
194 Car care and technical informationOil changingThe engine oil must be changed in accor-
dance with the service program, see page
244.
Oil volume and grade, see page 251.
Oil changing should be carried out on a
warm engine.
1 Unscrew the drain plug in the bottom of
the sump and leave the oil to drain into
an oil tray or other suitable receptacle for
at least ten minutes. Take care, as the oil
may be hot.
2 After the oil has been drained, unscrew
and remove the oil filter.
3 Fit a new filter and tighten it by hand.
4 Refit the drain plug with a new washer.
5 Fill with new engine oil.
Run the engine to normal temperature and
check the oil level.
NOTEChange of engine oil and oil filter may be
required more frequently (5000-mile
intervals (8,000 km)) if any one of the fol-
lowing conditions apply to the car:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8
to 16 km). This is particularly important
when outside temperatures are below
freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling
(such as frequent stop-and-go driving).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a car-
rier on top of your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery ser-
vice, police, taxi or other commercial
applications.
IB493
Drain plug and oil filter, 4-cylinder engine
IB494
Drain plug and oil filter, 3.0t V6
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195 Car care and technical information
Transmission fluidManual transmission Check and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.
If original fluid cannot can be obtained for
topping up (see page 254), automatic trans-
mission fluid Dextron III (synthetic fluid) can
be used. If so, the car should be taken to an
authorized Saab dealer as soon as possible
to have the reason for low fluid level cor-
rected and original fluid installed.Automatic transmission Check the fluid level as follows:
1 Stand the car on level ground and apply
the parking brake. The automatic trans-
mission fluid must be at normal running
temperature, approximately 175°F
(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 Saab 3309 automatic
transmission fluid (mineral oil-based),
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 liter).
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.
WARNING
Prolonged and repeated exposure of
the skin to engine oil can cause seri-
ous skin disorders.
Avoid prolonged skin contact when-
ever possible. Wash the affected area
thoroughly with soap and water after
any contact.
Keep oil out of reach of children.
Do not touch the turbocharger or
manifold. These get very hot when the
engine has been running.
Do not spill oil on hot parts of the
engine as this could cause a fire. Used
engine oil is particularly flammable.
Protect the environment. Do not dis-
pose of oil in the ground or down a
drain. Dispose of all used oil and oil fil-
ters at an appropriate disposal facility.
NOTEIf there is a smell of burning fluid or the
fluid is black, change the fluid.
IB1923
Dipstick for automatic-transmission fluid
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196 Car care and technical informationCoolant The expansion tank is transparent to facili-
tate checking of the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant must
not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the
expansion tank.
If the message ”FILL COOLANT FLUID” is
displayed on the SID, check the level of fluid
in the expansion tank.
Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of
clean water and Saab-approved coolant.
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 charged 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).
The coolant does not normally have to be
changed during the service life of the car.
The type of coolant used has a reddish color
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.
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.
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.
IB1338
Coolant expansion tank
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198 Car care and technical informationPower steering fluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid in
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point forward during the
check.
Clean around the cap before it is
unscrewed. Clean the dipstick. Screw in the
cap completely again before checking the
level.
The oil should lie between the MAX and MIN
marks when the oil temperature is about
70°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the level can
be lower, and in higher temperatures the
level can be higher, both of which are
acceptable.
Top up with ”Power Steering Fluid
CHF 11S” (part number 8996860).
Air filter
WARNING
Do not fill the power steering fluid to
above the MAX mark. Too much fluid can
result in leakage.
Power steering fluid on hot engine com-
ponents constitutes a fire risk.
WARNING
For Service and Repair, parts equivalent
to those used by Saab should be used.
Be aware that some non standard
replacement parts may put you in an
unsafe condition, even if they might fit.
IB501
Power steering fluid reservoir
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244 Maintenance and owner assistanceMaintenance scheduleThe Maintenance Schedule prescribes a
service program to the purchaser/operator
of a Saab that is reasonable and necessary
to ensure the proper emission control sys-
tems function, safety and reliability of the
Saab automobile in normal use. Additional
maintenance is recommended for specific
components when the car is operated under
certain severe conditions. Proper mainte-
nance is always good advice!
Authorized Saab dealers are equipped and
trained to meet your Saab’s service needs.
They regularly receive up-to-date Saab ser-
vice manuals and parts and technical ser-
vice bulletins from Saab and are able,
through their franchise agreement, to attend
Saab service schools, obtain Saab special
tools and technical assistance and pur-
chase original equipment service and
replacement parts.
Today’s complex automobiles should only
be entrusted to the most knowledgeable
service professionals. A Saab dealer is your
best choice.
Service intervalsThe maintenance schedule is comprised of
a Check -up 30 days after retail delivery, fol-
lowed by services at every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km) thereafter (10,000, 20,000,
30,000 miles/16,000 32,000, 48,000 km
etc.).
Engine oil and filter changesChanging the engine oil and filter is required
at every service point. Use only a Saab
approved long-life oil filter and engine oils
meeting the SAE viscosity ratings and API
service classifications stated in the Specifi-
cation section of this Owner’s Manual. The
use of extra additives in the oil is not neces-
sary and is not recommended, and may be
harmful to turbochargers.
More frequent oil changes are recom-
mended if your vehicle is operated under
the following conditions:
Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to
16 km). This is particularly important
when outside temperatures are below
freezing.
Most trips include extensive idling (such
as frequent stop-and-go driving).
Most trips are through dusty areas.
You frequently tow a trailer or use a car-
rier on top of your vehicle.
If the vehicle is used for delivery service,
police, taxi or other commercial applica-
tions.
If your driving habits match this description,
have the engine oil and filter changed in-
between normal services at 5,000 mile
(8,000 km) intervals. The Warranties and
Service Record Booklet has provisions to
record extra oil changes.
NOTEThe Check-up will be done by your Saab
dealer at no charge and should be done
as close as possible to the scheduled 30
days.
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252 Specifications
Engine variants
Viscosity
:
The viscosity of oil is classified according to the SAE standard.
Nowadays, multigrade oils are always used in cars. The proper-
ties of these oils facilitate starting the car in cold weather but
mean that the oil is also viscous enough to coat al moving parts
under high pressures and with high outside air temperatures.
Multigrade oils are graded with two viscosity’s, e.g. 5W-30,
where 5W meets certain viscosity requirements at -4°F (-20°C),
while 30 fulfils requirements at 212°F (100°C).
Oil capacity incl. filter (on changing):
4-cylinder _______________________ 4.1 qts (4.0 litres)
3.0t V6 _________________________ 4.6 qts (4.5 litres)
2.3t Ecopower Rating, EEC at 5500 rpm ____________ 185 hp (136 kW)
Maximum torque, EEC at 1800 rpm ____ 207.2 ft.lb
(280 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 9.3:1 2.3 Turbo Ecopower (”Aero” model engine),
manual transmissionRating, EEC at 5500 rpm ____________ 250 hp (184 kW)
Maximum torque, EEC at 1900 rpm 259.0 ft.lb.
(350 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 9.3:12.3 Turbo Ecopower, (”Aero” model engine)
automatic transmissionRating, EEC at 5500 rpm ____________ 250 hp (184 kW)
Maximum torque, EEC at 1900 rpm 244.2 ft.lb.
(330 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 9.3:13.0t V6 Ecopower Rating, EEC at 5500 rpm ____________ 200 hp (147 kW)
Maximum torque, EEC at 2500 rpm ____ 229.4 ft.lb
(310 Nm)
Compression ratio _________________ 9.5:1
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262 IndexDoor handles
____________________ 38
Door mirrors ___________________ 123
Doors, locks & luggage compartment
_37
Drive belt
______________________ 253
Drive belt, alternator
_____________ 201
Drive belts, length
_______________ 253
Driver’s seat, programmable
_______ 120
Driving in hot weather
____________ 173
Driving with a load
_______________ 178
EElectric heating seat
_____________ 121
Electric heating, front seats
________ 121
Electric windows
________________ 125
Electrical system, technical data
____ 253
Electrically heated rear seat
_______ 121
Electronic Stability Program, ESP
___ 168
Electronic starting interlock
_________ 39
Emergency operation of sunroof
____ 127
Emission control systems
_________ 191
Engine bay, 3.0t V6
______________ 190
Engine bay, 4-cyl
_______________ 189
Engine bay, cleaning _____________ 233
Engine number
_________________ 257
Engine oil, grade ________________ 251
Engine, description _________ 192
, 193
Engine, technical data
____________ 250
Engine, temperature gauge
________ 57
Engine-oil level, checking
_________ 193
Expansion tank, coolant
__________ 196
FFault codes, Audio System
________103
Flat spot, tire
___________________230
Fluid level, automatic transmission
__195
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Sedan
____132
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Wagon ___135
Frequently asked questions on airbag
35
Front fog lights
__________________68
Frost warning
___________________60
Fuel
__________________________152
Fuel consumption
________________59
Fuel filler flap
___________________143
Fuel gauge
_____________________57
Fuel grade _____________________250
Fuse box under hood
____________220
Fuse panel
____________________216
Fuses
________________________216
GGearbox number
________________257
Gearbox oil, checking
____________195
Gearbox, technical data, __________254
Glove compartment
______________129
HHandbrake
_____________________185
Hazard warning lights
_____________68
Head restraint
___________________18
Headlight flasher _________________65
Headlights
______________________65Holidaying abroad
______________ 237
Hood
________________________ 188
Horn _________________________ 122
IIgnition switch
_________________ 146
Immobilizer
____________________ 39
Indicator and warning lights
________ 50
Indicator lights
__________________ 50
Instrument illumination
___________ 67
Instruments and controls __________ 49
Integral child seat
_______________ 27
Interior equipment ______________ 117
Interior lighting
__________________ 69
Interior rearview mirror
__________ 123
JJack
_________________________ 228
KKey
__________________________ 38
Key to chassis number
__________ 258
Key, remove
__________________ 146
LLATCH (child safety)
_____________ 20
Labels
_________________________ 8
Leather upholstery, care of
_______ 232
Light horn
_____________________ 65
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263 Index
Light switches
___________________ 65
Luggage-compartment lighting
______ 69
MMain instrument panel
_____________ 50
Main/dipped beam
_______________ 65
Maintenance schedule ___________ 244
Manual gearbox, technical data
____ 254
Maxi fuses
_____________________ 217
Milometer ______________________ 56
Motoring abroad
________________ 237
NNight Panel
_____________________ 63
OOil capacity, engine
______________ 250
Oil change, engine ______________ 194
Oil specification
_________________ 250
OnStar
________________________ 105
Outdoor temperature
______________ 59
Owner assistance
_______________ 245
PPaintwork, touching-in
____________ 234
Parking Assistance
______________ 184
Parking lights
___________________ 65
Plates and labels ________________ 257
Poly-V-belt
____________________ 201Power steering
_________________198
Power-steering fluid
_____________198
Pressure gauge
__________________58
Programming I, ACC
______________78
Programming II, ACC _____________79
Programming the ACC ____________78
QQuestions on function of airbag
_____35
Quick guide, Audio System
_________85
RRadio
__________________________88
Rain sensor
_____________________70
Rear fog light ____________________66
Rear seat, 9-5 Sedan, folding
______132
Rear seat, 9-5 Wagon, folding _____135
Rear-seat head restraints
__________18
Rear-view mirror, antidazzle _______124
Rearview mirrors
________________123
Reclamation
___________________237
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmission,
towing a caravan or trailer
________174
Refuelling
_____________________152
Relay panel ____________________219
Remote control __________________38
Remote-control battery, changing
____40
Remove the key
________________146
Reporting safety defects
__________246Reprogramming of systems
______ 259
Reservoir, power-steering fluid ____ 198
Rev counter
____________________ 56
Reversing lights
_________________ 68
Roof load
_____________________ 176
Running-in ____________________ 170
SSID
__________________________ 59
SRS (airbag)
___________________ 29
SRS, supplementary restraint system
29
Saab 9-5 Audio System
___________ 83
Saab Information Display (SID)
_____ 59
Saab Parking Assistance
________ 184
Safety belts
____________________ 12
Safety belts, care of
_____________ 232
Safety-belt pretensioners
_________ 13
Safety-belt reminder
_____________ 12
Seats
________________________ 118
Securing a load
_________________ 41
Selector lever indication,
automatic transmission
__________ 59
Service costs
__________________ 245
Service information
_____________ 246
Service intervals
_______________ 244
Service record retention
_________ 245
Settings, seats
_________________ 118
Side airbags
___________________ 32
Signalling, horn ________________ 122
Sliding floor, 9-5 Wagon
_________ 140
Snow chains
__________________ 171
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