Page 96 of 256
96 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemAntennas The Audio System has three antennas
incorporated in the rear window; two for FM
diversity and one for AM.
Fitting a car-phone antenna on the rear
window can cause interference to radio
reception.
Multipath propagation Multipath propagation occurs when radio
waves from an FM transmitter are reflected
by, e.g. large buildings, causing them to
arrive slightly later than the direct waves.
This can create interference to radio recep-
tion. To avoid this problem as much as pos-
sible the system is equipped with two FM
antennas, so called FM diversity.
Shadow effect Because FM radio waves travel in straight
lines from the transmitter, a shadow effect
can occur when tall buildings or hills
obstruct the propagation path from the
transmitter to the car.
NOTERefrain from placing hard or sharp
objects on the rear parcel shelf, to avoid
damaging the antenna leads.
Do not use sun protective film which con-
tains metal particles on the rear window,
this can be the cause of radio interfer-
ence.
IB386
IB389
IB387
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Page 97 of 256
97 Saab 9-5 Audio System
Sources of FM interference Interference to FM reception can be caused
by the electrical systems in other vehicles,
particularly if the signal from the transmitter
is weak.
Cross-modulation When the radio is tuned to a weak transmit-
ter in the vicinity of a stronger one, the car’s
antennas will receive signals from both.
Such interference is apparent when the
unwanted broadcast can be heard faintly in
the background.
Radio waves, FM/AM FM radio waves radiate in straight lines from
the transmitter. Because such waves do not
follow the curvature of the Earth, their
strength becomes weaker the further they
travel.
AM waves, on the other hand, are reflected
off the ionosphere, thus greatly extending
their range.
IB391
IB390
IB388
AM
FM
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Page 99 of 256
99 Saab 9-5 Audio System
Mobile phones and
communications radiosMobile phones and communications radios
that do not have a separate external
antenna radiate an electromagnetic field
inside the car.
Saab therefore recommends that a car
phone/radio transmitter should always be
connected to an external antenna.
An external antenna also provides
improved transmission/reception and a
greater range.
Mobile phones and communications radios
that are not supplied as standard equipment
by Saab can interfere with the car’s electri-
cal system and cause spurious fault codes
to be generated.
Fault codesThe Audio System has a built-in diagnostics
function. If a fault is detected, a fault code is
generated to help dealer technicians to
diagnose the fault. Below are the codes for
some faults that you might be able to rectify
yourself.
WARNING
The electromagnetic field inside the car
can be detrimental to health.NOTEThe electromagnetic field can cause
interference to other electrical systems in
the car, such as the Audio System.
WARNING
Always consult an authorized Saab
dealer for installation guidance.
If you feel that any of the warnings or fault
indications are unclear, have the equip-
ment checked by an authorized Saab
dealer.
NOTEGreat care should be exercised in trying
to rectify a fault. If you are at all unsure,
contact an authorized Saab dealer.
Fault code Possible cause
CD/CDC
ERROR
12/17/19 CD is dirty, loaded
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
TAPE ERR 01 Tape broken or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR
02/03 Tape snarled up or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR 11 Cassette jammed: can-
not be loaded/ejected.
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