2001 SAAB 9-3 oil

153 Starting and driving
If the car does not startIf the text "KEY NOT ACCEPTED" appears
on the SID when the engine refuses to start,
the trouble may be a fault in the transponder
of the key or in the receiver of the ignition
switch. Proceed as follows:
• Turn the key back to the LOCK position.
 Turn the key to the ON position.
 Press one of the buttons on the remote
control (the LED on top of the dash stops
flashing).
 Start the engine.
Try the other key. If it works, the trouble is in
the first key.
Call on an authorized Saab dealer for
inspection and correction.
Starting the engine
Do not run the starter motor for more than
25 seconds at a time. Wait 20-30 seconds
before running the starter again, to give the
battery time to recover.
Avoid racing the engine or putting a heavy
load on it before it has warmed up. Let the
engine idle for at least 10 seconds and then
drive away as long as the engine oil warning
light has gone out to enable the engine to
attain its normal temperature as quickly as
possible.
It is possible for air to enter the lubricating
system in conjunction with an oil or oil-filter
change, or if the car has been stored for
some time. This air can cause the hydraulic
cam followers to emit a ticking noise, which
can persist for up to 15 minutes after start-
ing. Although this is quite normal and does
not indicate any malfunction, it is advisable
not to exceed 3,000 rpm before the noise
has disappeared.
The hydraulic cam lifters are completely
service free; the valve clearance is set up at
the factory and will not need any subse-
quent adjustment.
WARNING
 Always remove the key before leaving
the car.
 Always apply the parking brake before
removing the ignition key.NOTETake care not to spill drinks or to drop
crumbs over the ignition switch. If dirt or
liquid gets into it, the switch may not
operate properly.
WARNING
 When starting the engine:
– Sit down in the driver’s seat.
– Depress the clutch pedal fully. If gear
lever is not in the neutral position, the
clutch pedal must be fully depressed
or the car will jump forwards or back-
wards, which may cause an accident.
– Never start the car from outside the
vehicle, e.g. through a wound down
window. This could lead to serious
personal injury.
 Engage reverse (R) (position P for
automatic transmission) to remove the
ignition key. The key can only be
removed in this gear position.
 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless,
odorless, poisonous gas. Be alert to
the danger of CO – always open the
garage doors before starting the
engine in the garage.
 There is also a danger of CO poison-
ing if the exhaust system is leaking.
 Do not rest or sleep in the car when
parked with the engine running. There
is a risk of depressing the accelerator
which could lead to engine damage.
ProCarManuals.com

157 Starting and driving
 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 asso-
ciated components being damaged, and
could represent a breach of the warranty
conditions.
RefuelingOnly fuel from well-known oil companies
should be used.
All Saab gasoline engines can be driven on
fuel of grade AON 87-93.
For optimum performance we recommend:
AO N 90 for 2.0 Turbo 185 hp.
AO N 93 for 2.0 Turbo 205 hp and
2.3 Turbo Viggen.
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.
Insert the fuel-pump nozzle beyond the
flange on the filler pipe. Do not withdraw the
nozzle while filling is in progress.
Cease refueling the first time the pump
stops.
Fuel-tank capacity: 17.0 US gal. (64 liters)
Screw on the filler cap and keep turning until
it has clicked at least three times.
Manually opening the fuel filler door, see
page 150, Convertible, page 58.
The most effective way to prevent conden-
sation forming in the tank (and thus avoid
possible running problems) is to keep the
tank well filled.
Before the onset of freezing temperatures in
winter, it may be advisable to add gasoline
anti-freeze to the fuel a few times to dispel
any condensation in the system.
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.
WARNING
 Never use fuel for any purpose other
than as engine fuel.
 Gasoline is highly flammable and can
cause severe burns. Never use an
exposed flame in the vicinity of gaso-
line. Never smoke when filling the
vehicle up with gasoline.
 Do not use the phone when refueling
with gasoline. Gasoline fuels are
highly explosive.
NOTEDo not overfill. Fuel should not come right
up the filler pipe as expansion room is
needed.
ProCarManuals.com

165 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
fault indicator
If the symbol appears on the main instru-
ment panel, the system has detected a fault
in the automatic transmission or its control
module (see page 64).
This also means that the Limp-home mode
has been selected, to guard against further
damage being done to the transmission. In
this mode, the automatic transmission
starts in 4th gear, and gear changes (if nec-
essary) will have to be made manually.
It is not possible to select the SPORT or
WINTER mode when the Limp-home mode
is active.
You should have the automatic transmis-
sion checked as soon as possible by an
authorized Saab dealer.
The following gears will be engaged in the
respective selector positions when the auto-
matic transmission is in the Limp-home
mode:
Overheated transmission oilIf the transmission oil becomes overheated
while driving, the following message
appears on the SID: TRANSMISSION
OVERHEATING. In this event, stop the car
in a suitable place, switch off the engine,
open the hood and wait until the message
goes out. When driving subsequent to the
transmission oil overheating, select either
3rd gear or Drive, whichever will allow the
engine to run at 3,000 rpm and maintain the
speed of traffic or a safe speed.
The transmission oil can become very hot
when the car is driven with a heavy load; for
example, driving with a trailer on hilly roads
when the wrong gear has been selected,
resulting in many extra gear changes.
Select one of the positions 1, 2 or 3. A high
outside temperature or a defective oil cooler
can also cause the oil temperature to
increase. Contact an authorized Saab work-
shop, see also page 179.
Driving in hilly country with a heavy
loadOverheating of the automatic-transmission
fluid can occur when the car is towing a
heavy load, such as a trailer in hilly country,
with the wrong gear selected, resulting in
abnormally frequent gear changing. To
avoid the transmission oil from overheating
always drive in Normal mode, then the
adaptive gear change pattern is active.
High ambient temperatures can also
increase the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid or the oil cooler may be faulty. As
the transmission fluid temperature
increases, its useful service life is reduced.
Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see
also page 179).TowingTowing a car with automatic transmission,
see page 187. Position R D 3 2 1
Gear Reverse 4th 4th 3rd 3rd
NOTEIf the control module has actuated the
Limp-home function for the automatic
transmission, the car will remain in 4th
gear when D is selected, making it very
sluggish. To overcome this, move the
selector lever to position 2. The transmis-
sion then starts in 3rd gear. When the car
is moving you can select position D or 3.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position 1, 2, or 3) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
ProCarManuals.com

167 Starting and driving
If the gear selector lever is moved from position D to 1, a
change-down to 3rd gear will occur at about 110 mph (180 km/h).
A change-down to 2nd gear will occur at about 75 mph (120 km/h)
and to 1st gear at about 40 mph (65 km/h).
When position 1 is selected, all the other gears will be locked out.
Manual gear-changing is not recommended on slippery roads.
If one of the drive wheels spins excessively, the engine torque will
be reduced to avoid damaging the transmission
Adaptive gear-change patternsAdaptive gear-change patterns are selected automatically depend-
ing on the engine load. This function applies in the Normal and Sport
modes.
The change occurs at a higher rotation speed and the gear remains
engaged for a longer period, if the control module senses that the
load does not drop. These change patterns avoid unnecessary gear
changes when, for example, driving on long inclines with a trailer,
and to prevent overheating of the transmission oil. This function cuts
in automatically if the oil becomes too hot, to protect the transmis-
sion from damage, and lowers the oil temperature.
The adaptive change pattern function is not activated at speeds over
93 mph (150 km/h). If a pattern is in operation when this speed is
exceeded, it will be maintained until the control module senses that
a more suitable one can be activated.
The adaptive gear-change pattern function is deselected when:
 Winter mode is selected.
 The engine is switched off.
 The load is reduced by so much that this function is no longer
required.
 “Automatic transmission fault indicator” appears on the
main instrument panel, see page 165.
ProCarManuals.com

181 Starting and driving
Recommendations for cars with auto-
matic transmission
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in warm
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (30°C).
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (40°C).Use Normal mode when driving with a cara-
van or trailer on hilly roads. The adaptive
gear change pattern function will prevent
the transmission overheating.
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following may also occur:
 A/C compressor is switched off
 Gear change pattern is altered
 The CHECK message TRANSMISSION
OVERHEATING appears on the SID
If TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING
appears on the SID, stop the car as soon as
it is safe to do so and wait until the message
has been extinguished. When driving sub-
sequent to the transmission oil overheating,
select either 3rd gear or Drive, whichever
will allow the engine to run at 3,000 rpm and
maintain the speed of traffic or a safe speed;
see page 165.Do not drive continuously with the WINTER
mode selected in hilly country when you are
towing a trailer, as this will increase fuel con-
sumption and risk overheating the transmis-
sion.
Driving considerationsAlways take extra care when towing a
trailer, as the car’s handling will be different
and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s
braking system and suspension also have a
considerable effect on these characteris-
tics, see also "Driving with a load" page
184.
If the car is equipped with automatic trans-
mission, select position 1 when ascending
or descending steep hills. Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6-7 3330 (1500) Unlimited
8-9 3330 (1500) 15 max.
10-15 1890 (850) 15 max.
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6-7 2000 (900) Unlimited
8-9 2000 (900) 15 max.
10-15 1000 (450) 15 max.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position 1, 2, or 3) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
NOTEIf the “Automatic transmission fault
indicator” warning comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
ProCarManuals.com

185 Starting and driving
Driving with the trunk lid
openAvoid driving with the trunk lid partly or fully
open, since exhaust fumes can be drawn
into the cabin.
If you must drive with the trunk lid open, all
windows and the sunroof (if fitted) must be
closed and the cabin fan on at its highest
speed setting.Driving in deep waterTowing the car
The car is fitted with towing eyes at both
front and rear. For access to the front towing
eye, located on the right-hand side of the
car, compress the grille (see illustration)
and pull it straight out.
If the car is equipped with a trailer hitch, this
can be used to tow another car.
Transporting the car NOTE
Do not drive in water deeper than 11”
(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 sys-
tem. The car´s electrical systems may
also be affected.
WARNING
 The towing vehicle should always be
heavier than the vehicle being towed.
 Never allow passengers to ride in the
car being towed.
 Remember that the brake servo does
not operate when the engine is off.
Much greater pressure than normal
will therefore be required to operate
the brake pedal.
 Nor does the steering pump operate
when the engine is off. The steering
will therefore be much heavier than
usual.
 Always seek professional help if the
car needs to be towed. NOTEDo not confuse the front towing eye with
the oil pipe for the power steering.
NOTEIf a car with sports (lowered) chassis is
transported, for example on a flat bed
truck, take extra care not to damage the
spoiler and/or underbody.
IB1537
Front towing eye
ProCarManuals.com

187 Starting and driving
Towing a car with automatic
transmission The following rules must be observed if a
car with automatic transmission is to be
towed.
The gear selector must be in the N position.
Switch hazard lights on.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles in tow.
Always try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake as necessary.
This will avoid the towrope being jerked vio-
lently.1 Selector lever in position N.
2 Raise the oil level in the gearbox above
normal by 2 extra quarts. Use oil of type
Texaco Texamatic Dexron III.
3 The local regulations on towing speeds
must be followed.
The highest permissible towing speed is
30 mph (50 km/h), unless the legal limit
is lower. The longest permissible towing
distance is 25-30 miles (40-50 km). If the
car has to be transported farther than
that, summon a tow truck. A flat bed tow
truck is the preferred method to tow.
4 When the car is being returned to ser-
vice, check the gearbox oil, and reduce
it to the prescribed amount if necessary.
The engine cannot be started by towing or
pushing the car. In emergency, the engine
can be started as described in the section
”Jump starting”.
Jump 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.
NOTEThe car must be towed front first.
If 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.
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.
ProCarManuals.com

189 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 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
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