2000 SAAB 9-3 tow

152 Starting and drivingParking on a hillWhen parking on a steep hill, turn the front
wheels so that they will be blocked by the
curb if the car should move.
Long-term parkingIf the car is not going to be used for some
time, e.g. 3–4 months, the following steps
are recommended:
 Run the engine to normal temperature
before long-term parking.
 Drain the washer-fluid reservoir and
hoses.  Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber
seals on the hood, trunk lid and doors,
and lubricate them with glycerol (glyc-
erin).
 After washing the car, dry the brake discs
by taking the car out on the road and
applying the brakes a few times.
 Fill the fuel tank with fuel to prevent con-
densation forming in it.
 Top up the coolant and check the anti-
freeze before the onset of winter.
 Park the car in a dry, covered and
well-ventilated building. Leave the park-
ing brake OFF!
 Disconnect the negative (-) battery lead.
If freezing temperatures are likely to occur
during the long-term parking, remove the
battery and store it away from freezing
temperatures.
 Ideally, the car should be put up on
blocks, with the wheels off the ground. If
this is not possible, inflate the tires to
about 43 psi (300 kPa).
 Leave all the windows open a crack and
cover the car with a fabric tarpaulin - not
one made of plastic which will not breath.
IB879
1Pointing downhill and
against the curb
– Turn the wheels into the
curb and edge the car for-
ward until the wheels touch
the curb. 2Pointing uphill and
against the curb
– Turn the wheels away
from the curb and edge the
car back until the wheels
touch the curb. 3Pointing uphill or down-
hill – no curb
– Turn the wheels towards
the edge of the road. If the
car should start rolling, it
will not run into the road.
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153 Starting and driving
Economical motoringFactors affecting fuel consumption Fuel consumption is greatly affected by the
general driving conditions, the way in which
the car is driven and at what speeds, the
weather, the state of the road, the condition
of the car, etc. Breaking-in Fuel consumption may be somewhat higher
during the break-in period (the first 3,000–
4,000 miles (5,000–7,000 km) than stated
under ”Technical data”. Weather conditionsFuel consumption can be as much as 10 %
lower in summer than in winter. The higher
consumption in cold weather is explained by
the longer time it takes for the engine to
reach normal operating temperature, and
for the transmission and wheel bearings to
warm up. Fuel economy is also affected by
the distance driven: short journeys of
3-5 miles (5-8 km) do not give the engine
enough time to reach normal temperature.
Strong winds can also affect fuel consump-
tion. How to read the graph:
If fuel consumption with the engine at
normal temperature is 28 mpg
(10l/100 km), the actual fuel consumption 3
miles (5 km) after the engine has started
from cold will be:
– 23.5 mpg (12l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 68°F (20°C) (increase of 20%)
– 17.7 mpg (16l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 32°F (0°C) (increase of 60%)
– 14 mpg (20l/100 km)) at outside temp. of
–4°F (–20°C) (increase of 100%)
As can be seen, both the distance travelled
by the car and the outside temperature have
a major impact on fuel consumption after the engine has started from cold. Thus, if the
car is mainly used for short journeys of
3–5 miles (5–8 km), the fuel consumption
will be 60–80 % higher than normal.
Driving technique To obtain the best running economy, not
only regarding fuel consumption but gen-
eral wear also, regular service is required.
 High speed, unnecessary acceleration,
heavy braking and much low gear work all
gives rise to higher fuel consumption.
 Frequent gear changing in traffic, starting
in cold weather, the use of studded tires
and roof racks, and towing a trailer all
increase fuel consumption.
 Do not run the engine when the car is sta-
tionary.
If idling, it will take much longer before the
engine becomes hot. Engine wear is
greatest during this warming-up phase.
Therefore drive away as soon as possible
after the engine is started and avoid high
revving.
IB311
Percentage increase in fuel consumption
of engine starting from cold compared to
engine at normal temperature
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156 Starting and drivingDriving in hot weather Always check the coolant level before
starting a journey. When the engine is
cold, the coolant must not be above the
KALT/COLD mark on the expansion tank.
 At the end of a journey, if the engine has
worked hard, allow it to idle for two or
three minutes before switching it off.
If the needle on the temperature gauge
enters the red zone:
1 Bring the car to a standstill but leave the
engine running. Do not remove the cap
on the expansion tank even if the tank is
empty. The engine temperature should
decrease. If the temperature continues
to rise with the engine idling, the engine
must be switched off. 2 If the engine is idling and the needle on
the temperature gauge falls, wait until a
normal temperature is shown (about in
the middle of the scale) before switching
off the engine. If the coolant needs top-
ping up, unscrew the cap on expansion
tank carefully.
Top up, as necessary, ideally with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and water. Use
a Saab-approved coolant. If only water
is available, use that, but remember to
have the coolant mixture checked as
soon as possible.
3 As soon as possible, have the cooling
system checked by an authorized Saab
dealer.
Towing a trailerTrailer hitch attachment Trailer hitch attachments are available as
accessories. These are designed for a max-
imum trailer weight of 2000 lbs (900 kg),
see also page 222.
Use only the electrical trailer hitch socket
provided in the trailer hitch kit.
Saab recommends:
 Use a Saab original hitch kit attachment
which is designed and tested by Saab.
 Consult your Saab dealer as regards the
right hitch kit for your car.
WARNING
Always undo the expansion tank filler cap
carefully, releasing the pressure and any
vapor before removing the cap com-
pletely.
NOTEUse only a genuine Saab trailer hitch and
wiring, since other wiring methods can
cause expensive damage to the car’s
body and electrical system.
Consult an authorized Saab dealer for
guidance on how to connect the trailer
hitch electrical system.
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157 Starting and driving
Trailer weightMaximum recommended trailer weights for
different gradients, for best comfort and
driveability for manual and automatic cars,
are shown in the drawing.
Make sure you are familiar with the law
regarding speed limits for towing, maxi-
mum trailer weights, trailer-braking
requirements, and also any special
driving-license provisions
(see also page 222).
The specified trailer weights and gradients
assume you are operating in hilly terrain and
therefore apply only to short trips.Recommendations for cars with auto-
matic transmission
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in warm
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (30°C).
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in warm
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (40°C).
When negotiating long hills, bear the follow-
ing important considerations in mind:
Do not drive continuously with the WINTER
mode selected in hilly country when you are
towing a trailer, as this will increase fuel con-
sumption and risk overheating the transmis-
sion.
NOTESaab 9-3 Viggen cannot be equipped
with a trailer hitch because of the design
of the body and chassis.
WARNING
When towing a trailer, do not attempt to
negotiate a hill having a gradient in
excess of 15%. The weight distribution
over the front wheels of the car will be
insufficient to prevent wheelspin, making
further progress impossible.
In addition, the parking brake may not
always be able to hold the car and trailer
securely, with the result that the wheels
can start to slide downhill.
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
10-15 1890 (850) 15 max.
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
10-15 1110 (500) 15 max.
IB1270
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158 Starting and drivingTrailer hitch loadThe weight distribution on the trailer makes
a lot of difference to the handling properties
of the car and trailer combination.With sin-
gle-axle trailers, whenever possible, con-
centrate the load over the axle and keep it
as low as possible.
The trailer should be loaded so that the
maximum load on the towbar ball is 5% to
7% of the trailer weight with a maximum per-
missible tongue weight of 165 lbs (75 kg).
Note that this load must be added to the total
load for the car. If this now exceeds the
specified load capacity, the load in the trunk
will have to be reduced by a corresponding
amount. Driving considerationsAlways take extra care when towing a
trailer, as the car’s handling will be different
and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s
braking system and suspension also have a
considerable effect on these characteris-
tics, see also "Driving with a load" page
160.
If the car is equipped with automatic trans-
mission, select position 1 when ascending
or descending steep hills.
Driving with a roof rack
loadThe maximum permissible roof load is
220 lbs (100 kg). Note that the roof load is
included in the car’s maximum permissible
load (see page 221).
Strong, sturdy roof carriers designed spe-
cially for the car are available from your
Saab dealer. Always secure the roof load
safely.
NOTEIf the “Automatic transmission fault
indicator” warning comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
WARNING
 A roof load will affect the car’s center
of gravity and aerodynamics. Be
aware of this when cornering and driv-
ing in crosswinds.
 Adjust your speed to the prevailing
conditions.
IB880
Distribution of load in trailer aLight
b Moderate
cHeavy
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159 Starting and driving
Installing the roof carriers (acces-
sory) The carrier feet are marked with a top view
of the car and an arrow indicating their
positions.
1 Slip the plastic cover onto the adjustable
foot of the carrier (the foot with a knob for
tightening) to protect the paintwork
during assembly.
2 Open all the doors.
Fold back the rubber strip and locate the
fixing holes. On Coupés, the cover
plates for the rearmost points of attach-
ment must be removed.
3 Position the carrier gently across the
roof, with the rigid foot towards you. Hold
the foot clear of the roof to avoid damag-
ing the paintwork.
4 Fold back the rubber strip and insert the
pins of the foot into the fixing holes. In fit-
ting the rear carrier on Coupés, press
the foot down over the pins in the mount-
ing and slide it forward.
5 Carefully close the doors on this side, so
as to hold the feet in place.
6 Move to the other side of the car and
remove the plastic cover from the
adjustable foot. Fold back the rubber
strip and insert the pins of the foot into
the fixing holes.7 When fitting the rear carrier on Coupés,
press the foot down over the pins in the
mounting and slide it forward.
8 Make the carrier hand-tight by turning
the knob clockwise.
IB882
IB883
Mounting holes for load carrier, front on
Coupés and front/rear on five-door mod-
els Carrier mounting, rear, on Coupés
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160 Starting and drivingDriving with a loadThe driving characteristics of the car are
affected by the way it is loaded.
 Place heavy loads as far forward and as
low as possible in the trunk.
 Secure the load to the tie downs, see
page 129.
 The load should be such that the car´s
total weight or axle weight are not
exceeded, see page 221.
 Heavy loads mean that the car’s center of
gravity is further back. As a result, the car
will sway more during evasive steering.
 Never exceed the permissible load in the
roof box, even if there is room for more.
 Ensure that the tire pressure is correct –
slight overinflation is preferable to under-
inflation.
 The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance from
the vehicle in front.
Tire pressure, see page 192 and back
cover.
Towing the carThe car is fitted with towing eyes at both
front and rear. For access to the front towing
eye, compress the grille (see illustration)
and pull it straight out.
If the car is equipped with a trailer hitch, this
can be used to tow another car.
Transporting the car
WARNING
 The towing vehicle should always be
heavier than the vehicle being towed.
 Never allow passengers to ride in the
car being towed.
 Remember that the brake servo does
not operate when the engine is off.
Much greater pressure than normal
will therefore be required to operate
the brake pedal.
 Nor does the steering pump operate
when the engine is off. The steering
will therefore be much heavier than
usual.
 Always seek professional help if the
car needs to be towed.
NOTEIf a car with sports (lowered) chassis is
transported, for example on a flat bed
truck, take extra care not to damage the
spoiler and/or underbody.
IB884
Front towing eye
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161 Starting and driving
Saab 9-3 ViggenThe front towing eye is stored in a storage
bag beside the spare wheel. Remove the
plastic cover with a screwdriver from the
car’s toolkit, and screw in the towing eye.
Towing a car with manual gearboxThe gear lever must be in neutral. Switch
hazard lights on.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles in tow.
Always try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake as necessary.
This will avoid the towrope being jerked vio-
lently.
NOTEThe design of the underside of the rear
bumper means that the rear towing eye
must not be used. This is to prevent dam-
aging the bumper.
NOTEIf the car is to be towed with the front
wheels off the ground, make sure the
parking brake is off, as this acts on the
rear wheels.
IB885
Rear towing eye
IB1331
Front towing eye, Saab 9-3 Viggen
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