2003 SAAB 9-3 service

1
Owner’s Manual
Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan M2003
© Saab Automobile AB 2002Service Readiness, Saab Automobile AB, Trollhättan, Sweden
Printed in Sweden
Safety 10
Security 37
Instruments and controls 53
Interior equipment 97
Starting and driving 121
Car care 171
Maintenance and owner assistance 229
Technical data 235
Index 251
ProCarManuals.com

2IntroductionThis manual provides practical guidance on
driving and caring for your Saab.
The Saab 9-3 will be available with the fol-
lowing engine variants:
 2.0t 175 hp
 2.0 Turbo 210 hp
Although this manual describes the most
important differences between model vari-
ants, it does not specify the equipment or
features included on individual models.
Importation and distribution of Saab auto-
mobiles, spare parts and accessories are
handled exclusively by Saab Cars, Inc. in
the United States and by General Motors of
Canada Limited in Canada.We recommend that you read through the
manual before taking the car out for the first
time and keep it in the car for future refer-
ence.
To find a specific item, use the overviews
given on page 3–6. A list of content is given
at the beginning of each section of the man-
ual, and there is also a comprehensive
index at the back of the book.
Supplied with the car is a Warranties and
Service Record booklet which contains
important warranty information and speci-
fies the regular maintenance to be carried
out. Also included is a Quick Reference
Guide, an Infotainment System manual, tire
warranties and (U.S. customers), a dealer
directory with Roadside Assistance Pro-
gram information.Since the policy at Saab is one of continual
improvement, we retain the right to incorpo-
rate modifications and to alter specifications
during production without prior notice.
If you have any questions concerning your
car, its equipment, the warranty conditions,
etc., your Saab dealer will be pleased to
help, or you may call the Saab Customer
Assistance Center in the U.S. at 1-800-955-
9007 or email them at saab-
[email protected]. In Canada, please
contact the Saab Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-263-1999.
Enjoy the road ahead!
Saab Automobile AB
Saab Automobile AB does not accept liability for
any damage caused by the fitting of spare parts,
exchange parts or accessories that are not
approved by Saab Automobile AB.
WARNING
WARNING texts warn against the danger
of injury if the specified instructions are
not followed.NOTICENOTICE texts warn of potential damage
to the car if the recommendations are not
followed.
ProCarManuals.com

4ExteriorBody __________________ 219
Touching up paintwork ____ 219
Anti-corrosion treatment ___ 220
Service program _________ 230
Sunroof ________________ 102
Washing _______________ 218
Waxing and polishing _____ 219Taillights _______________ 194
Brake lights _____________ 194
Changing bulbs __________ 188
Light switches ___________ 72Towing _________________ 164
Towing hook eyes ________ 164
Towing a trailer __________ 157Trunk __________________ 116
Lighting ________________ 194
Folding down the rear seat _ 116
Load-through hatch _______ 117
Spare wheel ____________ 119
Tools __________________ 119
Maximum loads _______________ 236
Mounting holes for roof carriers ___ 161
Roof load ____________________ 161
Hood _______________________ 172
Washing the engine bay_________ 218
Trunk lock ______________ 41
Central locking __________ 38
Lock buttons ____________ 38
Child safety locks ________ 42Front lights _____________ 190
Direction indicators_______ 75
Changing bulbs _________ 188
Headlight levelling (Bi-
Xenon) _______________ 73
Dipswitch ______________ 72
Headlight switches _______ 72
Headlight washers _______ 186Fuel grade _____________ 240
Fuel gauge _____________ 61
Economical motoring _____ 153
Fuel filler door __________ 128
Refueling ______________ 128
Braking _____________________ 141
Tires _______________________ 206
Tire pressure ________________ 245
Tire pressure monitor __________ 207
Wheels _____________________ 243
Changing wheels ______________ 214
Spare wheel _________________ 212
Winter driving ________________ 155
ProCarManuals.com

7
Coolant:Never open when engine hot!
Drive belt:Danger! Moving belt
Radiator fan:Radiator fan may start at any
time.
Battery: No sparks, flames or smoking
 Shield eyes, explosive gases can cause blindness or injury
 Sulphuric acid can cause blindness or severe burns
 Flush eyes immediately with water. Get medical help fast
 Do not tip battery. Do not open battery
 NO SPARKS, FLAMES OR SMOKING
 SHIELD EYES
 KEEP OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN
ACID
 SEE OWNER’S MANUAL
 EXPLOSIVE GASWarning labelsA/C system:Refrigerant at high pressure.
Do not loosen or remove the A/C system fittings before discharging the A/C
system. Improper service methods may cause personal injury.
System to be
serviced by qualified personnel only. For instructions consult dealer man-
ual.
The A/C system complies with SAE J639.
Charge: 680 g R134a.
Compressor oil: 150 cc PAG oil SP-10 alt.
Saab oil 4759106 SP-10.
DANGER/POISON
700 CCA (SAE)
LEVEL INDICATOR
INDICATEUR DE NIVEAU
DARK / NOIR No sparks, flames or smoking.  Flush eyes immediatly with water
 Do not tip battery. Do not open battery
KEEP OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN.
000 12102-EP
 Shield eyes, explosive gases can cause
blindness or injury.Get medical help fast.
 Sulfuric acid can cause blindness or severeMAINTENANCE-FREE BATTERY-P/N 53 52 000 12V/700A/125min(SAE) 12V/700A/70Ah (EN)
Saab Automobile AB 53 53 057 Manufactured by Tudor Spain (Exide Technologies) 12102-EPburns.
OK
CLEAR
CLAIRLOW
BAS
DANGER/POISON
700 CCA (SAE)
 Éviter les étincelles et les flammes. Ne pas fumer.  Rincer immédiatement les yeux avec de
 Ne pas pencher ni ouvrir la batterie.
GARDER HORS DE LA PORTÉE DES
ENFANTS
000 12103-EP
 Protéger les yeux car les gaz explosife peuvent
causer la cécité ou des blessures.l'oau Consulter un médecin rapidement.
 L'acide sulfurique peut causer la cécité ou desBATTERIE SANS ENTRETIEN-P/N 53 52 000 12V/700A/125min(SAE) 12V/700A/70Ah (EN)
Saab Automobile AB 53 53 085 Fabriquée par Tudor Espagne (Exide Technologies) 12103-EPbrûlures graves.
CANADA
NETTOYER LE BOUCHON
DE REMPLISSAGE
AVANT DE L’ENLEVER.
UTILISER SEULEMENT
DU LIQUIDE DOT 4 PROV-
ENANT D’UN CONTE-
NANT SCELLÉ.
ProCarManuals.com

34 SafetyAirbag warning lamp Crash sensing
Crash sensing and diagnostic modules
have been used in automobiles since air-
bags were first produced. The technical
information gained from these modules can
be useful to understanding the circum-
stances that led to the airbag deployment. In
addition, information from many field events
can be used in the aggregate to help manu-
facturers and others better understand real
world crashes. This, in turn, can lead to
improved automotive safety.
Your vehicle is equipped with two electronic
frontal sensors, which helps the sensing
system distinguish between a moderate
frontal impact and a more severe frontal
impact. Your vehicle is also equipped with a
crash sensing and diagnostic module,
which records information about the frontal
airbag system. The module records infor-
mation about the readiness of the system,
when the system commands airbag inflation
and driver’s safety belt usage at deployment
or in a near-deployment crash. The module
also records speed, engine rpm, brake and
throttle data etc.
Servicing the airbag systemThe airbag system must be inspected as
part of the normal service program but oth-
erwise may be regarded as maintenance-
free.
WARNING
 If the airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle, it means
the airbag system may not be working
properly. See page 57.
 The airbags in your vehicle may not
inflate in a crash, or they could even
inflate without a crash.
 To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle serviced
right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

55 Instruments and controls
This light will come on if the engine oil pres-
sure is too low. If the warning light flashes or
comes on while you are driving, stop imme-
diately in a safe place, switch off the engine
and check the oil level (see page 176).
The following message is shown on the
Saab Information Display (SID):This light indicates a malfunction in the fuel
or ignition system. The car may still be
driven with care but the performance of the
engine will be somewhat diminished (see
page 125).
The following message is shown on the
Saab Information Display (SID):
This light shows when the high beam is on
(see page 72).
Warning, oil pressure
(engine oil)
NOTICE
Never drive the car when the oil pressure
warning lamp is on. Low oil pressure can
cause serious engine damage.
Oil pressure low.
Make a safe stop.
Turn off engine.
Engine malfunction
(CHECK ENGINE)
WARNING
An illuminated “Engine malfunction
(CHECK ENGINE)” indicator light indi-
cates an engine-related problem. While
your car may be able to be driven with the
“Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)”
indicator light illuminated (limp-home
mode), you are advised to have your car
serviced at an authorized Saab dealer as
soon as possible.
Continued driving without this problem
being corrected might cause serious
further damage to your car and create
unsafe driving conditions. The operator
should be prepared to take action if such
unsafe conditions arise (e.g. brake
smoothly, engage neutral, stop in a suita-
ble place, switch off the engine, etc.)
Engine malfunction.
Contact Saab dealer.
NOTICEThe car should be checked immediately
at a Saab dealer to prevent more serious
faults from arising.
High beam Indicator
ProCarManuals.com

57 Instruments and controls
This light reminds the driver to buckle up.
This light comes on when the parking brake
is applied (see page 148).
The parking brake is mechanical and oper-
ates on the rear wheels.This light comes on if a potentially serious
fault has occured in the airbag system.
The following message is shown on the
Saab Information Display (SID):
This light will come on for about three sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to
the Start or Drive position. It should go out
after the engine has started.
Seatbelt reminder
Parking brake warning
light
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when
parking, see page 148.
Always apply the parking brake
before removing the remote control.
Do not apply the parking brake while
the car is moving.
Airbag warning lightAirbag malfunction.
Contact Saab dealer.
WARNING
 If the airbag readiness light stays on
after you start your vehicle, it means
the airbag system may not be working
properly. One or more of the following
conditions may occur:
- Non-deployment of the airbags in the
event of a crash.
- Deployment of the airbags without a
crash.
- Deployment of the airbags in crashes
less severe than intended.
 To help avoid injury to yourself or
others, have your vehicle serviced
right away if the airbag readiness light
stays on after you start your vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com