Page 105 of 256

105 Saab 9-3 Audio System
General functionsVolume-preset modeTo select the volume-preset mode, press
and hold the BAND button at the same time
as you switch the Audio System on.
Use the button to select the
required function.
The following volume settings can be prese-
lected:
STARTVOL - maximum volume level
when the Audio System is switched on.
TEL VOL - preset volume level when an
in-car phone is activated.
SP D VOL - speed-dependent volume.
The Audio System will automatically
adjust the volume level to suit the back-
ground noise, such as road noise, occur-
ring while the car is in motion.
LOUDNESS ON/OFF - boosting of the
highest and lowest frequency ranges to
enhance the sound image when the
volume is set to a low level. Adjusting the volume The default setting for START VOL is
volume setting 9, and that for TEL VOL is
volume setting 14 (the highest volume set-
ting is 30). Maximum START VOL
TELVOL
To change the volume setting:
– Press and hold the BAND button at the
same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– Adjust the volume.
– Wait 10 seconds or touch one of the
buttons on the bottom row of the Audio
System, e.g. RADIO, to save the new vol-
ume setting.
Speed-dependent volume
(SP D VOL) ON/OFF To change the volume setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.
– Press and hold the BAND button at the same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– Select SP D VOL using .
– Select ON/OFF by turning the VOL
control.
– Wait 10 seconds or touch one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO, to save the new volume
setting.
Loudness ON/OFF To change the loudness setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.
– Press and hold the BAND button at the
same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– Select LOUDNESS using .
– Select ON/OFF by turning the VOL
control.
– Wait 10 seconds or touch one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO, to save the new volume
setting.
WARNING
These functions should only be carried
out when the car is stationary.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 106 of 256

106 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemSteering-wheel
controls To facilitate use of the Audio System and to
promote safer driving, most of the functions
can be operated using the integral remote
controls on the steering wheel. Control functions: NEXT:
RADIO mode: preselect buttons
1⇒2⇒ ... ⇒6⇒1⇒ ...
CD mode: Inoperative.
CD-changer mode: Change CD in the
magazine 1⇒2⇒ ... ⇒6⇒1⇒ ...
<< SEEK >>:
RADIO mode: Auto/manual seeking.
CD/CD-changer mode: Track
change/Rapid play.SRC (SOURCE)
Press repeatedly to switch between
RADIO ⇒(CD changer) ⇒ RADIO ⇒ ...
VOL +/–:
Volume adjust.
Security lock The Audio System is equipped with an elec-
tronic security lock. The special code is
unique to the car in which the Audio System
is fitted.
Each time the Audio System is switched on,
a check is made to ensure that the codes
match.
If not, the following will appear on the
display:
If a CD changer has been installed, it will
also have been security coded.
If the security code for the CD changer does
not match when the changer is selected, the
following will appear on the display:
If a CD changer is to be installed or if you
wish to move the main audio-system
module and/or CD changer to another car
(Saab 9-3), you
must
consult an authorized
Saab dealer so that the modules can be
given the correct security codes.
IB945
Audio System controls on steering wheel
ProCarManuals.com
Page 107 of 256

107 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Technical data
These specifications comply with the new IHF Standard
Since the policy at Saab is one of continual improvement, we retain the right to alter
specifications and design without prior notice.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for compliance
could void the user´s authority to operate the equipment.
Tone controls
Bass _________________________ ±12 dB at 40 Hz
Treble ________________________ ±10 dB at 15,000 Hz
Power output __________________4 x 20 W (4 x 12 W at 1%
THD (total harmonic dis-
tortion) and 13.5 V)
Radio module
Radio system __________________ PLL dual-synthesizer
tuner
Number of presets
FM __________________________ 3 x 6
AM __________________________ 2 x 6
Frequency range
FM __________________________ 87.9 MHz – 107.9 MHz
AM __________________________ 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
Scanning steps
Automatic seek tuning: ___________ VHF (FM) 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz
Manual seek tuning: _____________ VHF (FM) 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz CD player and CD changer
1-bit system and 8 x oversampling
Frequency range ________________ 5-20000 Hz
±0.5 dB
Stereo separation _______________ 45 dB
Distortion _____________________ < 0.008%
Dynamics _____________________ > 95 dB (1 kHz)
CD-changer capacity: 6 discs
Amplifier (cars with extra speakers in
front doors)
Power output ___________________ 2 x 40 W (2 x 30 W at 1%
THD 50 Hz)
Crossover frequency _____________ 110 Hz (-3 dB)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 108 of 256

108 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemAntennaThe antenna of the Audio System is motor-
ized.
Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupé and 5-door: The
antenna is located on the roof.
For the cleaning of the motorized antenna,
see the section headed "Washing", page
220.
The car has a factory-fitted roof antenna for
a car phone. Roof loads may negatively
affect telecommunication.
Multipath interference When the radio waves from an FM transmit-
ter collide with a large building, for example,
they will be reflected so that they reach the
car antenna slightly later than the direct
waves. This is referred to as multipath dis-
tortion. The effect is liable to be blamed
upon malfunctions in the radio.
NOTERemove the antenna if you wash the car
in a car wash, to avoid it being damaged.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of head injuries in the
event of a crash, the headliner and pillar
trims incorporate energy absorbing mate-
rial (Convertible: pillar trims and header
trims). These areas must not be modified
in any way. Work on these areas must
only be carried out at an authorized Saab
dealer.
IB977
IB1892
Accessories and other equipment must
not be fitted to the surfaces marked as
these are where the airbags may inflate in
the event of a crash.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 109 of 256

109 Saab 9-3 Audio System
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 is an example of
a fault code that you might be able to rectify
yourself.
Adjusting the frequency steps
North America/Europe If the car is taken from Europe to North
America, the radio’s frequency steps will
need to be adjusted.
With the radio off, press and hold
(mid-segment) and switch the
radio on at the same time.
The station presets will be cancelled and
replaced by preset frequencies.
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 the
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
WARNING
The CD player/CD changer is classified
as Class 1 laser equipment.
Service and repair work must only be
carried out by authorized technicians.
If the casing is damaged, hazardous
laser radiation can occur.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 110 of 256
110 Saab 9-3 Audio System(This page has been left blank)
ProCarManuals.com
Page 111 of 256

111 OnStar - Telematics
OnStar - Telematics
Using OnStar................... 112OnStar is Easy............................ 112
OnStar Services Button .............. 112
Emergency button ...................... 113
White dot button ......................... 113
System status light ..................... 113The OnStar Center .......... 114Connecting to the OnStar center 114
Your personal identification number
(PIN) ........................................... 114
The OnStar Safety and
Security Plan................. 114
Automatic notification of air bag
deployment ................................. 114
Emergency services ................... 114
Roadside assistance................... 115
Stolen vehicle tracking ................ 115
Accident Assist™ ........................ 115
OnStar Med-Net.......................... 115
Hands-free communication ......... 115The OnStar Premium
Services Plan * ............. 115Route support ............................. 115
Ride Assist .................................. 115
Information and Convenience ser-
vices ........................................... 115
Concierge services ..................... 116
Additional Services......... 116Personal Calling: ........................ 116Virtual Advisor: ............... 120
OnStar Subscriber
Website .......................... 121
Limitations ....................... 121
Additional Information.... 122Warranty .................................... 122
A Note About Privacy ................. 122
Transferring OnStar .................... 122
OnStar Subscription Information 122
ProCarManuals.com
Page 112 of 256

112 OnStar - TelematicsYour new vehicle comes equipped with
advanced telematics hardware and one full
year of Onstar Premium Service. Saab
Telematics is a sophisticated in-vehicle
system allowing convergence of wireless
communications, GPS (Global Positioning
System) satellites and advanced vehicle
electronics.
You must activate immediately to ensure
you receive your full year of service, as your
prepaid subscription begins at the time of
delivery.
Here’s how to activate your OnStar ser-
vice:
1 Push the blue OnStar button located in
your Saab. After a prerecorded mes-
sage explaining the benefits of onStar,
you will be greeted by a live OnStar advi-
sor. The advisor will activate your
OnStar service.
2 Provide the information requested by
the advisor to activate your account and
set up your personal profile. This will
take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Using OnStarWelcome to OnStar. This section gives you
all the information you need to get started
using OnStar, including descriptions of all
OnStar services. It also introduces the
added services of Personal Calling, Virtual
advisor, and the Onstar Subscriber website.
For a complete explanation of these addi-
tional services, please see pages 116, 120
and 121.
NOTE: In order for OnStar to operate, the
car audio system must be switched on.OnStar is EasyIt’s easy to start using your OnStar system.
In fact, pressing the OnStar button is usually
all you need to do. Once you are connected,
an OnStar advisor will help you with the ser-
vices in your plan.
Inoperative if battery is discharge or dis-
connected.
OnStar is powered by your vehicle´s battery
and will not operate if the battery is dis-
charged or disconnected.
Potentially inoperative if vehicle is in a
crash
If your vehicle is in a crash, some compo-
nents could be damaged or disconnected,
potentially rendering OnStar inoperative.Your onboard OnStar System consists of
three buttons:
OnStar Services Button
Press this button, and you are
connected to an OnStar advi-
sor. You will hear a chime, fol-
lowed by the words
”Connecting to OnStar.” Allow
20-30 seconds for initial con-
nection to the OnStar Call Cen-
ter. An advisor will then help
you with any of the services
included in your OnStar plan.
If cellular service is unavail-
able, OnStar will generate a
fast busy tone. The OnStar sys-
tem will retry calls a number of
times before returning to the
ready mode. To cancel the
automatic dialing, press the
White dot button.
ProCarManuals.com