2003 SAAB 9-3 fuel consumption

65 Instruments and controls
Trip computer function of the SIDSID contains the following functions:When the engine is started, the function that
was selected when the engine was
switched off is displayed, with the following
exceptions:
Te m p is displayed if the outside temper-
ature is between 26 and 38°F (–3 and
+3°C).
D.T.E is displayed if less than or equal to
30 miles (50 km).
Outdoor temperature
The Temp function is always activated
(even in Night Panel mode) if the outdoor
temperature rises or falls to between 26 and
38°F (–3 and +3°C).
Climate System, page 93.
Rear DefrosterHeated SeatsFan SettingsAir DistributionA/C ModeDual/Single ZoneDefault Settings
System Settings, page 70.
LanguageUnitSpeed Scale Illum.Service Info
WARNING
It is strongly recommended that the SID
settings be changed only when the car is
stationary. The driver’s attention can
otherwise easily be distracted from the
road.
Tem pOutdoor temperature
D.T.E. Estimated range (distance to
empty fuel tank)
Fuel ØAverage fuel consumption
since function last reset
DateDate
DistDistance to destinations.
Function can also be used as
a trip meter
ArrivEstimated time of arrival
Speed Ø Average speed since func-
tion last reset
Speed WSpeed warning (chime)
WARNING
Remember that roads can be icy even at
temperatures of above 38°F (+3°C),
especially on bridges and stretches of
road that are sheltered from the sun.
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133 Starting and driving
Manual transmissionClutch interlockTo start the car, the clutch pedal must be
depressed.
When changing gear, fully depress the
clutch pedal and then release it smoothly. It
is inadvisable to drive with your hand resting
on the gear lever, as this can increase the
wear on the gearbox.
There are two manual gearbox versions:
a 5-speed gearbox and a 6-speed gearbox.
Reverse gear on the 6-speed gearbox is to
the left of 1st gear. Raise the ring under the
gear knob to engage reverse.
Before reverse (R) can be engaged, you
must lift the ring underneath the gear knob.
Cars equipped with a manual transmission
have a "Shift-up" light on the instrument
panel. The light begins to work after the
vehicle is warmed up and provides you with
a good indication when to shift to a higher
gear.It is not necessary or recommended to
follow the shift-up recommendations in all
driving conditions, for example, when driv-
ing in heavy urban traffic or steep downhill
grades.
However, shifting with the light should result
in improved fuel economy. Therefore, for
reduced fuel consumption and better
energy conservation, you should make a
habit of shifting before or when the shift-up
light comes on.NOTICEWhen reverse gear is to be engaged,
the car must be at a standstill with
the accelerator fully released.
Shift up indicator
(U.S. models only)
Gear positions, 5-speed Gear positions, 6-speed
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153 Starting and driving
Economical drivingFactors affecting fuel consumptionThe fuel consumption of a car is greatly
affected by driving conditions, climate, road
conditions, speed, driving technique, and
so on.Breaking-inFuel consumption may be somewhat
higher during the break-in period (the
first 3,000–4,000 miles (5,000–7,000 km)).Weather conditionsSummer temperatures give better fuel
economy than winter ones. The difference
can be as much as about 10%. Consump-
tion increases in cold weather because the
engine takes longer to reach its normal
operating temperature. The transmission
and wheel bearings also take longer to
warm up. Even distance affects consump-
tion: short journeys of 3–5 miles (5–8 km)
do not give the engine enough time to
reach its optimum temperature. Wind con-
ditions also have a marked effect on fuel
consumption.How to read the diagram:
If fuel consumption with the engine at
normal temperature is 28 mpg (10 l/
100 km), the actual fuel consumption
3 miles (5 km) after the engine has started
from cold will be:
– 23.5 mpg (12 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 68°F (+20°C) (increase of 20%).
– 17.7 mpg (16 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 32°F (0°C) (increase of 60%).
– 14 mpg (20 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of –4°F (–20°C) (increase of 100%).
It is clear from the diagram that both dis-
tance driven and outside temperature have
a significant impact on fuel consumption,
after a cold start.
If the car is normally driven on short jour-
neys, 3–5 miles (5–8 km), for example to
and from work, the average consumption
will be 60–80% above the normal level.
Driving techniques To obtain the best running economy, with
regard to fuel consumption and general
wear, the car must be serviced regularly.
 High speed, unnecessary acceleration,
frequent braking and much changing
down all give higher fuel consumption.
 Frequent gear changing in traffic, starting
in cold weather, the use of studded tires
and roof racks, and towing a caravan all
increase fuel consumption.
 Do not warm up the engine while the car
is stationary.
If idling, the engine will take much longer
to reach its optimum temperature, and Percentage increase in fuel consumption
of engine starting from cold compared to
engine at normal temperature.
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154 Starting and drivingengine wear is at its greatest during this
period. Drive off as soon as possible after
starting the engine and avoid high engine
speeds.
 Drive as smoothly and thoughtfully as
possible. Match your driving to the
prevailing traffic conditions.
 Driving in a low gear gives rise to higher
fuel consumption than driving in a high
gear because of the higher engine speed
for any given road speed. Always shift up
as soon as traffic conditions allow and
drive in the highest gear as much as
possible.
 Check the tire pressure once a month.
Incorrect tire pressure increases tire
wear. It is preferable for the tire pressure
to be slightly high than too low. Under-
pressure increases fuel consumption. Check the fuel consumption regularly.
Increased fuel consumption can indicate
that something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked at a Saab dealer.
Practical road tests have demonstrated that
substantial savings in fuel consumption can
be made if the above advice is followed.
Road conditionsWet 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 heater is effective at outside
temperatures up to 60–70°F (+15–+20°C).
The warmer it is outside, the shorter the time
the engine heater needs to be connected.
Longer than 1.5 hours is unnecessary.
If the car is equipped with a removable,
electric cabin heater that is not in use, store
this in the trunk.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while driving
as the effect of the brakes and power
steering will be greatly reduced.
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162 Starting and drivingDriving with a loadThe handling characteristics are affected by
how the car is loaded.
 Place the heaviest load as far forward and
as low as possible in the trunk.
 Secure the load to the lashing eyes (see
page 118).
 Heavy loads mean that the car’s center of
gravity is further back. As a result, the car
will sway more during evasive steering.
 Never exceed the permissible load of the
roof box, even if there is room for more.
 Ensure that the tire pressure is correct –
slight overinflation is preferable to under-
inflation.
 The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance from
the vehicle in front.
 Do not exceed the car’s permissible
gross vehicle weight or axle load (see
page 236).
 Roof loads can negatively affect telecom-
munication.
TiresNote: Low tire pressure also causes prema-
ture tire wear and increased fuel consump-
tion.
Tire pressure should match the current load
and speed of the car (see page 245).
The tire pressures given apply to cold tires,
that is tires that are the same temperature
as the outside air temperature.
The tire pressure increases approximately
4 psi/27 kPa as the tires become warm (e.g.
during highway driving). When the temper-
ature of the tires changes by 50°F (10°C),
the tire pressure will change 2 psi/13 kPa.Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the
tires are hot when you check them, only
increase the pressure, if necessary.
Underinflated tires wear more quickly than
slightly overinflated tires.
If a valve is leaking, simply unscrew it and fit
a new one.
Note: Remember to adjust the tire pres-
sures if you change the load in the car sig-
nificantly or intend to drive at substantially
lower or higher speeds than normal.
Automatic tire pressure monitoring, see
page 207.
WARNING
Check the tire pressure at least once a
month and before long journeys. Under-
inflation can result in:
 punctures
 separation of the tire and tread
 damage to the sidewalls
 damage to the rims on poor roads
 poor handling characteristics
 premature tire wear
 increased fuel consumption.
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174 Car careSaab Trionic engine management
systemThe Saab Trionic engine management
system is a unique Saab development that
combines sequential multiport fuel injection,
electronic distributorless ignition and turbo-
charger boost pressure control into one sys-
tem.
The Trionic engine control module (ECM)
monitors many different engine parameters
such as:
 Intake manifold pressure.
 Intake air temperature.
 Crankshaft position.
 Engine coolant temperature.
 Throttle position.
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
The ECM receives information regarding
engine knocking from a sophisticated feed-
back function in the ignition discharge unit.
By processing all of this information, the Tri-
onic system can control fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing and turbo-
charger boost pressure to provide excellent
engine performance while maintaining low
emissions and fuel consumption.
ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery)All hydrocarbons formed when refueling will
be recovered by the car and not released
into the atmosphere. The hydrocarbons are
absorbed in an evaporative emission canis-
ter. When the engine is subsequently
started, the evaporative emission canister is
gradually purged as air is sucked into it
through a shut-off valve. The hydrocarbon/
air mixture passes through the evap canis-
ter purge valve and into the engine where it
is burned. "Refueling", see page 128.
When refueling, make sure you screw the
filler cap on and keep turning until it has
clicked 1 time. Otherwise, it is possible for
the Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)
light to illuminate. The following message
will appear on the SID:
NOTICEThe Trionic engine management system
continuously monitors the operation of
these systems and has on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). If the Engine
malfunction (CHECK ENGINE) light in
the main instrument illuminates, the
Trionic ECM has detected a problem. The
car will continue to operate, but perfor-
mance may be diminished. You should
have your car checked by a Saab dealer
as soon as possible.
Tighten fuel filler cap.
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252 IndexEESP, anti-skid system
___________ 146
Economical motoring ___________ 153
Electric engine heater ___________ 154
Electric heating, front seats
____ 83
, 92
Electric windows
________________ 99
Electrical system, technical data
___ 240
Electrically adjustable seats
_______ 18
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
_146
Electronic steering wheel lock
____ 123
Emergency opening of the narrow
backrest
____________________ 119
Emergency operation of the sunroof
104
Engine bay, cleaning
___________ 218
Engine heater
_________________ 154
Engine immobilizer
______________ 45
Engine number
________________ 246
Engine oil, checking
____________ 176
Engine oil, grade
_______________ 238
Engine oil, volume _____________ 239
Engine temperature gauge
________ 60
Engine, description
_____________ 173
Engine, technical data __________ 238
Engines
______________________ 240
Extra electrical socket
___________ 108
FFactors affecting fuel consumption
_153
Filler cap
_____________________ 129Filling up
_____________________ 128
Flat spots, tyres
________________ 217
Folding down the rear seat
_______ 116
Front fog lights
_________________ 74
Front towing eye _______________ 164
Fuel filler flap, emergency opening
__ 52
Fuel gauge
____________________ 61
Fuel grade ____________________ 240
Functions, car alarm
_____________ 50
Fuse panel in luggage compartment
202
Fuse table
____________________ 201
Fuses
_______________________ 199
GGDO, garage door opener
_______ 112
Garage door opener
____________ 112
Gear selector indicator,
automatic transmission
__________ 62
Gearbox number
_______________ 246
Glove compartment _____________ 109
Glove compartment lighting
______ 196
HHandbrake
___________________ 148
Hazard warning lights
____________ 75
Head restraints
_________________ 20
Headlight flasher ________________ 72
Headlight levelling _______________ 73Headlights
_____________________ 72
Heated door mirrors
_____________ 83
Horn
__________________________ 98
Horn button
____________________ 98
IIgnition switch
_________________ 122
Immobilizer
____________________ 45
Important considerations for driving
125
Important information, petrol-engined
cars with catalytic converters
____ 126
Indicator lights
__________________ 54
Instrument illumination, adjusting
___ 73
Interior lighting
_________________ 105
Interior rearview mirror
__________ 111
Intermittent malfunctioning,
central locking
_________________ 40
JJack
_________________________ 214
Jump starting
__________________ 168
KKey
__________________________ 38
Kick-down
____________________ 136
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