2001 SAAB 9-5 manual transmission

57 Instruments and controls
Selector lever indication
(Automatic transmission) The position of the selector lever is indi-
cated on the main instrument panel.
Trip computer SID (Saab Information Display (SID) The SID displays CHECK messages and
has eight trip-computer functions (Saab Car
Computer, SCC)
The SID is also used by the Audio System.
SCCSelecting the function
Use the button to scroll through the
following functions:
Use the button to scroll through the
following functions:
WARNING
It is strongly recommended that the SID
settings be changed only when the car is
stationary. The driver’s attention can
otherwise easily be distracted from the
road.
DIST Distance to destination / Trip
meter.
ARRIV Estimated time of arrival.
ALARM Alarm function.
SPD W Speed warning (chime).
TEMP Outdoor temperature and Date.
D.T.E. Estimated range (distance to
empty fuel tank).
FUEL∅ Average fuel consumption
since function last reset.
SPD∅ Average speed since function
last reset.
NIGHT PANEL
CLEAR
SET
IB346
IB1280
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61 Instruments and controls
CHECK messages When the engine is started, CHECKING will
appear on the display for about four sec-
onds, while the SID checks are being per-
formed.
When a CHECK message is generated
while the car is being driven, a chime will
sound, INFO DISPL will illuminate on on the
main instrument panel, and the message
will appear on the SID. The number of mes-
sages that can be displayed by the SID
varies with the specification of the car.
If more than one CHECK message has
been generated, the
+ symbol will appear to
the left of the text on the display. The mes-
sages appear in order of priority.
If a new fault occurs while another message
is being displayed, the message relating to
the new one will appear for 10 seconds,
after which the display will return to the ear-
lier one.
Press CLEAR once to acknowledge a mes-
sage, whereupon it will be cleared from the
display. It will not be displayed again before
the ignition has been switched off and then
on again. The following messages may be displayed:
1 This message will be displayed approxi-
mately 600 miles (1,000 km) before the next
scheduled service is due, or when 365 days
have elapsed since the last service. The
message should be cleared at the time of that
service (see the Saab Warranties & Service
Record Booklet).
This message can also be deleted by first
briefly pressing the CLEAR button, then
depressing it a second time for at least eight
seconds until ”SERVICE” appears on the dis-
play and a chime sounds. The message can
only be deleted when it is shown on the SID.
Night panelTo improve night-driving conditions inside
the car, the Night Panel mode can be
selected. In this mode, the amount of infor-
mation displayed is reduced, and only the
most important instruments and displays
will be illuminated.
When the Night Panel button is pressed,
only the speedometer will be illuminated (up
to the 87-mph or 140-km/h graduation), all
the other instruments illumination being
extinguished and their needles moved to
zero. Both the SID and the ACC displays will
be extinguished and the backlighting for
switches and other controls will be dimmed.
Note: All indicator and warning lights,
together with the display of CHECK mes-
sages, will operate as normal, except ”Out-
door temperature (Frost warning)”, see
page 58. Message See
page
FRONT LIGHT FAILURE 205
REAR LIGHT FAILURE 208
FOG LIGHT FAILURE 209
BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE 208
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW 204
FILL COOLANT FLUID 196
REPLACE KEY BATTERY 37
KEY NOT ACCEPTED 45
SERVICE THEFT ALARM 45
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING 162
TIGHTEN FUEL FILLER CAP 154
TIME FOR SERVICE
1)
242
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62 Instruments and controlsThe following conditions will wake up the
respective displays in the Night-Panel
mode:
 Setting of the Audio system, SID or ACC
(display comes on for ten seconds).
 CHECK message generated in the SID.
 High engine revs cause the rev counter to
be illuminated until the engine speed has
fallen again.
 If the quantity of fuel remaining falls below
4 gallons (15 liters), the fuel gauge will be
illuminated.
 If the engine temperature rises above nor-
mal, the temperature gauge will be illumi-
nated.
 If the speed of the car exceeds 84 mph
(135 km/h), the entire speedometer will
be illuminated.
 In cars with automatic transmission, if the
selector lever is moved from D to position
3, 2 or 1, the selector indication on the
main instrument panel will be illuminated.
To restore the displays and lighting to the
normal mode, press the Night-Panel button.
Units and language versionsThe SID has four sets of units:
CHECK messages can be displayed in six
language options: English, Swedish,
German, French, Italian and Spanish. Selecting units and language 1 Press CLEAR and SET simultaneously
for four seconds until a chime sounds.
2 Press or to select the required
units.
3 Touch SET.
4 Press or to select the required
language.
5 Touch SET.
Clock Set the clock by means of the two buttons
under the digital clock on the left of the dis-
play.
When the ignition key is in the OFF position
or removed, the clock can be illuminated
(approx. 10 seconds) by pressing one of
the SID buttons (not the NIGHT PANEL but-
ton). METRIC IMP. 1 IMP. 2 US
km miles miles miles
km/h mph mph mph
liters UK gal UK gal US gal
°C °F °C °F
24-hour 12-hour 12-hour 12-hour
IB1156
CLEAR
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104 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemMobile phones and
communications radios Mobile 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. Roof loads can negatively
affect telecommunication.
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 produced, for
example, by a mobile telephone in the
passenger compartment may be detri-
mental to health. We therefore recom-
mend the use of an external antenna.
Do not use the phone when refueling with
gasoline. Gasoline fuels are highly explo-
sive.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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148 Starting and drivingIgnition switchThe combined ignition switch and
gear-lever lock is located in the center con-
sole between the front seats. The ignition
key can only be removed when reverse is
engaged (automatic transmission: selector
in ”P” position).
The key fits all the locks on the car. The key
number is specified on the small plastic
strap that comes with the keys when the car
is delivered. Keep a note of the key number
in a safe place, as you will need to quote it if
ordering a replacement key.
See also page 34.
LOCK position Engage reverse and turn the key to LOCK.
Automatic transmission: select ”P”.
The gear lever is locked. This is the only position in which the key can be
removed.
The parking lights, hazard warning lights and interior lighting all work. OFF position Gear lever no longer locked.
Certain electrical circuits operationalON position All electrical circuits working. Do not leave the key in the ON position
when the engine is not running. Turn the key to OFF to switch off the
electrical circuits. In the ON position certain warning and indicator lights
come on as a check, and they normally are extinguished after about
3 seconds.ST (starter) position The starter operates when the key is turned to this position. When
released, the key will spring back to the ON position. If the engine fails to
start, the key must first be turned back to the position between OFF and
LOCK before the starter can be operated again.
When the starter motor is running, several electrical circuits are
disconnected to facilitate starting.
LOCK
OFFONST
LOCK
OFFONST
LOCK
OFFONST
LOCK
OFFONST
IB1120
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149 Starting and driving

If the car does not startIf the text ”KEY NOT ACCEPTED” is shown
on the SID, after a failed start attempt, the
cause could be a fault in the transmitter in
the key, or in the receiver in the ignition lock.
The following should be done:
 Turn the key back to the LOCK position.
 Turn the key to ON.
 Press one of the buttons on the remote
control (the LED stops blinking).
 Start the engine.
Try another key. If this works, then the fault
is in the first key.
Contact an authorized Saab dealer for
checking and rectification.
Starting the engine
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
 Always remove the key before leaving
the car.
 Always apply the parking brake before
removing the ignition key.
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 acci-
dent.
- 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.
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150 Starting and drivingIt 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.
Starting the engineAvoid racing the engine or putting a heavy
load on it before it has warmed up. Drive
away as soon as the oil warning light has
been extinguished to enable the engine to
attain its normal temperature as quickly as
possible.
The engine has an automatic choke and
should be started as follows:
Cars with manual transmission
To start the engine the clutch pedal must
be fully depressed.
1 Depress the clutch pedal fully 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 25 seconds. Wait
20-30 seconds before running the
starter again, to give the battery time to
recover.
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
1 The selector lever must be in the P or N
position.
2 Keep your foot on the brake pedal.
3 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 25 seconds. Wait
20-30 seconds before running the
starter again, to give the battery time to
recover.
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 starting If 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.  The tail pipe of the exhaust system
can become very hot during driving.
Bear this in mind when loading and
unloading the car.
 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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158 Starting and drivingGear changingManual transmissionTo start the engine the clutch pedal must
be fully depressed.
The gear positions are marked on the gear
lever. Before reverse (R) can be engaged,
you must lift the ring underneath the
gear-lever knob.
To change gear, fully depress the clutch
pedal and then release it smoothly. It is
inadvisable to drive with your hand resting
on the gear lever, as this can increase the
wear on the transmission.
When changing down from 5th to 4th gear,
ease the gear lever straight back, without
applying any lateral pressure. This will pre-
vent 2nd gear being engaged by mistake,
which can result in overreving and possible
damage to the engine.
Before engaging reverse, wait till the car is
at a standstill, release the accelerator and
fully depress the clutch. From neutral, press
the gear lever firmly to the right before
easing it back into reverse.
Shift-up indicator for improved fuel
economy (U.S. models only)Cars equipped with a manual transmission
have a "Shift-up" light on the instrument
panel. The light begins to work after the
vehicle is warmed up and provides you with
a good indication when to shift to a higher
gear.
It is not necessary or recommended to
follow the shift-up recommendations in all
driving conditions, for example, when driv-
ing in heavy urban traffic or steep downhill
grades.
However, shifting with the light should result
in improved fuel economy. Therefore, for
reduced fuel consumption and better
energy conservation, you should make a
habit of shifting before or when the shift-up
light comes on.Towing Towing of cars with manual transmission,
see page 181.
IB471
13
25
R
4
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