2002 SAAB 9-3 open hood

169 Starting and driving
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a steep hill, turn the front
wheels so that they will be blocked by the
curb if the car should move.
Long-term parkingIf the car is not going to be used for some
time, e.g. 3–4 months, the following steps
are recommended:
 Run the engine to normal temperature
before long-term parking.
 Drain the washer-fluid reservoir and
hoses.  Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber
seals on the hood, trunk lid and doors,
and lubricate them with glycerol (glyc-
erin).
 After washing the car, dry the brake discs
by taking the car out on the road and
applying the brakes a few times. If the traf-
fic conditions allow, brake quite heavily
just before parking.
 Fill the fuel tank with fuel to prevent con-
densation forming in it.
 Top up the coolant and check the anti-
freeze before the onset of winter.
 Park the car in a dry, covered and
well-ventilated building. Leave the park-
ing brake OFF!
 Disconnect the negative (-) battery lead.
If freezing temperatures are likely to occur
during the long-term parking, remove the
battery and store it away from freezing
temperatures.
 Ideally, the car should be put up on
blocks, with the wheels off the ground. If
this is not possible, inflate the tires to
about 43 psi (300 kPa).
 Leave all the windows open a crack and
cover the car with a fabric tarpaulin - not
one made of plastic which will not breath.
IB879
1Pointing downhill and
against the curb
– Turn the wheels into the
curb and edge the car for-
ward until the wheels touch
the curb. 2Pointing uphill and
against the curb
– Turn the wheels away
from the curb and edge the
car back until the wheels
touch the curb. 3Pointing uphill or down-
hill – no curb
– Turn the wheels towards
the edge of the road. If the
car should start rolling, it
will not run into the road.
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171 Starting and driving
 Driving in a low gear results in higher fuel
consumption than in a high gear because
of the lower engine speed for a given road
speed. Always change up to a higher gear
as soon as traffic conditions allow and use
the highest gear as much as possible.
 Check the air pressure in the tires once a
month. Incorrect pressures increase tire
wear. It is better to have slightly higher
pressure than lower.
 Check fuel consumption regularly.
Increased consumption can indicate that
something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked by an authorized
Saab dealer.
Practical tests on the roads have demon-
strated that substantial savings in fuel con-
sumption can be made if the above advice
is heeded.Road conditions Wet roads increase fuel consumption, as do
unpaved roads and driving in hilly country
(the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is
less than the additional amount required to
climb the hill).
Engine block heater (standard
equipment in Canada, accessory in
U.S.)The following are just some of the benefits
to the car and the environment of using an
engine block heater:
 Lower fuel consumption.
 Reduced wear on the engine.
 Inside of car warms up faster.
 Exhaust emissions substantially reduced
over short runs.
The engine block heater is effective with
outside temperatures up to +60 – +70°F
(+15 – +20°C). The warmer it is outside, the
shorter the time the heater need be con-
nected. Longer than 1.5 hours is unneces-
sary.
If the car is equipped with a removable elec-
trical cabin heater that is not in use, this
should be stored in the luggage compart-
ment.
Driving in cold weatherBefore starting a journey in cold weather
you should check the following:
 That the wiper blades have not become
frozen to the windshield/glass.
 Brush any snow away from the air intake
for the heater system (opening between
hood and windshield).
 It may be advisable to lubricate the
door-lock cylinder (use molybdenum
disulphide, MoS
2) to prevent its freezing.
If the lock has frozen, take care not to
break the key (or use the remote control)
– heat it first or spray it with de-icer.
 Periodically during the winter, add gaso-
line anti-freeze to the fuel to dispel any
condensation in the fuel tank which could
freeze and cause problems in the system.
Keep the tank well filled to reduce the risk
of condensation forming.
If the car is parked outside in freezing
weather, fuel additives (gasoline
anti-freeze) will not do any good as it
cannot remove water that has already fro-
zen. Park the car in a warm place so that
any ice that may have built up melts, then
add gasoline anti-freeze when filling up
the tank. Condensation is caused by
changes in the outdoor temperature or by
the car being parked alternately in a
garage and outside.
 It is particularly important when the roads
are slippery that the brakes and tires be in
good condition.
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182 Starting and drivingTo jump start your vehicle:
1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a
12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.2 Get the vehicles close enough so the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the
vehicles are not touching each other. If
a poor connection on the negative
jumper cable should exist, it is possible
for damage to be caused to electrical
systems/components of either vehicle
should inadvertent contact be made.
You would not be able to start your car
and bad grounding could damage the
electrical systems.
3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Turn off all lights that are not needed,
and radios. This will avoid sparks and
help save both batteries and it could
save your radio.4 Open the hood and locate the battery.
Find the positive (+) and negative (-) termi-
nals on the battery.NOTEIgnoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be
covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your car by pushing or pull-
ing it could damage your vehicle, even if
you have a manual transmission. If you
have an automatic transmission, your
vehicle cannot be started by pushing or
pulling it.NOTEIf the other system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged.
WARNING
You could be injured if the vehicles roll.
Set the parking brake firmly on each vehi-
cle. Put an automatic transmission in P
(Park) or a manual transmission in Neu-
tral.NOTEIf you leave your radio on, it could be
badly damaged. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty.
WARNING
An electric fan can start up even when the
engine is not running and can injure you.
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from
any underhood electric fan.
IB886
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186 Car careHood release handleThe handle of the hood lock is located on the
left under the instrument panel. Open the
hood in the following way:
1 Pull the release handle.
2 The hood moves to the half-locked posi-
tion and is stopped by a safety catch at
the front edge.
3 Press the lever of the catch upwards and
raise the hood.
When you close the hood you should drop it
from a height of about 8 inches (20 cm),
without slamming it.
WARNING
Never hold your fingers between the hood
and safety catch if lowering but not clos-
ing the hood.
IB1514
Hood release pressure plate
IB887
Hood release handle
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192 Car care
(80°C). This can be achieved by driving
the car for about 30 min on the open
road.
2 With the engine idling, move the selector
lever to D and wait for at least
15 seconds. Next, move the selector
lever to R and wait for 15 seconds again.
Finally, move the selector lever to P. Let
the engine idle.
3 Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free
cloth and put it back.
4 With the fluid at normal temperature, the
level should be between the MAX and
MIN marks on the dipstick. Top up, as
necessary, with Texaco Texamatic Dex-
tron III automatic-transmission fluid,
adding it through the dipstick pipe. The
distance between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick corresponds to a
volume of approximately 0.4 qts
(0.4 litre).
If the outside temperature is below 50°F
(10°C), the fluid will not reach the specified
temperature of 175°F (80°C). In this case,
the correct fluid level may be 0.8 in (20 mm)
below the MAX mark.
CoolantThe expansion tank is transparent, to facili-
tate checking. The level must be a little
under the mark ”KALT – COLD” on the tank
when the engine is cold. If the SID message
"FILL COOLANT FLUID" is displayed, the
level in the expansion tank should be
checked. Top up as necessary with equal
parts of clean water and coolant. Use only
coolant approved by Saab.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine to normal temper-
ature and top up again, as necessary.
Coolant The cooling system is filled at the factory
with coolant containing a 50% concentra-
tion of a combined antifreeze and corrosion
inhibitor. A weaker mixture will result in
reduced anticorrosion protection. For pro-
tection against freezing in very cold
weather, a stronger concentration will be
needed.
A 60% concentration of antifreeze will pro-
vide protection at temperatures down to
-58 F (-50°C).
NOTEIf there is a burnt smell or the fluid is black,
change the fluid as soon as possible.
WARNING
 Proceed with caution if the radiator is
boiling when you open the hood.
Never remove the expansion-tank
filler cap when the radiator is boiling.
Loosen the cap carefully, and let the
engine cool before removing the cap.
 The cooling system is pressurized –
hot coolant and vapor can escape
when the filler cap is released.
 Exercise care when adding coolant.
Coolant on hot surfaces constitutes a
fire risk.
IB892
Coolant expansion tank
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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
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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
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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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