2001 SAAB 9-3 Owners Manual

201 Car care
Power steeringCheck the level of the power-steering fluid
in the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point forward during the
check.
Clean around the cap before it is
unscrewed.
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick. To
check the fluid level, first screw the cap on
fully again and then remove. The level
should be between the MAX and MIN marks
on the dipstick when the oil temperature is
about 68°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the oil
level can be lower, and in higher tempera-
tures the level can be higher, both of which
are acceptable.
Top up with power-steering fluid CHF 11S
(part number 8996860).
Battery
WARNING
Do not fill the power steering fluid to
above the MAX mark. Too much fluid can
result in leakage.
Power steering fluid on hot engine com-
ponents constitutes a fire risk.
WARNING
 Work on the battery may entail an
explosion hazard, since the battery
gives off hydrogen which forms an
explosive mixture with the oxygen in
the air.
For this reason, always avoid sparks
or open flames when working near the
battery.
 The battery contains corrosive sulphu-
ric acid. Always wear a face mask or
goggles when working on the battery.
 If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes the skin or clothing, wash the
affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large
quantity makes contact with the skin,
seek medical help.
IB896
Power steering fluid reservoir
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202 Car careThe liquid level in the car battery must be
checked at regular intervals.
Tap water contains salts and minerals that
accelerate the corrosion of the battery elec-
trodes, which can shorten the life of the bat-
tery.
The charge level should be checked with a
battery-acid tester. The specific gravity of
the acid in a fully charged battery should be
1.28. A specific gravity of 1.18 roughly indi-
cates a 50% charge.If frequent short journeys are made in cold
weather, the battery may need to be given a
booster charge. This can be done either
using a battery charger or by taking the car
for a long drive. A car with standard equipment and a fully
charged battery can be left for up to 40 days
and still have a sufficient charge for starting.
If extra equipment is fitted, such as a mobile
telephone, the time may be reduced to
about 15 days.
Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the battery and
the negative (blue) cable to its negative (-)
terminal. Always disconnect both battery
leads when boost charging the battery.NOTENever use tap water to top up the battery.
Use distilled or boiled water.
NOTEA discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from frost.
NOTE• Don’t connect the battery terminals
+ and – the wrong way around.
 Serious damage can occur to the car’s
electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the
engine is running.
IB897
Taking out the battery
IB1173
Correct fluid level in the battery
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203 Car care
Drive beltThe alternator is situated on the right-hand
side of the engine. It is driven via a
poly-V-belt from the crankshaft pulley.
The poly-V-belt also drives the water pump,
the A/C compressor and the steering servo
pump.
The belt tension is critical, and is adjusted
by an automatic belt tensioner.
See also page 61, "Warning charging".
WARNING
 Keep hands and clothing clear of drive
belts when engine is running.
 Always stop the engine before
inspecting drive belts.
 The fan can start even when the
engine is switched off.NOTESerious damage can occur to the car’s
electrical system if an alternator lead is
disconnected while the engine is running.
IB929
Drive belt
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204 Car careWipers and washersWiper bladesCheck and clean all wiper blades regularly.
We recommend Saab washer fluid for
cleaning.
If poor wiper performance is experienced,
clean the windshield with Saab washer fluid.
This is particularly important if the car has
been through an automatic car wash, as this
sometimes leave a wax coating on the wind-
shield.
If wiper performance is still unsatisfactory,
fit new blades.
Windshield and rear window1 Push the catch in (1).
2 Pull the complete wiper blade down-
wards so that it comes away from the
wiper arm. Slide the entire blade out
from the arm.
Headlight wipers 1 Lift the wiper arm off the headlight.
2 Detach the wiper blade by pulling it
laterally from the wiper arm.
3 Fit the new blade by sliding it into the
retainer on the wiper arm and pressing it
firmly home.
IB901
IB902
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205 Car care
WasherThe reservoir holds 5 quarts (4.7 litres).
When the SID message "WASHER FLUID
LEVEL LOW" appears there is about
1.5 quarters (1.4 litres) left.
Fill with quality washer fluid, available from
your Saab dealer and follow the instructions
on the package to reduce the risk of freez-
ing.
Note: If the reservoir is run dry and the car
has a rear-window wiper, then after refilling
you cannot wash the rear window until you
have first washed the windscreen.
Washer jetsThe washer jets, which are adjustable, can
be cleaned with a pin if necessary.
The jet for rear-window washing is located
in the right-hand part of the high-mounted
brake light.
IB899
Washer-fluid reservoir
IB900
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206 Car careChanging bulbs Headlight 1 Unscrew the cover from the back of the light units.
2 Unplug the connector.
3 Unhook the spring clip by pushing it forward and then to the side.
4 Remove the bulb.
5 Insert the new bulb, without touching the glass with your fingers.
Line it up so that the three lugs fit into the corresponding slots in
the reflector and secure it with the spring clip.IMPORTANT! When changing bulbs, use the same type of bulb,
(e.g. Long-life).
Headlight aiming, see page 233.
Parking lights The parking-light bulb is fitted in the same light unit as the headlight
bulb.
1 Remove the bulb holder from the lamp unit.
2 Then take the bulb out of the holder.
WARNING
Before changing a bulb in the engine bay, switch off the engine
to avoid the danger of fingers and hands being injured by
moving parts.
The radiator fan can cut in even when the engine is switched off. NOTESwitch off the ignition before changing a bulb, to avoid possible
short-circuiting. NOTEDo not fit bulbs with a rating above 60/55W, since the headlight
reflector and the wiring of the car are not designed for a higher
wattage.
Do not touch the glass of the bulbs with your fingers. The oil on
your skin can shorten the life of the bulb.
IB903
1 Headlight bulb
2 Parking-light bulb
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207 Car care
Front turn signal bulb To change the bulb, the complete lamp unit has to be removed.
1 Loosen the screw (1). There is no need to remove it completely.
2 Carefully remove the complete lamp unit.
3 Grasp the two plastic tabs and turn the bulb holder counterclock-
wise.
4 Pull the bulb holder out of the lamp unit and change the bulb.
5 Check that the new bulb is firmly in place and has good contact.
6 When mounting the lamp unit, see that the two guide lugs on the
rear edge of the unit come inside the edge of the body panel.
7 Insert the lamp unit in towards the headlight and see that the
front bracket comes under the screw. Tighten the screw (1).
Side-mounted turn signal1 Slide the lens forward so that its rear part can be pulled out.
2 Change the bulb.
3 When refitting, make sure that the groove in the spring engages
the edge of the body panel and that the rubber gasket is correctly
positioned.
IB904
1 Retaining screw
2 Turn signal bulb
IB906
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208 Car careFront fog lights1 Slightly turn the bulb holder counter-
clockwise.
2 Unplug the connector.
3 Remove the bulb.
Stop lights, taillights and direction
indicators 1 Open the door in the trunk upholstery.
2 Press aside the plastic tab that secures
the bulb holder.
3 Carefully pull the entire bulb holder out
of the lamp unit. Replace the dead bulb.
4 When the bulb holder is being refitted,
check that its plastic catches snap into
place.
WARNING
Never crawl under a car that is
supported only by a jack, use axle stands;
for further information about jacking up
the car, see page 222.
IB905
IB955
Rear light clusters 1 Direction indicators
2 Tail lights/stop lights
3 Reversing lights
4 Rear fog light
5 High-mounted stop light
IB907
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