2004 SAAB 9-3 towing

185 Starting and driving
The front towing eye is stowed by the spare
wheel. On the left-hand side of the bumper
is a cover concealing the attachment point
(tapped hole) for the towing eye.
1 Press the knob on the upper section of
this cover to open it.
2 Screw in the towing eye. The towing
eye has a left-hand thread!
3 Insert the wheel wrench into the eye to
tighten it properly.
Rear towing eyeThe car has a permanent towing eye at the
rear under the bumper.
If the car is equipped with a towbar, this can
be used instead of the towing eye.
Towing the carEngage neutral (automatic transmission:
move the selector lever to N). Turn on the
parking lights.
Engage neutral (automatic transmission:
move the selector lever to N). Turn on the
hazard warning lights.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles on tow.NOTICENever use the towing eyes to pull the car
unstuck.
Front towing eye fitted.
The towing eye has a left-hand thread!
Rear towing eye
Never use the towing eyes to pull the car
unstuck.
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186 Starting and drivingAlways try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake of the car on tow,
as necessary. This will avoid the towrope
being jerked violently.
Cars with automatic transmission:
Always observe the speed limit for vehicles
on tow. Whatever the speed limit, the car
must not be towed at speeds exceeding
30 mph (50 km/h) nor for a distance of more
than 30 miles (50 km). If the car needs to be
transported over a longer distance, a tow
truck or flatbed truck must be called out.
The engine cannot be started by towing or
pushing the car. In an emergency, the
engine can be started as described under
"Jump starting" on page 187.
Vehicle recoveryIf the car has to be transported on a flatbed
truck, or similar, it must be securely
strapped down. There are attachment
points for this purpose on the underside of
the car. The attachment points are oblong
hole that have been reinforced to cope with
the stresses that arise during this type of
transport.
Transporting the car
NOTICE
 The car must be towed front first.
 If the car is to be towed with the front
wheels off the ground, make sure the
parking brake is off, as this acts on the
rear wheels.
NOTICEIf a car with sports (lowered) chassis is
transported, for example on a flat bed
truck, take extra care not to damage the
spoiler and/or underbody.
Attachment points for anchorage straps
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242 Car careSteps for Determining Correct Load
Limit
1 Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed
XXX pounds” on your vehicle´s
placard.
2 Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3 Substract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4 The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5x150) =
650 lbs.).5 Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
6 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.Winter tires
Winter (snow) tires are recommended for
winter climates where the majority of your
driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter
tires should be fitted to all four wheels to
maintain a proper balance. Your Saab
dealer can advise you of to the correct size
tire for your car (if different from the original
size) and also supply Saab approved winter
tires pre-mounted on steel or alloy rims.
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269 Technical data
Maximum axle load:
Sport Sedan, front _________________ 2480 lbs. (1125 kg)
Sport Sedan, rear __________________ 2230 lbs. (1010 kg)
Convertible, front __________________ 2540 lbs. (1150 kg)
Convertible, rear ___________________ 2310 lbs. (1050 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight + driver (150 lbs. (68 kg)),
front/rear (Sport Sedan and Convertible) approx. 60/40 %
GVW, front/rear (Sport Sedan and Con-
vertible) __________________________ approx. 50/50 %
Maximum roof load, Sport Sedan _______ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
Maximum load in trunk:
Sport Sedan ______________________ 175 lbs. (80 kg)
Convertible _______________________ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed:
Sport Sedan ______________________ 925 lbs. (420 kg)
Convertible _______________________ 820 lbs. (372 kg)
Maximum combined weight of driver and
passengers ______________________
Sport Sedan (5x150 lbs.) ____________ 750 lbs. (340 kg)
Convertible (4x150 lbs.) _____________ 600 lbs. (272 kg)
WARNING
 The GVW and maximum axle loads must not be exceeded.
Note that if some accessories (e.g. towbar, CD changer) are
fitted, the available load capacity is reduced by the weight of
these.
 When carrying a load in the trunk, make sure that it is lashed
down securely, particularly when part or all of the rear seat is
folded down.
Trailer:
Trailer with brakes ___________________ Max. 3500 lbs.
(1588 kg)
Trailer without brakes ________________ Max. 1000 lbs.
(450 kg)
Recommended towball load ___________ 110–165 lbs.
(50–75 kg)
See also page 180.
Maximum theoretical towing speed, trailer
with brakes _______________________ 60 mph (100 km/h)
When towing a trailer, increase the pressure
of the rear tires by 20 kPa (3 psi).
The above speed and weight restrictions are those specified by
Saab Automobile AB.
Note that national restrictions may apply to trailer speeds and
weights (see page 178).
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283 Index
Index
AA/C
__________________________ 101
ABS brakes
____________________ 161
ACC
_________________________ 103
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 116
Air conditioning
_________________ 101
Air filter
_______________________ 198
Airbag
_________________________ 28
Anchorage eyes
________________ 137
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 253
Antilock braking system __________ 161
Anti-spin
______________________ 163
Ashtrays ______________________ 126
Autochecking of lights, warning and
indicator lights
__________________ 78
Autodimming
_______________ 129
, 130
Automatic climate control (ACC)
____ 103
Automatic tire pressure monitoring __ 229
Automatic transmission
___________ 153
BBattery
_______________________ 202
Bedding-in of new brake pads
_____ 151
Before towing a trailer
____________ 181
Bi-xenon headlights
_____________ 209Bi-xenon headlights, head light
levelling
_______________________ 91
Brake fluid, grade
_______________ 274
Brakes
________________________ 160
Braking _______________________ 160
Bulb changing
__________________ 208
Bulb table
_____________________ 221
Buying new tires
________________ 233
CCabin lighting
__________________ 123
Cabin lighting, Convertible
_________ 70
Car alarm
______________________ 48
Car transport ___________________ 186
Care of air conditioning
___________ 256
Change of address notification
_____ 264
Changing a tire
_________________ 245
Changing bulbs _________________ 208
Changing engine oil
_____________ 197
Changing the battery, remote control
_46
Changing wiper blades
___________ 206
Checking the number of remote
controls
_______________________ 45
Checks before towing a trailer
_____ 181
Child safety
_____________________ 21
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 44
Child seats
_____________________ 21
Cigarette lighter
_________________ 126
Cleaning the engine bay
__________ 249
Cleaning upholstery
_____________ 249Climate control system, manual
_____ 98
Closing the soft top manually,
Convertible
____________________ 60
Closing the soft top, Convertible
_____ 56
Clutch interlock
_________________ 152
Compact spare _________________ 243
Compass
______________________ 133
Condensation water, A/C
_________ 101
Convertible
_____________________ 53
Convertible, washing
_____________ 251
Coolant
_______________________ 199
Cruise control
__________________ 159
Cup holder
_____________________ 124
DDate codes, tires
________________ 243
Deep water, driving through
_______ 183
Definitions and terminology, tire ____ 240
Determining correct load, tires
_____ 242
Direction indicator stalk switch ______ 93
Direction indicators
_______________ 93
Dome light, Convertible
___________ 218
Dome light, Sport Sedan __________ 217
Donor battery, boost starting
_______ 187
Door handles
____________________ 40
Door mirrors ___________________ 128
Drive belt
______________________ 205
Drive belt, length
________________ 272
Driver’s seat with memory
__________ 19
Driving at night
_________________ 184
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284 IndexDriving in cold climates
___________ 175
Driving in deep water
____________ 183
Driving in hot climates ____________ 177
Driving techniques
______________ 173
Driving with a heavy load on hilly
roads
________________________ 155
Driving with a load
______________ 183
Driving with a roof load ___________ 182
Driving with the compact spare wheel
187
Driving with the trunk lid open
______ 183
EEDR
_________________________ 266
ESP, anti-skid system
____________ 165
Easy entry, Convertible ____________ 65
Economical motoring
____________ 173
Electric engine heater ____________ 174
Electric heating, front seats
___ 102
, 111
Electric windows
________________ 117
Electric windows, Convertible
_______ 69
Electrical system, technical data ____ 272
Electrically adjustable seats
________ 18
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
__ 165
Electronic steering wheel lock
_____ 142
Emergency opening of the narrow
backrest
_____________________ 138
Emergency operation of the sunroof
_ 122
Engine bay, cleaning
____________ 249
Engine heater
__________________ 174
Engine immobilizer
_______________ 47Engine number
_________________ 278
Engine oil, checking
_____________ 196
Engine oil, grade
________________ 270
Engine oil, volume _______________ 271
Engine temperature gauge
_________ 80
Engine, description
______________ 193
Engine, technical data ____________ 270
Engines
_______________________ 271
Event Data Recorder
____________ 266
Extra electrical socket ____________ 126
FFacilitating entry to rear seat,
Convertible
____________________ 65
Factors affecting fuel consumption
__ 173
Filler cap
______________________ 148
Filling up ______________________ 147
Flat spots, tires
_________________ 232
Floor jack
_____________________ 246
Folding down the rear seat
________ 134
Front fog lights
__________________ 93
Front towing eye ________________ 184
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 81
Fuel grade _____________________ 271
Functions, car alarm
______________ 51
Fuse panel in luggage compartment
_225
Fuse table
_____________________ 224
Fuses
________________________ 222
GGDO, garage door opener
_________ 130
Gear selector indicator, automatic
transmission
___________________ 82
Gearbox number ________________ 278
General safety instructions,
Convertible
____________________ 54
Glove compartment
______________ 126
Glove compartment lighting
________ 219
HHandbrake
_____________________ 167
Hazard warning lights
_____________ 94
Head restraint, Convertible
_________ 66
Head restraints
__________________ 20
Headlight flasher _________________ 92
Headlight levelling ________________ 91
Headlights
______________________ 91
Heated door mirrors
_____________ 102
Hood
_________________________ 192
Horn __________________________ 116
Horn button
____________________ 116
IIf a tire goes flat
_________________ 237
Ignition switch
__________________ 140
Immobilizer
_____________________ 47
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286 IndexPinch protection, sunroof
_________ 122
Plates and labels, location ________ 278
Polishing and waxing
____________ 251
Poly-V-belt
____________________ 205
Position lights ___________________ 91
Power steering fluid, checking
_____ 201
Power steering fluid, grade
________ 273
Pressure gauge
_________________ 80
Pressure, tires
__________________ 231
Profiles, customized settings
_______ 83
QQuality grading, tires
_____________ 235
Quick guide, remote control
________ 41
RRain sensor
_____________________ 96
Raising the soft top manually,
Convertible ____________________ 60
Reading lights, Convertible
_________ 70
Rear fog light
___________________ 93
Rear seats, folding down
_________ 134
Rear towing eye
________________ 185
Rear window heating
____________ 102
Rearview mirrors
________________ 128
Recirculation
___________________ 101
Recommendations for automatic
transmission, towing a trailer
_____ 179Recommendations for manual
gearbox, towing a trailer
_________ 180
Recommended fuel grades ________ 147
Recommended snow chains _______ 275
Refueling
______________________ 147
Remote control
__________________ 40
Remote locking malfunction
________ 42
Replacement, wheel
_____________ 236
Reporting safety defects __________ 265
Rev counter
_____________________ 78
Reversing lights
_________________ 94
Roll bars, Convertible
_____________ 68
Roll-over protection, Convertible
_____ 68
Roof lighting
___________________ 123
Roof lighting, changing
___________ 217
Running-in
_____________________ 151
SSAHR, head restraint
_____________ 20
SDM
_________________________ 266
SID
___________________________ 83
SPA __________________________ 170
Saab Information Display
__________ 83
Saab Parking Assistance _________ 170
Saab Trionic engine management
system
______________________ 194
Safety belts _____________________ 11
Seatbelts
_______________________ 11
Seatbelts in rear seat, Convertible
___ 67
Seatbelts, care
_________________ 248Seatbelts, checking
______________ 248
Seats
__________________________ 16
Securing a load
_________________ 137
Sentronic, manual gear selection
___ 158
Service costs
___________________ 263
Service information
______________ 264
Service intervals
________________ 262
Service record retention
__________ 263
Signalling, horn
_________________ 116
Ski hatch
______________________ 136
Spare wheel ___________________ 243
Speed ratings, tires
______________ 239
Speedometer
____________________ 79
Starting the engine
______________ 142
Steering wheel adjustment
________ 116
Steering wheel lock
______________ 142
Steps for determining correct load
limit
_________________________ 242
Storage compartments
___________ 126
Sun visor
______________________ 124
Sunroof
_______________________ 120
Switches _______________________ 91
TTCS
__________________________ 163
Technical data
__________________ 268
Textile carpeting, cleaning
_________ 249
Tie down eyes
__________________ 137
Tightening torque, wheels
_________ 247
Tire chains
_____________________ 237
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287 Index
Tire date code
__________________ 243
Tire inspection and rotation
_______ 232
Tire markings
__________________ 239
Tire pressure monitoring, automatic
_ 229
Tire sidewall labeling
____________ 238
Tire sizes
_____________________ 275
Tire terminology and definitions
____ 240
Tire, changing
__________________ 245
Tire, spare
_____________________ 243
Tires
_________________________ 231
Tools and spare wheel
___________ 243
Touching up paintwork ___________ 251
Towbar
_______________________ 178
Towbar load
___________________ 180
Towing
_______________________ 184
Towing a trailer
_________________ 178
Towing the car _________________ 185
Traction Control System (TCS)
_____ 163
Transmission oil, checking
________ 198
Transmission oil, grade
___________ 272
Transmission, automatic __________ 153
Transmission, manual
____________ 152
Transporting the car
_____________ 186
Treadwear indicators ____________ 233
Trip computer
___________________ 84
Trip meter
______________________ 79
Troubleshooting, A/C and ACC
____ 255
Trunk lid, driving when open
_______ 183
Trunk lid, opening
________________ 43
Turbo gauge
____________________ 80
UUniform tire quality grading
________ 235
Upholstery care
_________________ 249
Upholstery, cleaning
_____________ 249
Useful tips on night driving
________ 184
Useful tips on starting
____________ 143
VVanity mirror
___________________ 124
Vehicle Data Collection
___________ 266
Vehicle identification number
______ 278
Vehicle recovery
________________ 186
WWarning labels
___________________ 7
Warning lights
___________________ 74
Warning triangle _________________ 94
Warnings and messages on SID,
Convertible
____________________ 63
Washer fluid ___________________ 206
Washer jets ____________________ 207
Washers
_______________________ 95
Washing ______________________ 250
Washing a Convertible
___________ 251
Waxing and polishing
____________ 251
Wear indicators, tires ____________ 233
Wheel replacement
______________ 236Wheels and tires, sizes
___________ 275
When it is time for new tires
_______ 233
Windshield washers
______________ 95
Windshield wipers
________________ 95
Wing mirrors
___________________ 128
Winter driving __________________ 175
Winter tires
____________________ 242
Wiper blades ___________________ 206
Wipers
_________________________ 95
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