173 Car care and technical information
Transmission fluidManual transmission Check and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.
If original fluid cannot can be obtained for
topping up (see page 231), automatic trans-
mission fluid Dexron III (synthetic fluid) can
be used. If so, the car should be taken to an
authorized Saab dealer as soon as possible
to have the reason for low fluid level cor-
rected and original fluid installed.Automatic transmission Check the fluid level as follows:
1 Stand the car on level ground and apply
the handbrake. The automatic transmis-
sion fluid must be at normal running tem-
perature, approximately 175°F (80°C).
This can be achieved by driving the car
for about 30 min on the open road.
2 With the engine idling, move the selector
lever to D and wait for at least
15 seconds. Next, move the selector
lever to R and wait for 15 seconds again.
Finally, move the selector lever to P. Let
the engine idle.
3 Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free
cloth and put it back.
4 With the fluid at normal temperature, the
level should be between the MAX and
MIN marks on the dipstick. Top up, as
necessary, with Texaco Texamatic
Dexron III automatic transmission fluid
(mineral oil-based), adding it through
the dipstick pipe. The distance between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick
corresponds to a volume of approxi-
mately 0.4 qts (0.4 liter).
If the outside temperature is below 50°F
(10°C), the fluid will not reach the specified
temperature of 175°F (80°C). In this case,
the correct fluid level may be 0.8 in (20 mm)
below the MAX mark.
WARNING
Prolonged and repeated exposure of
the skin to engine oil can cause seri-
ous skin disorders.
Avoid prolonged skin contact when-
ever possible. Wash the affected area
thoroughly with soap and water after
any contact.
Keep oil out of reach of children.
Do not touch the turbocharger or
manifold. These get very hot when the
engine has been running.
Do not spill oil on hot parts of the
engine as this could cause a fire.
Protect the environment. Do not dis-
pose of oil in the ground or down a
drain. Dispose of all used oil and oil fil-
ters at an appropriate disposal facility.
NOTEIf there is a smell of burning fluid or the
fluid is black, change the fluid.
+80°
MIN MAX
+80°
IB495
Dipstick for automatic-transmission fluid
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174 Car care and technical informationCoolant The expansion tank is transparent to facili-
tate checking of the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant must
not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the
expansion tank.
If the message “FILL COOLANT FLUID” is
displayed on the SID, check the level of fluid
in the expansion tank.
Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of
clean water and Saab-approved coolant.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine to normal temper-
ature and top up again, as necessary.
Coolant The cooling system is charged at the factory
with coolant containing a 50% concentra-
tion of a combined antifreeze and corrosion
inhibitor. A weaker mixture will result in
reduced anticorrosion protection. For pro-
tection against freezing in very cold
weather, a stronger concentration will be
needed.
A 60% concentration of antifreeze will pro-
vide protection at temperatures down to
-58 F (-50°C).The corrosion-inhibiting properties of the
coolant deteriorate over time, but
Saab-approved coolant can be used for
year-round protection. Change the coolant
as specified in the service program and use
only Saab-approved coolant – other makes
may need changing more frequently and
may damage the system.
WARNING
Proceed with caution if the radiator is
boiling when you open the hood.
Never remove the expansion-tank
filler cap when the radiator is boiling.
Loosen the cap carefully, and let the
engine cool before removing the cap.
The cooling system is pressurized –
hot coolant and vapor can escape
when the filler cap is released.
NOTEAlways mix the antifreeze with the
appropriate volume of water before
adding it to the cooling system.
If pure antifreeze is added, the engine
could still freeze and be damaged. This is
because the antifreeze will not mix
properly with the coolant before the
thermostat has opened to allow full
circulation.
IB1338
Coolant expansion tank
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176 Car care and technical informationThe level should be between the MAX and
MIN marks. Top up, as necessary, with
DOT 4 fluid. Do
not
use DOT 5 brake fluid.
Use only new brake fluid from a sealed con-
tainer.
Check that there are no leaks in the brake
system.
The brake fluid level will fall somewhat as
the brake pads wear. The MAX level in the
reservoir corresponds to the amount of
brake fluid required with new brake pads. If
the fall in fluid level is moderate, due to
normal brake pad wear, topping up is not
necessary.
Changing of the brake fluid should be
carried out by an authorized Saab dealer.
The vehicle´s regular braking system is
adjusted automatically, but the parking
brake has to be adjusted manually. This
work, involving adjustment of the parking
brake cables and brake pads, must only be
carried out by an authorized Saab dealer.
It is not possible to detect, through abnormal
pedal or parking brake-lever travel, whether
brake pads are worn and need replacing. It
is therefore essential that brake pads be
checked regularly, as specified in the ser-
vice program.
Brake pad wear indicators The outboard brake pads on the front
wheels incorporate pad-wear indicators.
When the lining is down to 0.11 in (3 mm),
the pad will produce a screeching, squeal-
ing or scraping noise when the brakes are
applied. New pads should be fitted without
delay.
Brake pads should only be changed by
an authorized Saab dealer. To ensure
optimum brake performance, use only
Saab original brake pads.
Power steering fluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid in
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point forward during the
check.
Clean around the cap before it is
unscrewed. Clean the dipstick. Screw in the
cap completely again before checking the
level.
The oil should lie between the MAX and MIN
marks when the oil temperature is about
70°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the level can
be lower, and in higher temperatures the
level can be higher, both of which are
acceptable.
Top up with ”Power Steering Fluid
CHF 11S” (part number 3032380).
IB501
Power steering fluid reservoir
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207 Car care and technical information
Maintenance The drive belt for the compressor should
be inspected under the regular service
program.
Clean dirt and insects away from the con-
denser and radiator to prevent clogging.
When washing the car, use the hose to
spray the radiator and condenser (located
forward of the radiator) from both sides
(both from the front of the car and from
inside the engine bay). Do not use a pres-
sure washer.
Caution: Do not use the hose when the
engine is hot.Other than in extremely cold weather, do not
screen the radiator, e.g. with netting, as this
will greatly diminish its cooling capacity.
Note: The A/C system will only operate
when the outdoor temperature is above the
freezing point (0°C, 32°F).
Safety beltsRegularly check the function of the safety
belts as follows:
Hold the diagonal strap and pull it sharply.
The safety belt should lock and it should
not be possible to withdraw it further.
Check the anchorage points in the floor.
They must not have suffered rust damage.
There must be no frayed threads in the web-
bing.
Safety belts must not come into contact with
substances such as polishes, oils or other
chemicals. If the straps are dirty, wash them
with warm water and a detergent or have
them replaced.
WARNING
If the car is involved in a collision, the
safety belts, belt pretensioners and other
components must be inspected by an
authorized Saab dealer.
Never make any alterations or repairs to
the safety belt yourself but visit an autho-
rized Saab dealer.
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222 Maintenance and owner assistance* These are the minimum required Emission Control System maintenance steps. Saab urges that all recommended maintenance procedures be performed
according to this program.
(b.) Change automatic transmission fluid at more frequent intervals (20,000; 50,000; 80,000 miles, etc.) if car is driven in dense city traffic where the outside
temperature regularly reach 90°F or higher, or if car is used in a mountainous/high altitude area or for trailer towing.
Service Intervals **
Miles = U.S. Cars
Kilometers = Canadian Cars
1,000
(1,600 km)
10,000
(16,000 km)
20,000
(32,000 km)
30,000
(48,000 km)
40,000
(64,000 km)
50,000
(80,000 km)
60,000
(96,000 km)
70,000
(112,000 km)
80,000
(128,000 km)
90,000
(144,000 km)
100,000
(160,000 km)
Service #
1234567891011
Engine and engine compartment (cont.)
E Evaporative emission system including filler cap, vapor
lines, EVAP canister and canister purge valve"
R Fuel system: leaks and damage""""""""""
E Fuel filter!
E Engine air cleaner element!
*
!*
!*
R Exhaust system and mountings; leaks and condition""""""""""
Electrical
R Battery: state of charge and electrolyte level; clean termi-
nals if necessary"""""""""""
R Head, fog, brake, tail, turn signal, warning lights instru-
ment panel, backup and marker lamps"""""""""""
Transmission
R Automatic transmission fluid change (b.)!!!
R Automatic gearbox oil level"""""""""""
R Manual gearbox oil level"""
R Outer and inner driver joint boots""""""""""
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229 Specifications
Engine oilOil specification
:
Oil for gasoline engines is classified in accordance with the API
standard (American Petroleum Institute) into the grade classes
SH (since 1993) and SJ (since 1996). The SJ class fulfils more
stringent requirements and has a lower level of phosphorous.
These grade classes are most often combined with the corre-
sponding classes for diesel engines. The class designations for
diesel engines begin with the letter “C” (Commercial). For exam-
ple, a grade combination suitable for both types of engine could
be API SH/CD or SJ/CF.
Under ACEA nomenclature, oils are divided into Class A for gas-
oline engines and Class B for diesel-engined passenger cars.
There is a further class for heavy diesel engines. Each class is
divided into three grades: 1, 2 and 3, where grades 2 and 3 nor-
mally encompass semi and fully-synthetic oils.
In the same way as in the API system, gasoline and diesel
engine specifications are combined for products that can be
used in both types of engine. For example, a grade designation
could be ACEA A2/B2 or ACEA A3/B3.
To afford Saab engines the best protection with regard to lubri-
cation, the ability to dissolve residues and the neutralization of
combustion products, we recommend the following oil grades:
API SH/CD/CF or SJ/CD/CF.
ACEA A2/B2 or A3/B3.
These oils contain the additives required for the engine to
function well. We advise against the use of further addi-
tives.
Viscosity
:
The viscosity of oil is classified according to the SAE standard.
Nowadays, multigrade oils are always used in car engines. The
properties of these oils facilitate starting the car in cold weather
but mean that the oil is also viscous enough to coat all moving
parts under high pressures and with high outside air tempera-
tures.
Multigrade oils are graded with two viscosities, e.g. 10W-30,
where the 10W meets certain viscosity requirements at -20°C,
while the 30 fulfils requirements at a temperature of 100°C.
Basic recommendations for Saab engines:
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40.
SAE 5W-30 can also be recommended but in which case the oil
must be semi of fully-synthetic and fulfil ACEA grade require-
ments A3/B3.
Oils which are less viscous, such as 0W/-40/50 are becoming
more common and may be used. However, the oil must be
fully-synthetic, of a well known brand, and fulfil ACEA grade
requirements A3/B3.
This viscosity makes starting in cold weather easier.
Oil capacity incl. filter (on changing):
4-cylinder ________________________ 4.1 qts (4.0 litres)
6-cylinder ________________________ 4.6 qts (4.5 litres)
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242 IndexDate code, tires _________________ 201
Dim-dipped beam ________________ 61
Direction indicators _______________ 62
Door handles ____________________ 32
Door mirrors ___________________ 108
Doors, locks & luggage compartment _ 31
Drive belt ______________________ 231
Drive belt, alternator _____________ 179
Drive belts _____________________ 231
Drive belts, length _______________ 231
Driver’s seat, programmable _______ 104
Driving in hot weather ____________ 151
Driving with a load _______________ 157EElectric heating seat _____________ 106
Electric heating, front seats ________ 106
Electric windows ________________ 110
Electrical system, technical data ____ 230
Electrically heated rear seat _______ 106
Electronic starting interlock _________ 33
Emergency operation of sunroof ____ 112
Emission control systems _________ 169
Engine bay, 4-cyl ________________ 167
Engine bay, 6-cyl ________________ 168
Engine bay, cleaning _____________ 210
Engine number _________________ 235
Engine oil, grade ________________ 229
Engine, description __________ 170, 171
Engine, technical data ____________ 228
Engine, temperature gauge _________ 53Engine-oil level, checking _________ 171
Expansion tank, coolant __________ 174
FFault codes, Audio System _________ 99
Flat spot, tire ___________________ 206
Fluid level, automatic transmission __ 173
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Sedan ____ 116
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Wagon ___ 119
Follow-me-home function __________ 61
Frequently asked questions on airbag 26
Front fog lights ___________________ 63
Frost warning ____________________ 55
Fuel __________________________ 134
Fuel consumption ________________ 54
Fuel filler flap ___________________ 126
Fuel gauge _____________________ 53
Fuel grade _____________________ 228
Fuse box under hood ____________ 196
Fuse panel _____________________ 192
Fuses _________________________ 192GGearbox number ________________ 235
Gearbox oil, checking ____________ 173
Gearbox, technical data, __________ 231
Glove compartment ______________ 113
HHandbrake _____________________ 162
Hazard warning lights _____________ 63
Head restraint __________________ 104
Headlight flasher _________________ 61
Headlights ______________________ 61
Holidaying abroad _______________ 213
Hood _________________________ 166
Horn __________________________ 107IImmobilizer _____________________ 33
Indicator and warning lights _________ 46
Indicator lights ___________________ 46
Instrument illumination _____________ 62
Instruments and controls ___________ 45
Integral child seat ________________ 21
Interior equipment _______________ 101
Interior lighting ___________________ 64
Interior rearview mirror ___________ 108KKey ___________________________ 32
Key to chassis number ___________ 236LLabels __________________________ 8
Leather upholstery, care of ________ 208
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243 Index
Light horn ______________________ 61
Light switches ___________________ 61
Luggage-compartment lighting ______ 64MMain instrument panel _____________ 46
Main/dipped beam ________________ 61
Maintenance schedule ___________ 218
Manual gearbox, technical data ____ 231
Maxi fuses _____________________ 193
Milometer ______________________ 52
Motoring abroad ________________ 213NNight Panel _____________________ 59OOil capacity, engine ______________ 228
Oil change, engine ______________ 172
Oil specification _________________ 228
OnStar ________________________ 100
Outdoor temperature ______________ 54
Owner assistance _______________ 219PPaintwork, touching-in ____________ 210
Parking lights ____________________ 61Plates and labels ________________ 235
Poly-V-belt _____________________ 179
Power steering _________________ 176
Power-steering fluid ______________ 176
Programming I, ACC ______________ 73
Programming II, ACC _____________ 74
Programming the ACC ____________ 73
QQuestions on function of airbag ______ 26
Quick guide, Audio System _________ 79RRadio __________________________ 82
Rear fog light ____________________ 62
Rear seat, 9-5 Sedan, folding ______ 116
Rear seat, 9-5 Wagon, folding ______ 119
Rear-seat head restraints _________ 105
Rear-view mirror, antidazzle _______ 109
Rearview mirrors ________________ 108
Reclamation ___________________ 213
Refuelling _____________________ 134
Relay panel ____________________ 195
Remote control __________________ 32
Remote-control battery, changing ____ 35
Reporting safety defects __________ 220
Reprogramming of systems _______ 237
Reservoir, power-steering fluid _____ 176
Rev counter _____________________ 52
Reversing lights __________________ 63Roof load ______________________ 155
Running-in _____________________ 149
SSID ____________________________ 54
SRS (airbag) ____________________ 23
SRS, supplementary restraint system _ 23
Saab 9-5 Audio System ____________ 77
Saab Information Display (SID) ______ 54
Safety belts _____________________ 12
Safety belts, care of ______________ 207
Safety-belt pretensioners ___________ 12
Safety-belt reminder ______________ 12
Seats _________________________ 102
Securing a load __________________ 36
Selector lever indication,
automatic transmission ___________ 54
Service costs ___________________ 219
Service information ______________ 220
Service intervals ________________ 218
Service record retention __________ 219
Settings, seats __________________ 102
Side airbags _____________________ 28
Signalling, horn _________________ 107
Sliding floor, 9-5 Wagon __________ 124
Snow chains ___________________ 150
Spare wheel ____________________ 202
Spare wheel and tools ____________ 126
Spark plugs ____________________ 230
Speed rating ___________________ 198
Speedometer _________________ 52, 53
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