2002 SAAB 9-3 cooling

61 Instruments and controls

Warning charging
This light comes on together with if the
battery is not charging. If it comes on while
you are driving, stop the car as soon as pos-
sible and switch off the engine.
Check the alternator drive belt (see page
197). If the belt has broken, the engine may
overheat (cooling system will not function
properly), the battery will not be charged,
the A/C compressor will not run and power
assistance for the steeering will be lost.
Brake warning light
This light should come on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to ON. If it doesn´t come
on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem.
The brake warning light will come on
together with if there is insufficient
brake fluid in the reservoir, see page 194.
If the ABS warning light is on at the same
time, the ABS system may be inoperative
because of a fault (see Anti-lock brake
warning, see page 62).
Parking brake warning
light
The light will show when the parking brake
is on (see page 168.)
If the car driven with the parking brake on,
will also come on and a chime will
sound.
The parking brake is mechanical and oper-
ates on the rear wheels.
WARNING
Never drive the car when these warning
lights are on. Danger of brake failure!
Have the brake system checked at once
by an authorized Saab dealer.
WARNING
 Always apply the parking brake when
parking, see page 168.
 Always apply the parking brake before
removing the ignition key.
 Do not apply the parking brake while
the car is moving.
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84 Instruments and controlsAutomatic climate
control (ACC)The air is drawn in through an intake at the
bottom edge of the windshield. It passes
through an efficient filter before being
routed through the climate-control system
and into the cabin. The cabin discharge vent
is located on the right behind the rear
bumper. The air discharge vents should be
kept free of snow and ice in the winter.
ACC (Automatic Climate Control) automati-
cally maintains the desired cabin tempera-
ture, regardless of the weather outside.
The system will achieve the desired temper-
ature in the quickest possible way.
Note that heating or cooling is not
speeded up by setting the temperature
higher or lower than you really want.
For the ACC system to be most effective, all
windows, and the sunroof if there is one,
must be closed, and the panel vents must
be open.
The incoming air is treated in three stages:
first it passes through a filter; it is then dehu-
midified and cooled and, finally, if required,
heated. The temperature interval within which you
can make adjustments is 58-82°F
(15-27°C). Outside it, there is the HI position
(max. heat and high fan speed) and the LO
position (max. cooling and max. fan speed).
The displayed temperature is not the actual
temperature but corresponds to the comfort
level normally experienced at that tempera-
ture after allowance has been made for the
air flow, relative humidity, solar radiation,
etc., currently prevailing inside the car.
 The most usual temperature setting is
66-74°F (19-23°C), depending on per-
sonal preference and what clothing is
worn.  It is recommended that changes in the
temperature setting be made in steps of
2°F (1°C).
 Conversion between °C and °F is done in
the SID unit; see ”Units and language ver-
sions”, page 74.
 During the cooling phase in warm
weather the panel vents must be open.
 Do not manually select recirculation in
cold/wintery weather. The reduced air
flow can cause misting and ice on the
inside of the windows.
IB794
Air vent at rear side window
IB032
Dash vent 1 Adjusting the direction of the air flow.
2 Adjusting the air flow
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149 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 from 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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173 Starting and driving
Driving in hot weather Always check the coolant level before
starting a journey. When the engine is
cold, the coolant must not be above the
KALT/COLD mark on the expansion tank.
 At the end of a journey, if the engine has
worked hard, allow it to idle for two or
three minutes before switching it off.
If the needle on the temperature gauge
enters the red zone:
1 Bring the car to a standstill but leave the
engine running. Do not remove the cap
on the expansion tank even if the tank is
empty. The engine temperature should
decrease. If the temperature continues
to rise with the engine idling, the engine
must be switched off. 2 If the engine is idling and the needle on
the temperature gauge falls, wait until a
normal temperature is shown (about in
the middle of the scale) before switching
off the engine. If the coolant needs top-
ping up, unscrew the cap on expansion
tank carefully.
Top up, as necessary, ideally with a
50/50 mixture of coolant and water. Use
a Saab-approved coolant. If only water
is available, use that, but remember to
have the coolant mixture checked as
soon as possible.
3 As soon as possible, have the cooling
system checked by an authorized Saab
dealer.
Towing a trailerTrailer hitch attachment Trailer hitch attachments are available as
accessories. These are designed for a max-
imum trailer weight of 3500 lbs (1588 kg),
with trailer brakes, see also page 236.
Use only the electrical trailer hitch connec-
tor provided in the trailer hitch kit.
Saab recommends:
 Use a Saab original hitch kit attachment
which is designed and tested by Saab.
 Consult your Saab dealer for the right
hitch kit for your car.
WARNING
Always undo the expansion tank filler cap
carefully, releasing the pressure and any
vapor before removing the cap com-
pletely.
NOTEUse only a genuine Saab trailer hitch and
wiring, since other wiring methods can
cause expensive damage to the car’s
body and electrical system.
Consult an authorized Saab dealer for
guidance on how to connect the trailer
hitch electrical system.
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175 Starting and driving
Recommendations for driving in
hilly terrainThe following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in warm
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (30°C).
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (40°C).It is important to consider the following when
driving a car with automatic transmission up
long inclines.
Use Normal mode when driving with a cara-
van or trailer on hilly roads. The adaptive
gear change pattern function will prevent
the transmission overheating.
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following may also occur:
 A/C compressor is switched off
 Gear change pattern is altered
 The CHECK message TRANSMISSION
OVERHEATING appears on the SID
If TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING
appears on the SID, stop the car as soon as
it is safe to do so and wait until the message
has been extinguished. When driving sub-
sequent to the transmission oil overheating,
select either 3rd gear or Drive, whichever
will allow the engine to run at 3,000 rpm and
maintain the speed of traffic or a safe speed;
see page 159.Do not drive continuously with the WINTER
mode selected in hilly country when you are
towing a trailer, as this will increase fuel con-
sumption and risk overheating the transmis-
sion.
Driving considerationsAlways take extra care when towing a
trailer, as the car’s handling will be different
and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s
braking system and suspension also have a
considerable effect on these characteris-
tics, see also "Driving with a load" page
178.
Select position 1 when descending steep
hills. Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6-7 3330 (1500) Unlimited
8-9 3330 (1500) 15 max.
10-15 1890 (850) 15 max.
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6-7 2000 (900) Unlimited
8-9 2000 (900) 15 max.
10-15 1000 (450) 15 max.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position 1, 2, or 3) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
NOTEIf the “Automatic transmission fault
indicator” warning comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
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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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193 Car care
The coolant does not normally have to be
changed during the service life of the car.
This type of coolant has a reddish colour
and should not be mixed with other types of
coolant. Saab Original coolant should be
used all year round. Only use coolant
approved by Saab.
Air filter
NOTEAlways mix the antifreeze with the
appropriate volume of water before
adding it to the cooling system.
If pure antifreeze is added, the engine
could still freeze and be damaged. This is
because the antifreeze will not mix
properly with the coolant before the
thermostat has opened to allow full
circulation.
WARNING
Only use an air filter recommended by
Saab Automobile AB.
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226 Car careAir conditioning
(A/C system)
Fault diagnosis If a fault occurs in the A/C system, there are
a number of checks you can perform your-
self. If the fault persists, however, have the
system checked by an authorized Saab
dealer.Important!

When the A/C system is in operation, mois-
ture from the air will condense on the evap-
orator. When the car is then parked, this
condensation will drip off the evaporator
and form a small pool of water on the
ground. This is normal. The warmer the
ambient air and the higher the humidity, the
greater the amount of condensation formed.Inadequate cooling:
a Make sure that the temperature and
air-distribution controls are in the
appropriate settings, see page 81.
b Check that the condenser (forward of
the radiator) has not become clogged
with dirt and insects.
c Make sure that the drive belt for the com-
pressor is not slipping, see page 197.
d Check the fuses for the ventilation fans
and compressor, see page 208.
NOTE The A/C system is designed for use
with R134a refrigerant.
 Refrigerant handling requires special
equipment and special procedures for
charging and draining the system.
 All repairs and adjustments on the A/C
system must be carried out by a Saab
dealer authorized for this kind of work.
 Never mix R134a and R12 refriger-
ants.
WARNING
 The A/C system is pressurized. Do not
break any connections or undo A/C
system components.
 Escaping refrigerant gas can cause
visual impairment or other injury.
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