103 Saab 9-3 Audio System
After two seconds, the status of the trays in
the magazine (i.e. loaded or empty) will be
shown on the display, e.g.:
If for some reason the CD selected by the
preset button cannot be played, playback of
the current CD will continue. Track change (2) Touch << SEEK or SEEK >> repeatedly to
move to preceding or following tracks.
Pressing << SEEK once will restart play-
back from the beginning of the current track.
Thus, to play the preceding track, touch
<< SEEK twice. Rapid play When << SEEK or SEEK >> is pressed and
held, rapid play will be initiated, with the time
and track showing on the display, e.g.:
If the button is depressed for more than
5 seconds, the rapid play will be even faster.
Rapid play stops when the button is
released.
Fast track changes Touch SEEK (mid-segment) to switch
between the CD PLAY and CD TRACK
modes.
The CD-PLAY and CD-TRACK modes
change the function of << SEEK and
SEEK >>. The selected mode will also be
active the next time the system is switched
on. Choose the mode that you find most
convenient.
Random playback (RDM) (3) Press and hold the CD/RDM button to
select/deselect random playback of the
CDs in the magazine. When this function is
selected, RDM will appear at the bottom of
the display.
Touch SEEK >> to move from the current
track to the next during random playback.
Touch << SEEK to repeat the current track
during random playback.
Pressing and holding << SEEK or SEEK >>
will start Rapid play.
To stop playback from the CD changer,
simply select another source (RADIO/CD).
The CD changer will now enter stand-by
mode.
CD PLAY Pressing and holding
<< SEEK or SEEK >>
starts Rapid play.
CD TRACK Pressing and holding
<< SEEK or SEEK >> acti-
vates track changes.
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104 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemGeneral functionsVolume-preset modeTo select the volume-preset mode, press
and hold the WB button at the same time as
you switch the Audio System on.
Use the << SEEK >> button to select the
required function.
The following volume settings can be prese-
lected:
STARTVOL - maximum volume level
when the Audio System is switched on.
TEL VOL - preset volume level when an
in-car phone is activated.
SP D VOL - speed-dependent volume.
The Audio System will automatically
adjust the volume level to suit the back-
ground noise, such as road noise, occur-
ring while the car is in motion.
LOUDNESS ON/OFF - boosting of the
highest and lowest frequency ranges to
enhance the sound image when the
volume is set to a low level. Adjusting the volume The default setting for START VOL is
volume setting 9, and that for TEL VOL is
volume setting 14 (the highest volume set-
ting is 30). Maximum START VOL
TELVOL
To change the volume setting:
– Press and hold the WB button at the
same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– Adjust the volume.
– Wait 10 seconds or touch one of the
buttons on the bottom row of the Audio
System, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the
new volume setting.
Speed-dependent volume
(SP D VOL) ON/OFF To change the volume setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.
– Press and hold the WB button at the same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– Select SP D VOL using << SEEK >>.
– Select ON/OFF by turning the VOL
control.
– Wait 10 seconds or touch one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the new
volume setting.
Loudness ON/OFF To change the loudness setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.
– Press and hold the WB button at the
same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– Select LOUDNESS using << SEEK >>
– Select ON/OFF by turning the VOL
control.
– Wait 10 seconds or touch one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the new
volume setting.
WARNING
These functions should only be carried
out when the car is stationary.
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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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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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117 Interior equipment, trunk
Backrest rake angle Push the rear lever forward or rearward to
adjust the rake angle of the backrest.
Memory function (certain variants)In some variants the electrically adjustable
driver’s seat has a memory function. Three
different settings can be programmed.
1 Make the desired adjustments to the
seat setting.
2 Store the setting of the seat by keeping
the ”M” depressed and at the same time
pressing one of the memory buttons, 1,
2 or 3. The SID will acknowledge stor-
age with a chime.
When you next wish to activate the memory
function, keep the desired memory button
depressed while the seat adopts the pro-
grammed settings.
To change any of the three programmed
settings, repeat stages 1 and 2.
IB809
IB808
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135 Starting and driving
If the car does not startIf the text "KEY NOT ACCEPTED" appears
on the SID when the engine refuses to start,
the trouble may be a fault in the transponder
of the key or in the receiver of the ignition
switch. Proceed as follows:
• Turn the key back to the LOCK position.
Turn the key to the ON position.
Press one of the buttons on the remote
control (the LED on top of the dash stops
flashing).
Start the engine.
Try the other key. If it works, the trouble is in
the first key.
Call on an authorized Saab dealer for
inspection and correction.
Starting the engineDo not run the starter motor for more than
25 seconds at a time. Wait 20-30 seconds
before running the starter again, to give the
battery time to recover.
Avoid racing the engine or putting a heavy
load on it before it has warmed up. Let the
engine idle for at least 10 seconds and then
drive away as long as the engine oil warning
light has gone out to enable the engine to
attain its normal temperature as quickly as
possible.
It is possible for air to enter the lubricating
system in conjunction with an oil or oil-filter
change, or if the car has been stored for
some time. This air can cause the hydraulic
cam followers to emit a ticking noise, which
can persist for up to 15 minutes after start-
ing. Although this is quite normal and does
not indicate any malfunction, it is advisable
not to exceed 3,000 rpm before the noise
has disappeared. The hydraulic cam lifters are completely
service free; the valve clearance is set up at
the factory and will not need any subse-
quent adjustment.
Starting the engine The engine has an automatic choke and
should be started as follows:
Cars with manual gearbox
To start the engine the clutch pedal must
be fully depressed.
1 Depress the clutch pedal but do not
touch the accelerator.
2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key
spring back as soon as the engine has
started and is running smoothly – at very
low temperatures, you may need to run
the starter for up to 50 seconds.
Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do
not open the throttle wide for at least
2-3 minutes after starting.
Cars with automatic transmission
The selector lever must be in the P or N
position.
1 Keep your foot on the brake pedal.
2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key
spring back as soon as the engine has
started and is running smoothly – at very
low temperatures, you may need to run
the starter for up to 50 seconds.
Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do
not open the throttle wide for at least
2–3 minutes after starting.
WARNING
Always remove the key before leaving
the car.
Always apply the parking brake before
removing the ignition key.NOTETake care not to spill drinks or to drop
crumbs over the ignition switch. If dirt or
liquid gets into it, the switch may not
operate properly.
WARNING
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless, poisonous gas. Be alert to
the danger of CO – always open the
garage doors before starting the
engine in the garage.
There is also a danger of CO poison-
ing if the exhaust system is leaking.
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140 Starting and drivingommended blend percentages and service
station operators should know if their gaso-
lines contain detergents and oxygenates,
and have been reformulated to reduce vehi-
cle emissions. Nevertheless, if you begin to
notice a problem with the way your car starts
or runs shortly after it has been refueled, try
a different brand of gasoline.
Engine Break-in PeriodPistons, cylinder bores and bearings need
time to obtain uniform, wear-resistant sur-
faces.
If a new engine is driven too hard, this grad-
ual process of bedding-in will not be possi-
ble and the life of the engine will be short-
ened.
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), do
not exceed 5,000 rpm.
In addition, refrain from driving the car at full
throttle, other than for brief instances,
during the first 1,800 miles (3,000 km).Wearing in new brake padsNew brake pads take time to bed in, about
90 miles (150 km) if the car is driven largely
under stop-and-go conditions or about
300 miles (500 km) of highway driving.
To extend the useful life of the pads, avoid
hard braking as much as possible.Wear indicatorsThe outer brake pads on the front wheels
have acoustic wear indicators, When 3 mm
remain on the pads, a scraping or shrieking
noise is heard on braking. When this occurs,
the pads should be changed as soon as
possible.
Changing brake pads should only be
carried out by an authorized Saab dealer.
NOTEHigher concentrations of methanol than
listed above, or the use of methanol-
blended gasoline without suitable
co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
can damage your car’s fuel system,
leading to the need for repairs which are
not covered by Saab’s product warranty.
NOTEThe engine control module (ECM) mon-
itoring the engine parameters also
stores fault codes.
Under certain circumstances, this may
cause constant illumination of the
Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)
lamp , thus indicating a fault that
must be checked by your Saab dealer,
see page 57.
NOTE: always observe the following two
measures:
Make sure that the fuel filler cap is
screwed on correctly before the
engine is started. Screw on the fuel
filler cap until you hear three distinct
clicks.
Avoid driving with the fuel low level
indicator illuminated. The symbol
illuminates when less than approxi-
mately 2.5 gallons (10 litres) of fuel
remains in the tank.
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145 Starting and driving
Selector positions
P
To shift out of the P position you must depress
the brake pedal and the ignition must be ON.
The parking position (P) must only be selected
when the car is at a complete standstill. The selec-
tor lever is locked and the transmission is
mechanically immobilized. Always apply the park-
ing brake after parking the car.
The engine can be started.
R
The reverse (R) position must only be selected
when the car is at a complete standstill. The
detent-release button must be pressed before the
selector lever can be moved to R. Wait until
reverse gear has engaged (car starts to creep)
before touching the accelerator.
N
In the Neutral position (N), the transmission is dis-
engaged from the engine. The engine can be
started, but first ensure that the parking brake is
on, to prevent the car from moving off unexpect-
edly.
To prevent the engine and transmission from
becoming hotter than necessary, select N for
stops other than brief ones, e.g. if stuck in a traffic
jam.
The normal drive position (D) is recommended for
waiting at traffic lights.
D
The Drive position (D) is the position for normal
motoring. Gear changes between 1st and 4th will
take place automatically, the timing of which is
determined by the throttle (accelerator) position
and the speed of the car.
After moving the selector lever to D, pause to give
the gear time to engage (car starts to pull).
3
In position 3, 4th gear is locked out. The car will
start in 1st gear and normal gear changing (up
and down) will take place automatically between
gears 1, 2 and 3.
Position 3 is recommended on roads with fre-
quent bends and in congested traffic.
Moving the selector lever from D to 3 will cause a
downshift to 3rd gear, which will give better
engine-braking.
Do not move the selector to position 3 at speeds
in excess of 90 mph (150 km/h).
2
Position 2 is recommended in hilly country. This
gear enables the performance of the engine to be
exploited better and also provides effective
engine-braking. Normal gear changing (up and
down) between 1st and 2nd gear will take place
automatically. Third and 4th gears are locked out.
Do not move the selector to position 2 at speeds
in excess of 70 mph (110 km/h).
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