Page 105 of 236

105 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Steering-wheel
controls To facilitate use of the Audio System and to
promote safer driving, most of the functions
can be operated using the integral remote
controls on the steering wheel. Control functions: NXT (NEXT):
RADIO mode: preselect buttons
1⇒2⇒ ... ⇒6⇒1⇒ ...
TAPE mode: Play other side of tape.
CD mode: Inoperative.
CD-changer mode: Change CD in the
magazine 1⇒2⇒ ... ⇒6⇒1⇒ ...
<< SEEK >>:
RADIO mode: Auto/manual seeking.
TAPE mode: Music search/Fast forward or
rewind.
CD/CD-changer mode: Track
change/Rapid play.SRC (SOURCE)
Press repeatedly to switch between
RADIO ⇒TAPE or CD ⇒(CD changer) ⇒
RADIO ⇒ ...
VOL +/–:
Volume adjust.
Security lock The Audio System is equipped with an elec-
tronic security lock. The special code is
unique to the car in which the Audio System
is fitted.
Each time the Audio System is switched on,
a check is made to ensure that the codes
match.
If not, the following will appear on the
display:
If a CD changer has been installed, it will
also have been security coded.
If the security code for the CD changer does
not match when the changer is selected, the
following will appear on the display:
If a CD changer is to be installed or if you
wish to move the main audio-system
module and/or CD changer to another car
(Saab 9-3), you
must
consult an authorized
Saab dealer so that the modules can be
given the correct security codes.
IB945
Audio System controls on steering wheel
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Page 106 of 236

106 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemTechnical data
These specifications comply with the new IHF Standard
Since the policy at Saab is one of continual improvement, we retain the right to alter
specifications and design without prior notice.
Dolby noise reduction is produced under licence from Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation
”Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licens-
ing Corporation
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for compliance
could void the user´s authority to operate the equipment.
Tone controls
Bass _________________________ ±12 dB at 40 Hz
Treble ________________________ ±10 dB at 15,000 Hz
Power output __________________4 x 20 W (4 x 12 W at 1%
THD (total harmonic dis-
tortion) and 13.5 V)
Radio module
Radio system __________________ PLL dual-synthesizer
tuner
Number of presets
FM __________________________ 3 x 6
AM __________________________ 2 x 6
Frequency range
FM __________________________ 87.9 MHz – 107.9 MHz
AM __________________________ 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
WB ___________________________ 162.40 – 162.55 MHz
Scanning steps
Automatic seek tuning: ___________ VHF (FM) 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz
WB 50 kHz
Manual seek tuning: _____________ VHF (FM) 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz Cassette player
Fast forward/rewind ______________ < 110 s (C-60)
Frequency range ________________ 50 Hz - 12500 Hz ±3 dB
WOW _________________________ 0.1% WRMS
Signal-to-noise ratio______________ 45 dB
Dolby NR effect _________________ 10 dB
CD player and CD changer
1-bit system and 8 x oversampling
Frequency range ________________ 5-20000 Hz
±0.5 dB
Stereo separation _______________ 45 dB
Distortion _____________________ < 0.008%
Dynamics _____________________ > 95 dB (1 kHz)
CD-changer capacity: 6 discs
Amplifier (cars with extra speakers in
front doors)
Power output ___________________ 2 x 40 W (2 x 30 W at 1%
THD 50 Hz)
Crossover frequency _____________ 110 Hz (-3 dB)
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Page 107 of 236

107 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Multipath interference When the radio waves from an FM transmit-
ter collide with a large building, for example,
they will be reflected so that they reach the
car antenna slightly later than the direct
waves. This is referred to as multipath dis-
tortion. The effect is liable to be blamed
upon malfunctions in the radio. Antenna The antenna of the Audio System is motor-
ized.
Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupé and 5-door: The
antenna is located on the roof.
For the cleaning of the motorized antenna,
see the section headed "Washing", page
201.
Shadow effect Because FM radio waves travel in straight
lines from the transmitter, a shadow effect
can occur when tall buildings or hills
obstruct the interference path from the
transmitter to the car.
Sources of FM interference Interference to FM reception can be caused
by the electrical systems in other vehicles,
particularly if the signal from the transmitter
is weak.
To maintain good radio reception do not tint
the rear windshield, particularly with film
containing small metal flakes.
NOTERemove the antenna if you wash the car
in a car wash, to avoid it being damaged.
IB977
IB978
IB979
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Page 108 of 236
108 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemCross-modulation When the radio is tuned to a weak transmit-
ter in the vicinity of a stronger one, the car’s
antennas will receive signals from both.
Such interference is apparent when the
unwanted broadcast can be heard faintly in
the background.
Radio waves, FM/AM FM radio waves radiate in straight lines from
the transmitter. Because such waves do not
follow the curvature of the Earth, their
strength becomes weaker the further they
travel. That is why a large number of trans-
mitters are needed to provide good recep-
tion.
AM waves, on the other hand, are reflected
off the ionosphere, thus greatly extending
their range.
Sources of AM interference AM reception is prone to interference, e.g.
from electrical systems on other vehicles,
high-tension power lines and lightning.
IB980
IB388
AM
FM
IB981
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Page 109 of 236

109 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Installation of car phone
(option)
Provision has been made on certain vari-
ants of the Saab 9-3 for the installation of a
hands-free car phone.
Installation must be done by an authorized
Saab dealer.
A car-phone cradle is available as an acces-
sory.
Your Saab dealer has details of which
phones are suitable for the installation.
Provision for hands-free phone (Con-
vertible, only if Saab 9-3 Audio System is
fitted)
Car phone connects to car’s circuitry.
Coaxial cable for external antenna is pre-
run.
Microphone for hands-free phone use
incorporated in overhead panel at front
(not Convertible).
Audio System mute functions when
phone activated.
Phone conversation amplified through
Audio System speakers. "TELEPHONE" appears on the SID when
phone is in use.
Volume level for ongoing conversation
can be adjusted by volume controls on
steering wheel or on audio-system mod-
ule. See also ”Volume-preset mode”,
page 104.
If the sound is a bit fuzzy, adjust by means
of the volume control on the
phone set
.
Phone battery is charging when ignition is
ON and phone in its cradle.
Please refer to the instructions supplied with
the phone for details of how to make and
receive calls.
OnStar System (US Only Option)
Your car may be equipped with OnStar, a
vehicle telematics system for communica-
tion and navigation. Please consult the sep-
arate owner’s manual for OnStar provided
in your document organizer.
WARNING
To prevent crashes while using a cell
phone:
Do not use the cell phone in distracting
traffic situations. Turn it off if traffic is
heavy.
Dial sensibly, at a stoplight or safely off
the road.
Consider installing hands-free or
speaker phone.
Avoid stressful and intense phone
conversations.NOTEThe A-pillar area (area beside the wind-
shield) and the headlining of your Saab
contain padding designed to reduce head
injuries. No modifications to these areas
should be made unless done by your
authorized Saab dealer.
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Page 110 of 236

110 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemMobile phones and
communications radios Mobile phones and communications radios
that do not have a separate external
antenna radiate an electromagnetic field
inside the car.
Saab therefore recommends that a car
phone/radio transmitter should always be
connected to an external antenna.
An external antenna also provides
improved transmission/reception and a
greater range.
Mobile phones and communications radios
that are not supplied as standard equipment
by Saab can interfere with the car’s electri-
cal system and cause misleading fault
codes to be generated.
Fault codesThe Audio System has a built-in diagnostics
function. If a fault is detected, a fault code is
generated to help dealer technicians to
diagnose the fault. Below is an example of
a fault code that you might be able to rectify
yourself.
Adjusting the frequency steps
North America/Europe If the car is taken from Europe to North
America, the radio’s frequency steps will
need to be adjusted.
With the radio off, press and hold SEEK
(mid-segment) and switch the radio on at
the same time.
The station presets will be cancelled and
replaced by preset frequencies.
WARNING
The electromagnetic field inside the car
can be detrimental to your health. NOTEThe electromagnetic field can cause
interference with other electrical systems
in the car, such as the Audio System.
WARNING
Always consult an authorized Saab
dealer for installation guidance.
If you feel that any of the warnings or fault
indications are unclear, have the equip-
ment checked by an authorized Saab
dealer. NOTEGreat care should be exercised in trying
to rectify a fault. If you are at all unsure,
contact an authorized Saab dealer.
Fault code Possible cause
CD/CDC
ERROR
12/17/19 CD is dirty, loaded
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
TAPE ERR 01 Tape broken or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR
02/03Tape snarled up or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR 11 Cassette jammed: can-
not be loaded/ejected.
WARNING
The CD player/CD changer is classified
as Class 1 laser equipment.
Service and repair work must only be
carried out by authorized technicians.
If the casing is damaged, hazardous
laser radiation can occur.
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Page 111 of 236
111 Interior equipment, trunk
Interior equipment,
trunkSeats ................................. 112
Steering-wheel adjust-
ment ................................ 118
Electrical windows ........... 119
Sunroof (option) ............... 120
Interior lighting................. 121
Cup holder ........................ 122
Ashtrays (accessory)....... 123
Glove compartment ......... 123
Rear-view mirrors ............ 124
Trunk, Coupé and 5-door 125
Tools and spare wheel .... 130
Manually opening the fuel
filler door ........................ 131
IB941
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Page 112 of 236

112 Interior equipment, trunkSeatsThe following seat adjustments can be
made to achieve a comfortable driving
position:
• Height (driver´s seat).
Legroom.
Backrest rake angle.
Lumbar support.
Head-restraint height.
We recommend that adjustments to the
driver’s seat be performed in the following
order:
1 Height.
2 Legroom.
3 Backrest rake angle.
Lastly, adjust the steering wheel (see
page 118). Side airbags (SRS)See page 27.
Height adjustment, driver’s seat Lift the lever to raise the seat. The lever is
spring-loaded to return to its neutral posi-
tion. Repeated lifting of the lever will
increase the height in steps.
Press down the lever to lower the seat.
Repeated downward presses of the lever
will lower the seat in steps.
Legroom adjustment Lift the lever under the front of the seat and
slide the seat to the desired position.
WARNING
Never adjust the driver’s seat except
when the car is stationary.
WARNING
Check that the seat is locked in the new
position - if not, it may move while the car
is being driven. If the fore-and-aft setting
of the seat has not been locked, it could
result in injury to the occupant in the event
of an accident.
IB803
IB801
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