Matrix Check Engine Light Power Loss

Sounds familiar! I had a similar issue with my old Saab 9-3. The symptoms were almost identical – check engine light, sluggish acceleration, and even the occasional smoke. I suspected a vacuum leak somewhere, but did you check the crankcase ventilation valve? Because in my case it was completely clogged. Is your idle rough too?

Interesting! The idle is a little rough sometimes, now that you mention it. How did you diagnose the crankcase ventilation valve specifically? Did you use a scan tool, or was it something you could visually inspect?

For me, the check engine light gave a specific code related to emissions and the crankcase ventilation system. It's tricky to diagnose without the right tools, plus I didn't want to risk making things worse. Based on your symptoms and the mileage, plus considering that a defective crankcase ventilation could affect emissions, reduce engine power and cause leaks, I'd say it's worth getting it checked by a trusted mechanic. It ended up costing me around 360€, but at least the problem was solved!

Thanks so much for the advice! I really appreciate hearing about your experience with the Saab. I'm going to take it to a workshop and have them take a look at the crankcase ventilation valve. Hopefully, that's the issue, and it won't break the bank to fix. I will let you know how it goes.