
149 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 conditions Fuel 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 on the right:
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.
IB311
Percentage increase in fuel consumption
of engine starting from cold compared to
engine at normal temperature.
ProCarManuals.com

154 Starting and drivingDriving considerations
with compact spare
wheel/tire fittedThe following should be observed when the
compact spare wheel (T115/70 R16) is
fitted:
The compact spare is light and easy to
handle when changing the wheel. Do not
drive further than necessary with the com-
pact spare fitted – the maximum life of the
wheel is only just over 2000 miles
(3,500 km). Have the standard wheel
repaired and refitted as soon as possible. The car’s ground clearance is reduced with
the compact spare fitted. Note that only one
compact spare wheel may be used at any
time. Take care not to hit the curb and do not
fit snow chains. Leave the wheel cover off,
so that the warning text is readily visible.
Driving with the trunk
lid/tailgate openAvoid driving with the trunk lid/tailgate partly
or fully open, since exhaust fumes can be
drawn into the cabin.
If you must drive with the trunk lid/tailgate
open, all windows and the sunroof (if fitted)
must be closed and the cabin fan on at its
highest speed setting.Driving in deep water
WARNING
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) as the
tire can overheat and adversely affect the
handling of the car.
The tire should be inflated to 60 psi
(420 kPa).
NOTETo avoid damaging a punctured alloy
wheel it can be placed outside up in the
spare-wheel well but only while driving to
the closest workshop.
A general rule is that all heavy loads must
be well secured in the luggage compart-
ment, see page 118 and 121.
NOTEDo not drive in water deeper than
12 inches (30 cm) and do not drive faster
than at idling speed. Water can otherwise
be sucked into the engine. The engine will
be damaged if water enters the intake
system.
IB465
ProCarManuals.com

155 Starting and driving
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
226).
Strong, sturdy roof carriers designed spe-
cially for the car are available from your
Saab dealer. Always secure the roof load
safely. Fitting the roof carriers (accessory)
9-5 SedanThe carrier feet are marked with a top view
of the car and arrow indicating their posi-
tions.
1 Slip the plastic cover onto the adjustable
foot of the carrier (foot with knob for
tightening) to protect the paintwork
during assembly.
2 Open all the doors.
Fold back the rubber strip and find the
fixing holes. 3 Start on the left-hand side of the car.
Rest the carrier carefully across the roof,
with the rigid foot towards you. Hold the
foot clear of the roof to avoid damaging
the paintwork.
Fold back the rubber strip and insert the
pins on the foot into the fixing holes.
Make sure that the rubber strip comes
inside the plastic cover on the carrier.
Repeat the procedure with the other car-
rier.
4 Close the doors on the left-hand side of
the car gently, to hold the carrier feet in
place.
5 Now go around to the other side of the
car and remove the plastic cover from
the carrier’s adjustable foot. Fold back
the rubber strip and insert the pins on
the foot into the fixing holes. Do the
same with the other carrier and close the
doors gently. 6 Tighten each carrier by turning the knob
clockwise (by hand). Tighten just
enough to bring the foot up against the
edges of the fixing holes.
Remove the carriers when not in use, as
they increase fuel consumption.
The instructions that accompany the carri-
ers also include advice on driving with a roof
load - we strongly recommend that you read
them carefully.
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.
Suit your speed to the prevailing con-
ditions.
IB480
IB481
ProCarManuals.com

156 Starting and drivingFitting the roof carriers (accessory)
9-5 Wagon1 Clean the car’s roof rails.
2 Check the markings on the cross mem-
bers to see which is the front and which
is the rear roof carrier.
3 Place the cross members on the roof
rails, on their respective sides of the
centre supports. The cross members
must not be placed beyond the front or
rear joint on the rail. Ensure that the dis-
tance between the cross members is at
least 28 inches (700 mm).
If a roof box is to be fitted, the cross
members must be positioned so that the
tailgate can be opened fully without hit-
ting the roof box.
4 Using your thumb, press the bracket so
that it lies snugly against the outside of
the roof rail. Make sure that the roof car-
riers are seated centrally on the rubber
spacers and that these sit correctly on
the roof rail. Pull the spacers down
slightly on the inside of the roof rail.
5 Center the roof carriers so that they pro-
trude equally on both sides.
6 Tighten the roof carriers by hand.
Ensure that the tightening knobs are
upright once the roof carriers have been
tightened.
7 Make sure the roof carriers are securely
in place.
IB1294
IB1295
ProCarManuals.com

157 Starting and driving
Driving 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 118.
The load should be such that the car´s
total weight or axle weight are not
exceeded, see page 226.
Heavy loads mean that the car’s centre 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 235 and back
cover.
TiresThe tire pressure should match the current
load and speed of the car; see the back
cover or the tire pressure label on
page 235.
The tire pressures given apply to cold tires,
that is tires that are the same temperature
as the outside air temperature.
The tire pressure increases as the tires
become warm (e.g. during highway driving)
with approximately 0.3 bar (4 psi). When
the temperature of the tires changes by 50°
(10°C), the tire pressure will change 0.1 bar
(2 psi).Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the
tires are hot when you check them, only
increase the pressure, if necessary.
Underinflated tires wear more quickly than
slightly overinflated tires.
If a valve is leaking, simply unscrew it and fit
a new one.
Important! Remember to adjust the tire
pressures if you change the load in the car
or intend to drive at substantially lower or
higher speeds than normal.NOTECheck the tire pressure at least once a
month. Underinflation is the main cause
of:
Damage to the wheels.
Premature tire wear.
Damage to the sidewalls.
ProCarManuals.com

194 Car care and technical informationFuse panel in instrument panel
# Amp Function
A 25 Trailer lights
B 10 Automatic transmission
C 7,5 Electric door mirrors; DICE
1 15 Brake lights; shift-lock override
2 15 Reversing lights
3 10 Parking lights, left
4 30 Parking lights, right
5 7,5 DICE / TWICE
6 30 Electric windows, right
6B 5 Stop lights, trailer
7 10 Fuel injection
8 15 Trunk lighting; door lighting; SID; car phone
9 15 Audio System; diagnostic instrument
10 15 Memory function, door mirrors; heating, rear seat
11 30 Central locking; electrically adjusted passenger seat
12 7,5 Automatic transmission
13 20 Audio System, amplifier
14 30 Ignition system, engine
15 15 Preheated oxygen sensor (catalytic converter)
16 20 DICE (direction indicators)
16B – –
17 20 Engine-management system
18 7,5 Door-mirror heating
19 20 Fuel pump
20 15 ACC; interior lighting; rear fog light
21 10 Audio System; rear-view mirror with auto dimming
function
22 40 Interior fan; air pump (V6 only)
23 15 Sunroof
24 40 Rear-window heating
25 30 Electrically adjustable driver’s seat; fuel-filler flap
26 7,5 ABS brakes; ACC
27 10 Engine-management system
28 7,5 Airbag (SRS)
29 7,5 Automatic transmission
30 7,5 Starter motor
IB530
BC123456 A
14
121110987
13
6B
1516
2324
222120191817
16B
5425262728293031
3635343332
39383755525356
ProCarManuals.com

226 SpecificationsGeneral Overall length, including bumpers:
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 189.2 in (4805 mm)
9-5 Wagon ______________________ 189.3 in (4808 mm)
Overall width, including door mirrors ____ 80.4 in (2042 mm)
Maximum height:
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 57.0 in (1449 mm)
9-5 Wagon ______________________ 58.9 in (1497 mm)
Wheelbase _______________________ 106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground clearance __________________ approx. 6.6 in
(167 mm)
Tr a c k :
Front __________________________ 59.9 in (1522 mm) *)
Rear ___________________________ 59.9 in (1522 mm) *)
Turning circle (curb to curb) ___________ 35.4 ft (10.8 m)
Turning circle (measured at vehicle extrem-
ities) ___________________________ 37.4 ft (11.4 m)
Number of seats (incl. driver) _________ 5
*) Specified track applies to wheel sizes:
6 x 15 & 6.5 x 16
Gross vehicle weight
(GVW)
Maximum train
weight
(GVW + max. trailer
weight)
Maximum axle load,
front
Maximum axle load,
rear Permissible load (in addition to driver) = GVW minus curb weight
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded.
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded. Chassis number in engine bay Weight ready for driving (i.e. with full fuel
tank, washer-fluid reservoir, standard
tools and spare wheel) ______________ 3470–3820 lbs.
(1575–1735 kg)
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) ___________ 4480–4750 lbs.
(2030–2155 kg)
Maximum axle load:
Front ___________________________ 2500 lbs. (1135 kg)
Rear, 9-5 Sedan ___________________ 2310 lbs. (1050 kg)
Rear, 9-5 Wagon __________________ 2480 lbs. (1125 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight, front/rear ______________ 60/40%
GVW, front/rear ___________________ 50/50%
Maximum roof load __________________ 220 lbs (100 kg)
IB541
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com