
227 Car care
Maintenance The drive belt for the compressor should
be inspected under the regular service
program.
Clean dirt and insects away from the con-
denser and radiator to prevent clogging.
When washing the car, use the hose to
spray the radiator and condenser (located
forward of the radiator) from both sides
(both from the front of the car and from
inside the engine bay). Do not use a pres-
sure washer.
Caution: Do not use the hose when the
engine is hot.
Other than in extremely cold weather, do not
cover the radiator, e.g. with screen netting,
as this will greatly diminish its cooling capac-
ity.
Note: The A/C system will only operate
when the outdoor temperature is above the
freezing point (0°C, 32°F). Switch on the
A/C system when the car stands in a warm
place.
Headlight aimingThe vehicle is equipped with vertical and
horizontal aim indicators. The aim has been
preset at the factory and should normally not
need further adjustments. This is true even
though your vertical and horizontal aim indi-
cators may not fall exactly on the "0" (zero)
marks on their scales.
If your headlight is damaged in a crash, the
headlight aim may be affected. If you believe
your headlights need to be re-aimed, we
recommend that you take it to your Saab
dealer for service. However, it is possible for
you to re-aim your headlights as described
in the following procedure.
To check the aim, the vehicle should be
properly prepared as follows: Place the vehicle on a level pad or surface
The vehicle should be unladen and fuel
tank full, and one person or 160 lbs.
(75 kg) on the drivers seat
The vehicle should not have any snow, ice
or mud attached to it
Tires should be inflated to the prescribed
pressure
Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspen-
sion
WARNING
Before checking/adjusting the headlight
aiming, switch off the engine to avoid
danger of fingers and hands being injured
by moving parts.
The radiator fan can start up even when
the engine is switched off.
ProCarManuals.com

228 Car careOpen the hood and locate the vertical aim
level (B) that you can see through the top of
the headlight lens.
If you find that the headlight needs adjust-
ment follow these steps:
1 Locate the vertical aiming device (A)
located behind and below the outer
headlight assembly.
2 Turn the vertical aiming screw with a
0.24 in. (6 mm) Hexagonal Allen wrench
until the bubble inside the level is cen-
tered between the two red lines (zero).
3 Check the horizontal aim (1) and adjust
as necessary. The horizontal aiming
device (2) is located behind the inner
headlight assembly. Turn the horizontal
aiming knob until the zero (0) line on the
knob aligns with the zero mark on the
graduation scale.
4 Recheck the vertical aim to make sure it
is still correct after the horizontal aim
adjustment. Readjust as necessary.NOTETo make sure that your headlights are
aimed properly read all instructions
before beginning. Failure to follow these
instructions could cause damage to
headlight parts or a not correctly aimed
headlight.
IB1169
B
A
B
AVertical adjustmentA Vertical aiming device
B Vertical aim level
IB1170
1
2
Horizontal adjustment1 Horizontal aim
2 Horizontal aiming device
ProCarManuals.com

239 Technical data
Fuel Engine variantsFuel-tank capacity __________________ 17 U.S. gal. (64 l)
For optimum performance, we recommend
the following:
2.0 Turbo 185 bhp *) ________________ 90 AON, unleaded
gasoline,
minimum 87 AON
2.0 Turbo 205 bhp and Viggen ________ 93 AON**),
unleaded gasoline,
minimum 87 AON
*) Offered in Canada only
**) If the car is filled with 90 AON gasoline
and the outdoor temperature is above
77-86°F (25-30°C), a slight decrease in
engine performance may be noticeable.
2.0 Turbo 185 hp, manual transmission *)Rating, EEC at 5500 rpm ____________ 185 hp (136 kW)
Max. torque (man.), EEC at 2100 rpm _ 194.0 ft.lb (263 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 8.8:1 2.0 Turbo 185 hp, automatic transmissionRating, EEC at 5500 rpm ____________ 185 hp (136 kW)
Max. torque EEC at 1900 rpm ________ 184.4 ft.lb. (250 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 8.8:1 2.0 Turbo 205 hp, manual transmissionRating, EEC, at 5500 rpm ___________ 205 hp (151 kW)
Max. torque EEC at 2200 rpm ________ 206.5 ft.lb (280 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 8.8:12.0 Turbo 205 hp, automatic transmissionRating, EEC, at 5750 rpm ___________ 205 hp (151 kW)
Max. torque EEC at 1900 rpm ________ 184.4 ft.lb (250 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 8.8:12.3 Turbo 230 hp, manual transmissionRating, EEC, at 5500 rpm ___________ 230 hp (169 kW)
Max. torque EEC at 2500 rpm ________ 258.1 ft.lb (350 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 9.3:1
ProCarManuals.com

245 Technical data
Several of the systems in your Saab
car may be adjusted to better fit your
individual needsSome functions are governed by legal
requirements and cannot therefore be
reprogrammed.
Consult an authorized Saab dealer for fur-
ther information.
Car alarm/central locking system:
The level of the siren when locking/
unlocking, HIGH or LOW.
The number of blinks when locking/
unlocking, 1 to 7.
Automatic locking of the trunk when the
car is driven, 1 to 8 mph (2-14 km/h), YES
or NO.
Preclude the unlocking of the trunk while
the car is driven, YES or NO.
Automatic locking of the trunk after
1 second-4 minutes if it has not been
opened, YES or NO.
Automatic locking of the trunk when it is
closed, YES or NO.
Automatic locking of all doors when the
car is driven above 7.5 mph (12 km/h),
YES or NO.Saab Information Display (SID):
Outdoor temperature display can be
adjusted.
Miscellaneous:
Select the on-time for heated rear seat.
Coolant temperature gauge adjustment
can be increased/decreased.
Fuel level gauge adjustment can be
increased/decreased.
Additional sweep of the wipers after wind-
shield washer function (ON or OFF).
Courtesy Headlight Feature (follow-me
home) on-time can vary from 20 to
50 seconds.
Night panel illumination deactivation
speed for the speedometer can be
adjusted.
Following adjustments can be done
by the driver:Automatic Climate Control (ACC):
To alter the preprogrammed “AUTO“ start
up mode with your own preferences you can
manually select the desired settings for:
Temperature.
Fan speed.
Air distribution.
See “Programming I” on page 90 and “Pro-
gramming II” on page 91.
ProCarManuals.com

246 Technical dataSaab 9-3 Audio System:
The following functions can be adjusted by
the driver (see page 105):
Maximum starting volume (when the
radio is switched on).
Telephone volume (if the car is equipped
with a phone connected to the audio sys-
tem).
Speed dependent volume (volume
increases or decreases with vehicle
speed).
Loudness.Alarm System:
The glass breakage sensor can be tempo-
rarily disabled, see page 42.
Daytime Running Lights:
To disable, turn off the ignition and pull out
fuse 15, see page 208.
ProCarManuals.com

247 Index
IndexAA/C system, fault diagnosis
________ 226
A/C system, maintenance _________ 226
ACC
__________________________ 84
ACC, useful tips
_________________ 92
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 131
Air conditioning (A/C), fault diagnosis
and maintenance
______________ 226
Airbag
_________________________ 28
Alarm __________________________ 41
Alarm functions
__________________ 44
Alarm signals
___________________ 44
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 222
Anti-theft system
_________________ 41
Ashtray
_______________________ 135
Audio System
___________________ 93
Automatic climate control (ACC)
_____ 84
Automatic transmission
___________ 156
BBattery
________________________ 195
Boost starting from donor battery
___ 181
Brake fluid, check
_______________ 194
Brake fluid, grade _______________ 241
Brake pad wear indicators
___ 164
, 194
Brakes
________________________ 164Braking
_______________________164
Bulb table _____________________205
CCD changer
____________________102
CD player
_____________________100
CHECK messages
_______________72
CHECKING
_____________________72
Cabin lighting __________________133
Calibration, ACC _________________90
Car alarm
______________________41
Care of safety belts
______________218
Central locking
__________________36
Change of address notification
_____232
Changing a wheel
_______________215
Changing bulbs
_________________200
Changing the engine oil
__________190
Changing the key battery __________39
Changing the wheels round _______212
Changing wiper blades
___________198
Chassis number
________________243
Child car seats
__________________19
Child safety
_____________________19
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______39
Child seats
_____________________19
Cigar lighter ____________________135
Cleaning the soft top, Convertible
____57
Climate-control system, manual
_____80
Compact spare wheel
____________214
Condensation water, A/C __________82Condensation water, ACC
_________ 85
Convertible
____________________ 47
Coolant
______________________ 192
Courtesy Headlight Feature
_______ 76
Cruise Control
_________________ 163
Cup holder
____________________ 134
DDICE/TWICE
__________________ 207
Date code, tires ________________ 214
Dim low beam
__________________ 75
Dimmer
_______________________ 78
Direction indicators
______________ 76
Direction-indicator stalk
___________ 76
Dome lighting
_________________ 133
Door mirrors
__________________ 137
Drive belt
_____________________ 197
Driving in deep water
____________ 179
Driving in hot weather ___________ 173
Driving technique
_______________ 170
Driving with a compact spare wheel
184
Driving with a load
______________ 178
Driving with a roof load
__________ 176
Driving with the trunk lid open
_____ 179
EEconomical motoring
____________ 170
Electrical system, technical data
___ 240
Electrical window
_______________ 130
ProCarManuals.com

248 IndexElectrically adjustable seats
_______ 127
Electrically heated front seats ______ 129
Electrically heated rear window _____ 83
Electronic starting interlock
_________ 37
Emergency opening, fuel filler door
_144
Emergency operation of the soft top,
Convertible
____________________ 52
Emergency operation of the sunroof
_132
Emission control systems
_________ 188
Engine bay
____________________ 187
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 220
Engine break-in period ______ 155
, 170
Engine number
_________________ 243
Engine oil, changing
_____________ 190
Engine oil, checking _____________ 190
Engine oil, grade
________________ 237
Engine oil, volume _______________ 238
Engine variants
_________________ 239
Engine, description ______________ 188
Engine, technical data ____________ 237
FFault codes, Audio System
________ 109
Flat spot
______________________ 218
Folding the soft top, Convertible
_____ 49
For long trips
___________________ 184
Front fog lights __________________ 77
Fuel filler door, emergency opening
_144
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 68
Fuel grade _____________________ 239Fueling
_______________________151
Fuel-tank capacity
_______________239
Fuse table
_____________________208
Fuses
________________________206
GGearbox number
________________243
Gearbox oil, checking
____________191
Gearbox oil, grade
_______________240
General particulars ______________234
General safety instructions, Convertible
48
Glove compartment
______________135
HHandbrake
_____________________168
Hazard warning lights
_____________76
Head restraint
___________________18
Headlight flasher _________________75
Hood
_________________________186
Horn signal
____________________131
IIf the car does not start
___________147
Ignition switch
__________________146
Immobilizer
_____________________37
Important considerations concerning
cars with catalytic converters
_____150Important considerations for driving
148
Indicator lights
__________________ 60
Instrument lighting
_______________ 78
Integrated booster seat
___________ 26
Interior equipment
______________ 123
Interior lighting
_________________ 133
Interior lighting, Convertible
________ 58
Interior rearview mirror
__________ 137
JJack
_________________________ 215
Jump starting
__________________ 181
KKey
__________________________ 36
Key, removing
_________________ 146
LLATCH (child safety)
_____________ 21
Labels and plates
______________ 243
Leather upholstery, care of
_______ 219
Load eyes
____________________ 142
Locks
_________________________ 36
Lowering rear seat
______________ 138
Luggage compartment
__________ 138
Luggage compartment, Convertible
_56
Luggage-compartment lighting
____ 142
ProCarManuals.com

249 Index
MMain beam
_____________________ 75
Main instrument panel
_____________ 60
Maintenance schedule ___________ 230
Manual climate-control system
______ 80
Manual raising of the soft top,
Convertible
____________________ 52
Manual transmission
_____________ 155
Manually opening the fuel filler door,
Convertible
____________________ 58
Manually opening the fuel filler door,
Coupé and 5-door
______________ 144
Maxi fuses
_____________________ 207
Memory, driver’s seat
____________ 128
Motoring abroad
________________ 184
NNight Panel
_____________________ 73
OORVR
________________________ 189
Odometer ______________________ 66
Oil specification
_________________ 237
OnStar
________________________ 111
Opening handle
__________________ 36
Owner assistance _______________ 231
PPaint touch-up
__________________221
Parcel shelf
____________________141
Park Brake Shift Lock
____________158
Parking brake
__________________168
Parking lights ____________________75
Plates and labels
________________243
Power steering fluid, check
________195
Power steering oil, grade
_________241
Pressure gauge
__________________67
Programmable driver’s seat
_______128
Programming, ACC
_______________90
RRadio
__________________________98
Raising the soft top, Convertible
_____51
Rear fog light
____________________77
Rear seat
______________________138
Rear seat, tipping
_______________138
Rearview mirrors ________________137
Rear-window wiper _______________79
Recirculation
____________________82
Recycling
______________________224
Refuelling _____________________151
Relay table ____________________209
Release handle, hood
____________186
Remote control
__________________36
Remote control battery, changing
____39
Removing the key
_______________146
Reporting safety defects
__________232Rev counter
____________________ 66
Reversing lights
_________________ 77
Roof rack
_____________________ 176
Rotating the tires
_______________ 212
Running-in
____________________ 155
SSAHR, head restraint
____________ 18
SID (Side Instrument Display)
______ 69
SRS (airbag)
___________________ 28
Saab Audio System
______________ 93
Saab Trionic engine management
system
______________________ 189
Safety belts ____________________ 12
Safety belts, care of
_____________ 218
Seat belts
_____________________ 12
Seat-belt pretensioners
___________ 13
Seats
________________________ 124
Service costs
__________________ 231
Service information
_____________ 232
Service intervals
_______________ 230
Service record retention
_________ 231
Side airbags
___________________ 30
Ski hatch
_____________________ 141
Snow tires ____________________ 242
Soft top storage, Convertible
_______ 56
Spare wheel
__________________ 143
Speedometer ___________________ 66
Starting the engine
_____________ 147
Steering-wheel adjustment
_______ 131
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