2000 SAAB 9-5 oil level

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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46 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning
lights A number of indicator and warning lights will
come on when the ignition is switched on
prior to starting. Under normal conditions,
these should go out a few seconds after the
engine has started (see page 52).
Warning, oil pressure
(engine oil)
This light will come on together with if
the engine oil pressure is dangerously low.
If the light flashes or comes on while you are
driving, stop the car, switch off the engine
and check the engine oil level (see page
171). NOTEUnder no circumstances must the car be
driven when the warning light is on. Low
oil pressure can result in serious engine
damage.
Main instrument panel 1 Tachometer
2 Indicator and warning lights
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lights
5 Fuel gauge 6 Engine temperature gauge
7 Trip meter reset button
8 Odometer and trip meter
IB1339
2030405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
120
130
140
150
240220200180 160 140 120 100
80
60
40
20
10
8
4
3
2
6
7
5
1
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48 Instruments and controls

Anti-lock brake warning
This light together with and indi-
cates that a fault has occurred in the ABS
system. Conventional braking without the
ABS function will still be available.
For safety reasons, stop the car and check
the level of the brake fluid (see page 175).
If the level is normal, depress the brake
pedal firmly two or three times. Now check
the level again. If the level is still normal, you
may drive the car, with considerable cau-
tion, to the nearest authorized Saab dealer
to have the brake system checked.

Airbag warning light
This light together with will come on if
a potentially serious fault has occurred in
the airbag system.
The light will come on for about three sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to
the Start or Drive position. It should go out
after the engine has started.
CHECK message indicator
This light indicates that there is a message
in the SID. A chime will also sound
(see page 58).
Central warning light
This light will come on and a chime will
sound if a fault has been detected in any
system that is critical to safety. Any of the
following can activate the central warning
light and alarm:
 Airbag system.
 Low oil pressure in engine.
 Parking brake is on (when car is moving).
 Brake fluid level low.
 Fault detected in ABS system.
 Engine overheating.
 Alternator not charging properly.
The symbol and audible alarm are also acti-
vated if the ignition key is turned to the ON
position and the engine is not started within
10 seconds.
WARNING
 If the ABS is inoperative, there is a
danger of the rear wheels locking up
on hard braking.
 If the level of brake fluid in the reser-
voir is below the MIN mark, the car
should be towed to an authorized
Saab dealer.
WARNING
 If the airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle, it means
the airbag system may not be working
properly.
 The airbags in your vehicle may not
inflate in a crash, or they could even
inflate without a crash.
 To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle serviced
right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
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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.
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171 Car care and technical information
Engine oilChecking the oil level Check the engine-oil level regularly. This
should be done after the engine has been
run to normal temperature and then allowed
to cool for 2–5 minutes, with the car stand-
ing on level ground. Remove the dipstick
and wipe it clean before checking the level.
4-cylinder engine The oil level must not be allowed to drop
below the MIN mark on the dipstick, nor
should oil be filled beyond the MAX mark, as
this can lead to excessive oil consumption.
The distance between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick corresponds to a
volume of approximately 1.05 qts (1 liter).
When necessary, add oil of the recom-
mended grade via the dipstick tube.
V6 engine The oil level must not be allowed to drop
below the MIN mark on the dipstick, nor
should oil be filled beyond the MAX mark, as
this can lead to excessive oil consumption.
The distance between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick corresponds to a
volume of approximately 1.05 qts (1 liter).
Top up, as necessary, with oil of the recom-
mended grade.
IB491
Engine-oil filler cap and dipstick,
4-cylinder engine
IB1123
Engine-oil dipstick and filler cap,
V6 engine
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172 Car care and technical informationOil changingThe engine oil must be changed in accor-
dance with the service program, see page
218.
Oil volume and grade, see page 229.
Oil changing should be carried out on a
warm engine. Unscrew the drain plug in the
bottom of the sump and leave the oil to drain
into an oil tray or other suitable receptacle
for at least ten minutes. Take care, as the oil
may be hot.
After the oil has been drained, unscrew and
remove the oil filter. Fit a new filter and
tighten it by hand before adding new oil.
Refit the drain plug with a new washer.
Run the engine to normal temperature and
check the oil level.
NOTEChange of engine oil and oil filter may be
required more frequently (5000-mile
intervals (8,000 km)) if any one of the fol-
lowing conditions apply to the car:
 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8
to 16 km). This is particularly important
when outside temperatures are below
freezing.
 Most trips include extensive idling
(such as frequent stop-and-go driving).
 Most trips are through dusty areas.
 You frequently tow a trailer or use a car-
rier on top of your vehicle.
 If the vehicle is used for delivery ser-
vice, police, taxi or other commercial
applications.
IB493
Drain plug and oil filter, 4-cylinder engine
IB494
Drain plug and oil filter, V6 engine
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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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