnect the control module for a few minutes, then reconnect and start afresh. Do this by either disconnecting the large multiway cable to the unit or by removing the fuse in the fuse box under the dashboard.

The procedure is slightly different depending on whether the car has automatic or manual transmission fitted. The procedure for both types of transmission is provided. I have only tested the procedure for manual transmission, as I have never owned (and probably never will own) an automatic 9000.

I had to power down and reconnect the Trionic system on my '96 Aero after replacing a faulty oxygen sensor that left the "check engine" light illuminated. After performing the procedure below, the car definitely ran more smoothly and was more powerful than ever before (this must have been partly due to the new sensor, though).

Procedure (manual transmission)

1. Ensure the engine is warmed up thoroughly and that the car is running on a good quality, high-octane fuel.
   
   
2. Find a long upwards incline suitable for the following steps. The adaptation will only take place if the time taken to pass through the rev range 2750-3250 RPM under full throttle is greater than 3 seconds.
   
   
3. If you have a calibrated boost gauge, connect it to the car. This will make the boost pressure easier to compare on subsequent runs than with the built-in boost gauge.
   
   
4. Accelerate at full throttle in as high a gear as possible (I chose 5th gear) from approximately 2000 RPM to 3500 RPM. On my '96 Aero in 5th gear, this is from approximately 58MPH to 105 MPH. If you are on a public road with a lower speed limit, a lower gear may be more practical.
   
   
5. Repeat step 4 until no further increase in maximum boost pressure is observed.

Procedure (automatic transmission)

1. Ensure the engine is warmed up thoroughly and that the car is running on a good quality, high-octane fuel.
   
   
2. Find a long upwards incline suitable for the following steps. The adaptation will only take place if the time taken to pass through the rev range 3750-4250 RPM under full (or nearly full) throttle is greater than 3 seconds.
   
   
3. If you have a calibrated boost gauge, connect it to the car. This will make the boost pressure easier to compare on subsequent runs than with the built-in boost gauge.
   
   
4. Accelerate with as much throttle as possible without activating the kickdown from approximately 3000 RPM to 4500 RPM. Not having an automatic, I have no idea how fast you will end up travelling.
   
   
5. Repeat step 4 until no further increase in maximum boost pressure is observed.