2001 SAAB 9-3 engine

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.
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154 Starting and drivingStarting the engine The engine has an automatic choke and
should be started as follows:
Cars with manual gearbox
To start the engine the clutch pedal must
be fully depressed.
1 Depress the clutch pedal but do not
touch the accelerator.
2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key
spring back as soon as the engine has
started and is running smoothly – at very
low temperatures, you may need to run
the starter for up to 50 seconds.
Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do
not open the throttle wide for at least
2-3 minutes after starting.
Cars with automatic transmission
The selector lever must be in the P or N
position.
1 Keep your foot on the brake pedal.
2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key
spring back as soon as the engine has
started and is running smoothly – at very
low temperatures, you may need to run
the starter for up to 50 seconds.
Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do
not open the throttle wide for at least
2–3 minutes after starting.
Useful tips on cold climate startingIf the engine has failed to start after several
attempts in very cold weather, press and
hold the accelerator down to the floor and
run the starter for 5–10 seconds. This will
prevent the engine being flooded (exces-
sively rich fuel-air mixture).
Now start the engine in the normal way – do
not touch the accelerator.
If the engine stalls immediately after starting
(e.g. if the clutch was released too quickly),
do not touch the accelerator when restarting
the engine.
Every time the engine is switched off the
spark plugs are automatically cleaned. If
your attempt to start nevertheless fails, let
go of the ignition key and allow it to spring
back. This initiates more vigorous cleaning
of the sparking plugs which goes on for
about 5 seconds. Then start in the ordinary
way. Do not touch the accelerator; if the
accelerator is pressed to the floor the fuel
supply is shut off.
Important
considerations for
drivingThe engine-management system in the
Saab 9-3 is called Saab Trionic T7. The
system manages the ignition, fuel injection
and turbo boost pressure.
The Trionic T7 system developed by Saab
is an intelligent engine-management
system designed to achieve optimum drive-
ability under differing driving conditions.
The system makes adjustments automati-
cally, for instance, if the car is being driven
at altitude (oxygen-deficient air), for differ-
ent grades of fuel (AON 87–93) and for dif-
ferent load conditions.
1 Starting and driving
 Refrain from using full throttle before
the engine has warmed up (before
needle is in the mid-range on tempera-
ture gauge) to avoid unnecessary
wear. If the needle of the pressure
gauge repeatedly enters the red zone
the engine may suddenly lose power,
owing to the intervention of a monitor-
ing system which curtails the charging
pressure. Get in touch with an autho-
rized Saab dealer at once.
 A safety function prevents the engine
from revving faster than 6,200 rpm by
temporarily shutting of the fuel injec-
tors.
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155 Starting and driving
2 Stopping the engine
 Do not rev the engine immediately
before switching it off - stop the engine
when it is idling.
3 Regulating the charging pressure
 The system is optimized for fuel with an
octane rating of AON 90. For cars with
205 hp engines and the Viggen, the
system is optimized for AON 93. One of
the advantages of the system is that it
enables the engine to be run safely on
lower-grade fuel, although not lower
than AON 87. However, engine perfor-
mance will fall off slightly, and heavy
loading should be avoided. For best
performance you should use the rec-
ommended grade of fuel, AON 90
(205 hp engine and Viggen AON 93).
 The maximum boost pressure is
adjusted automatically to the knocking
or pinging tendency of the engine.
Occasional, short-lived knocking when
the engine is under a heavy load is per-
fectly normal; the extent will depend on
the grade of fuel in the tank.
 Isolated instances of knocking are
more likely to occur with low-octane
fuel. This controlled form of knocking,
followed by a reduction in the boost
pressure, is a sign that the wastegate is
functioning and is perfectly safe for the
engine.Saab 9-3 Viggen: The Saab 9-3 Viggen has
a high-performance engine which means
that a certain amount of care should be
exercised, in particular when accelerating in
the lower gears. This is especially important
when the road surface is slippery to avoid
the driving wheels losing their grip.
Limp-homeThe car’s engine management system has
a diagnostics function that, once the engine
has been switched off, checks a number of
internal functions. If a throttle valve fault is
detected, the engine management system
will initiate limp-home mode for the valve.
This means, for example, that idling speed
regulation will be impaired, the cruise con-
trol system will be inoperative, and the
capacity of the A/C compressor will be lim-
ited.
When starting the car in limp-home mode at
temperatures below 32°F (0°C), depress
the accelerator slightly.
If the diagnosis function detects any faults in
the engine management system, the
“Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)
“ indicator in the main instrument panel
will light up (see page 63). The car should
be checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Saab dealer.
NOTEIf constant knocking occurs every time a
load is put on the engine, this indicates a
malfunction in the system.
Have the car checked without delay by an
authorized Saab dealer. NOTEIf the engine is being run with the car on a
rolling road or dynamometer, longer than
for a standard state emission inspection,
to ensure adequate cooling, air must be
blown into the engine compartment and
under the car at a rate equivalent to the
ram-air effect that would be obtained at
the corresponding road speed.
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156 Starting and driving
Important considerations with cata-
lytic convertersThe catalytic converter is an emission-con-
trol device incorporated in the car’s exhaust
system. It consists of a metal canister with a
honeycomb insert, the cells of which have
walls coated in a catalytic layer (mixture of
precious metals).
To 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 dead), the car
can be push started (manual gearbox
only) or started using jumper cables to a
donor battery. However, as soon as you
have started the engine, it is important
that it runs on all cylinders. If it is misfiring,
allow it to idle for up to five minutes to give
it time to settle and run smoothly. If, after
this time, the engine still fails to run prop-
erly, turn off the engine and get in touch
with an authorized Saab dealer for
advice.
NOTEIf the CHECK ENGINE warning light
starts to flash, ease off the accelerator
slightly. If the light does not cease to flash
within 5 seconds, stop the car in a suita-
ble place as soon as possible and turn off
the engine. The car must be towed to an
authorized Saab dealer.
If the CHECK ENGINE warning light
flashes, it indicates that the engine is
misfiring which can result in damage to
the catalytic converter.
NOTEUse only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline is detrimental to the catalyst and
oxygen sensor and will seriously impair
the function of the catalytic converter.
IB1315
Engine-management system with catalytic
converter 1 Engine control module
2 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe)
3 Catalytic converter
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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.
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158 Starting and driving
Recommended fuel:For optimum performance we recommend:
 AON 90 for 2.0 Turbo 185 hp engines.
 AON 93 for 2.0 Turbo 205 hp engines and
2.3 Viggen.
Octane rating is determined according to
the formula:
where MON is the Motor Octane Number,
and RON is the Research Octane Number.
The average of these two values is the
octane rating of the gasoline as it appears
on the pump at a retail gas station. This
value is sometimes referred to as the
"Anti-Knock Index" (AKI) or the "Average
Octane Number" (AON).To avoid deposit formation on the fuel injec-
tors which can cause poor driveability, use
only quality gasolines that contain deter-
gents and corrosion inhibitors. Because
gasolines sold at retail gas stations vary in
their composition and quality, you should
switch to a different brand if you begin expe-
riencing driveability and/or hard starting
problems shortly after refueling your car. In
recent years, a variety of fuel additives and
alcohols or oxygenates have been blended
with gasoline. These types of gasolines may
be found in all parts of the United States and
Canada, but particularly in geographic
areas and cities that have high carbon mon-
oxide levels. Saab approves the use of such
"reformulated" gasolines in its products,
which help in reducing pollution from all
motor vehicles, provided that the following
blending percentages are met by such
fuels:
 Up to 10% ethanol by volume, with corro-
sion inhibitors.
 Up to 15% MTBE by volume (methyl ter-
tiary butyl ether).
 Up to 5% methanol by volume, with an
equal amount of a suitable co-solvent and
added corrosion inhibitors.
NOTE Fill to maximum filling capacity
 Stop filling after the first time that the
nozzle trips to shut off the flow of fuel
 Filling capacity can differ between
different fuel stations and outside
temperature. Fuel tank volume when
nozzle trips to shut off, may vary by
0.5 gal. (2 liters).
 Do not fill fuel all the way up the filler
pipe. The gasoline must be allowed
room for expansion especially during
hot weather.
MON + RON
2
IB016
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159 Starting and driving
Other, less common, fuel additives used by
some gasoline dealers are also acceptable,
provided that the resultant gasoline is not
more than 2.7% oxygen by weight. In many
cases, you may not be able to determine the
exact type or percentage by volume of fuel
additive in the gasoline you purchase for
your car.
Some Canadian and U.S. gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called meth-
lycyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuel is used, your emission
control system performance may deterio-
rate and the malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on. If this
occurs, return to your authorized Saab
dealer for service.
However, these blended gasolines are reg-
ulated and should never exceed these rec-
ommended blend percentages and service
station operators should know if their gaso-
lines contain detergents and oxygenates,
and have been reformulated to reduce vehi-
cle emissions. Nevertheless, if you begin to
notice a problem with the way your car starts
or runs shortly after it has been refueled, try
a different brand of gasoline.
NOTEHigher concentrations of methanol than
listed above, or the use of methanol-
blended gasoline without suitable
co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
can damage your car’s fuel system,
leading to the need for repairs which are
not covered by Saab’s product warranty.
NOTEThe engine control module (ECM) moni-
toring the engine parameters also stores
fault codes.
Under certain circumstances, this may
cause constant illumination of the
Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)
lamp , thus indicating a fault that
must be checked by your Saab dealer,
see page 63.
NOTE: always observe the following two
measures:
 Make sure that the fuel filler cap is
screwed on correctly before the
engine is started. Screw on the fuel
filler cap until you hear three distinct
clicks.
 Avoid driving with the fuel low level
indicator illuminated. The symbol
illuminates when less than approxi-
mately 2.5 gallons (10 litres) of fuel
remains in the tank.
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160 Starting and drivingFuel (Gasoline Engine)Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher. It is recommended that the
gasoline meet specifications which were
developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and
endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Manufacturers Association for better vehi-
cle performance and engine protection.
Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification
could provide improved driveability and
emission control system performance com-
pared to other gasolines.Canada Only
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If
the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s
bad enough, it can damage your engine. If
you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your
engine needs service. But don’t worry if you
hear a little pinging noise when you’re accel-
erating or driving up a hill. That’s normal,
and you don’t have to buy a higher octane
fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, con-
stant knock that means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California
Emission Standards (indicated on the
underhood emission control label), it is
designed to operate on fuels that meet Cal-
ifornia specifications. If such fuels are not
available in states adopting California emis-
sions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal spec-
ifications, but emission control system per-
formance may be affected. The malfunction
indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on and/or your vehicle may fail a
smog-check test. See "Malfunction Indica-
tor Lamp" in the Index. If this occurs, return
to your authorized Saab dealer for diagno-
sis to determine the cause of failure. In the
event it is determined that the cause of the
condition is the type of fuels used, repairs
may not be covered by your warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated
for low emissions may contain an
octane-enhancing additive called methylcy-
clopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator
whether or not the fuel contains MMT. Saab
does not recommend the use of such gaso-
lines. If fuels containing MMT are used,
spark plug life may be reduced and your
emission control system performance may
be affected. The Engine malfunction
(CHECK ENGINE) light on your instrument
panel may turn on. If this occurs, return to
your authorized Saab dealer for service.
In Canada, look for the
"Auto Makers’ Choice" label
on the fuel pump.
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