6Engine compartment,
4-cyl engine
IB583
Engine: description ___________ 170
Engine oil level: checking ______ 171
Engine oil: changing __________ 172
Engine oil specification ________ 229
Brakes and braking ___________ 146
ABS brakes _________________ 146
Brake system ________________ 175
Brake fluid __________________ 233
Brake pads __________________ 233
Fuse panels ___________ 192
Changing a fuse ________ 192
Table of fuses __________ 194
Relays _______________ 195Temperature gauge ______ 53
Driving in hot weather ____ 151
Driving in winter_________ 150
Coolant:
checking/changing __ 174 / 175
Cooling-system capacity _ 228
Power steering __________ 176
Steering fluid: grade _____ 176
Wiper/washer control stalk _ 65
Washer fluid: topping-up __ 181
Washer jets ___________ 181
Jump starting ________________ 177
Battery _____________________ 177
Battery charge _______________ 177
Manual transmission __________ 137
Automatic transmission ________ 138
Manual transmission oil ________ 232
Automatic-transmission fluid ____ 232
Important considerations
for driving ___________________ 132
Turbo unit ___________________ 167
Engine: technical data __________ 228Ignition system _________ 130
Drive belts _____________ 179
Spark plugs ____________ 230
Catalytic converter ______ 133Warning labels ___________ 8
V.I.N. number __________ 235
Engine number _________ 235
Gearbox number ________ 235
Color code _____________ 235
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7
Engine compartment,
6-cyl engine
IB585
Warning labels ___________ 8
V.I.N. number __________ 235
Engine number _________ 235
Gearbox number ________ 235
Color code _____________ 235Ignition system _________ 130
Drive belts _____________ 179
Spark plugs ____________ 230
Catalytic converter ______ 133Important considerations
for driving ___________________ 132
Turbo unit ___________________ 167
Engine: technical data __________ 228
Automatic transmission ________ 138
Automatic-transmission fluid ____ 232
Brakes and braking ___________ 146
ABS brakes _________________ 146
Brake system ________________ 175
Brake fluid __________________ 233
Brake pads __________________ 233Jump starting ________________ 177
Battery _____________________ 177
Battery charge _______________ 177
Fuse panels ___________ 192
Changing a fuse ________ 192
Table of fuses __________ 194
Relays _______________ 195Engine temperature gauge _ 53
Driving in hot weather ____ 151
Driving in cold climate ____ 150
Coolant:
checking/changing _ 174 / 175
Cooling-system capacity _ 228
Power steering _________ 176
Steering fluid: grade _____ 176
Wiper/washer control stalk _ 65
Washer fluid: topping-up __ 181
Washer jets ___________ 181
Engine: description ___________ 170
Engine oil level: checking ______ 171
Engine oil: changing __________ 172
Engine oil specification ________ 229
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129 Starting and driving
Starting and driving
IB597
Ignition switch ................. 130
Starting the engine .......... 131
Important considerations
for driving ....................... 132
Refueling .......................... 134
Engine Break-In Period ... 137
Gear changing ................. 137
Cruise control .................. 145
Braking ............................. 146
Traction Control System . 147
Economical motoring ...... 149
Driving in winter .............. 150 Driving in hot weather .... 151
Towing a trailer ................ 152
Driving considerations
with compact spare
wheel/tire fitted .............. 154
Driving with the trunk
lid/tailgate open ............. 154
Driving with a roof rack
load ................................. 155
Driving with a load .......... 157
Towing the car ................. 158
Jump starting .................. 160 Parking brake ................... 162
Parking .............................. 162
ProCarManuals.com
134 Starting and drivingTo ensure that the catalytic converter con-
tinues to function properly, and also to avoid
damage to the converter and its associated
components, the following points must be
observed:
Have the car serviced regularly in accor-
dance with the service program. The fuel
and ignition systems are particularly
important in this context.
Always be alert to any misfiring of the
engine (not running on all cylinders) and
any loss of power or performance. At the
first sign of a malfunction, reduce speed
and take the car to an authorized Saab
dealer as soon as possible.
If the engine fails to start (in very cold
weather or if the battery is flat), the car can
be jump started (manual gearbox only) or
started using jump leads to a donor bat-
tery. However, as soon as you have
started the engine, it is important that it
runs on all cylinders. If it is misfiring, allow
i t t o i d l e f o r u p t o f i v e m i n u t e s t o g i v e i t t i m e
to settle and run smoothly. If, after this
time, the engine still fails to run properly,
turn off the engine and get in touch with an
authorized Saab dealer for advice. Never park the car on dry grass or other
combustible material. The catalytic con-
verter gets very hot and could therefore
start a fire.
Never drive off if the engine is misfiring.
If you jump start the car when the engine
is already up to normal temperature, the
engine must start to run on all cylinders.
Stop jump-starting if the engine fails to
start immediately.
Failure to follow these directions could
result in the catalytic converter and associ-
ated components being damaged, and
could represent a breach of the warranty
conditions.
V6 engine: When starting the engine from
cold an electrical pump is activated. This
pump pumps air into the exhaust system so
that the catalytic converter will reach its
normal operating temperature more rapidly.
The pump is active for 30-60 seconds.
RefuelingAlways use the correct grade of fuel:
unleaded AON 87-93.
Saab recommends:
AON 90 for 4-cylinder engines
AON 93 for V6-engines and 2.3 Aero,
(see page 228).
If fuel containing a mixture of alcohol is
used, the following restrictions apply:
Methanol: max. 5% by volume.
Ethanol: max. 10% by volume.
MTBE: max. 15% by volume.
The fuel filler cap is located in the right rear
quarter panel.
Switch off engine.
Open fuel door
Insert the fuel-pump nozzle beyond the
flange on the filler pipe. Do not withdraw the
nozzle while filling is in progress.
Cease refuelling the first time the pump
stops.
Fuel-tank capacity: 18.5 US gal. (70 liters)
Screw on the filler cap and keep turning until
it has clicked at least three times.
The most effective way to prevent conden-
sation forming in the tank (and thus avoid
NOTEIf the car runs out of fuel, it is possible for
air to get into the fuel system. If this
happens, the catalytic converter may
overheat and be damaged.
NOTEDo not overfill. Fuel should not come right
up the filler pipe as expansion room is
needed.
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159 Starting and driving
Rear towing eyeThe car has a permanently mounted towing
eye at the back. If the car is equipped with a
trailer hitch, this can be used instead of the
towing eye.
Considerations when towing the car
with manual transmission Gear lever in neutral and parking lights on.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles being towed.
Always try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake, as necessary.
This will avoid the towrope being jerked
violently. Considerations when towing the car
with automatic transmission Selector lever at N (neutral) and parking
lights on.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles being towed.
Always try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake, as necessary.
This will avoid the towrope being jerked
violently. 1 Selector lever in position N.
2 Always observe the speed limit for
vehicles in tow. Whatever the speed
limit, the car must not be towed at a
speed exceeding 13 mph (20 km/h) nor
for a distance of more than 18 miles
(30 km). If the car needs to be trans-
ported over a longer distance, a tow
truck should be called out.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in damage.
Cars with automatic transmission cannot be
bump started. In an emergency, it is possi-
ble to start the engine using jump leads (see
the section, ”Jump starting” on page 160).
NOTEThe car must be towed front first.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.
IB483
Rear towing eye
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160 Starting and drivingJump startingIf your battery has run down, you may want
to use another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your Saab. Follow the steps
below to do it safely.
To jump start your vehicle:
1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a
12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
2 Get the vehicles close enough so the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the
vehicles are not touching each other. If a
poor connection on the negative jumper
cable should exist, it is possible for
damage to be caused to electrical sys-
tems/components of either vehicle
should inadvertent contact be made.
You would not be able to start your car and bad grounding could damage elec-
trical systems.
3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Turn off all lights that are not needed,
and radios. This will avoid sparks and
help save both batteries and it could
save your radio.
4 Open the hood and locate the battery.
Find the positive (+) and negative (-) termi-
nals on the battery.
WARNING
Batteries can cause injury. They can be
dangerous because:
They contain acid that can burn you.
They contain gas that can explode or
ignite.
They contain enough electricity to
injure you.
If you do not follow these steps exactly,
some or all of these things can hurt you.NOTEIgnoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be
covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your car by pushing or pull-
ing it could damage your vehicle, even if
you have a manual transmission. If you
have an automatic transmission, your
vehicle cannot be started by pushing or
pulling it.
NOTEIf the other system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged.
WARNING
You could be injured if the vehicles roll.
Set the parking brake firmly on each vehi-
cle. Put an automatic transmission in P
(Park) or a manual transmission in Neu-
tral.NOTEIf you leave your radio on, it could be
badly damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
+
–
+
–
IB484
ProCarManuals.com
161 Starting and driving
5 Check that the jumper cables do not
have loose or missing insulation. If they
do, you could get a shock and also the
vehicles could be damaged.
Before you connect the cables, here are
some basic things you should know.
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and
negative (-) will go to negative (-) or a
major metal engine part with a good
ground. Do not connect (+) to (-) or you
will get a short that could injure you or
would damage the battery and maybe
other parts as well.
6 Connect the red positive (+) cable to the
positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with
the discharged battery.
7 Do not let the other end touch metal.
Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of
the good battery. Use a remote positive
(+) terminal if the vehicle has one.8 Now connect the black negative (-)
cable to the good battery’s negative ter-
minal.
Do not let the other end touch anything
until the next step. The other end of the
negative cable does not go to the dead
battery. It goes to a major metal part with
a good ground on the engine of the vehi-
cle with the discharged battery.
9 Attach the cable at least 18 inches
(45 cm) away from the discharged bat-
tery, but not near engine parts that
move. The electrical connection is just
as good there, but the chance of sparks
getting back to the battery is much less.
10 Start the vehicle with the good battery
and run the engine for a while.
11 Try to start the vehicle with the dis-
charged battery. If it does not start after
a few tries, it probably needs service.
12 Remove the cables in reverse order to
prevent electrical shorting. Take care
that they do not touch each other or any
other metal.
WARNING
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
WARNING
Using a match or flame of any kind near a
battery can cause battery gas to explode.
You can suffer burns or be blinded. Use a
flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water.
The battery installed in your new Saab
has filler caps. Be sure the right amount
of water is there. Add distilled or boiled
water if the level is too low. If you don’t,
explosive gas could be present.
Be sure the electrolyte in the battery is not
frozen. Discharged batteries will freeze.
When connecting jumper cables to a
frozen battery, gas from the chemical
reaction inside the battery can build up
under the ice and cause an explosion.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you acciden-
tally get it in your eyes or on your skin,
flush the area with water and get medical
help immediately.
ProCarManuals.com
241 Index
IndexAA/C system, fault diagnosis ________ 206
A/C system, maintenance _________ 206
ABS brakes ____________________ 146
ACC ___________________________ 67
ACC functions ___________________ 70
ACC, automatic climate control ______ 67
ACC, calibration _________________ 75
ACC, condensation _______________ 76
ACC, programming _______________ 73
ACC, useful tips _________________ 75
Adjusting the steering wheel _______ 107
Adjustment, seats _______________ 102
Afterheater, V6-engine cars _______ 239
Air conditioning (A/C),
fault diagnosis and maintenance __ 206
Air distribution, ACC ______________ 72
Airbag _________________________ 23
Alarm __________________________ 38
Alarm functions __________________ 41
Alarm signals _________________ 38, 41
Alternator ______________________ 179
Alternator drive belt __________ 179, 231
Alternator rating _________________ 230
Anticorrosion treatment ___________ 211
Antidazzle rear-view mirror ________ 109
Ashtrays ______________________ 112
Audio System ___________________ 77Audio System, quick guide _________ 79
Autochecking of lights on starting ____ 52
Automatic climate control (ACC) _____ 67
Automatic transmission,
technical data _________________ 232
BBattery ________________________ 177
Battery charging/replacing _________ 178
Battery, boost starting ____________ 160
Belt guide ______________________ 12
Boost starting using jump leads ____ 160
Booster cushion __________________ 21
Brake and clutch fluid ____________ 175
Brake-fluid reservoir _____________ 175
Brakes, technical data ____________ 233
Bulbs, changing _________________ 182
Bulbs, table of __________________ 191CCD changer _____________________ 89
CD player ______________________ 87
CHECK messages _______________ 58
CHECKING _____________________ 58
Calibration, ACC _________________ 75
Cancelling the programmed settings __ 73
Car alarm _______________________ 38
Car care _______________________ 165
Car phone, installation _____________ 98
Cargo net, 9-5 Wagon ____________ 123Carpeting, care of _______________ 208
Cassette player __________________ 84
Catalytic converter,
important considerations _________ 133
Central locking ___________________ 32
Change language in SID ___________ 60
Change of address notification _____ 220
Changing a wheel _______________ 203
Changing bulbs _________________ 182
Changing the coolant _____________ 175
Changing the wheels round ________ 199
Changing wiper blades ___________ 180
Chassis number _________________ 235
Chassis number, key to ___________ 236
Child safety _____________________ 18
Child safety locks, rear doors _______ 35
Child seat, integral ________________ 21
Cleaning, engine bay _____________ 210
Clock _______________________ 59, 60
Colour code, body _______________ 235
Colour code, trim ________________ 235
Compact spare wheel ____________ 202
Condensation, ACC _______________ 76
Coolant _______________________ 174
Coolant, changing _______________ 175
Cruise control __________________ 145
Cup holder _____________________ 115
DDICE/TWICE ___________________ 193
Dampers ______________________ 232
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