180 Starting and drivingWhen negotiating long hills, bear the follow-
ing important considerations in mind:
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.Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmission
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following steps are taken in order as the
temperature of the engine increases:
Gear change pattern is altered.
A/C compressor is switched off.
Engine torque is reduced.
The following message will be displayed on
the SID if the transmission fluid becomes
too hot: “Gearbox too hot. Make a safe stop.
If this message appears, stop the car as
soon as it is safe to do so and allow the
engine to idle until the message has gone
out. The selector lever should be in
position P.When continuing your journey, select
manual mode and a gear in which the
engine speed is about 3,000 rpm until the
incline eases (see page 164).
Do not drive continuously with the WINTER
mode selected in hilly country when you are
towing a caravan, as this will increase fuel
consumption and risk overheating the trans-
mission.
VARNING
Remember to use the braking effect of the
engine (position D or L) when you are
descending long or steep hills to spare
the brakes.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
ProCarManuals.com
181 Starting and driving
Recommendations for cars with manual
gearbox
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following steps are taken in order as the
temperature of the engine increases:
A/C compressor is switched off.
engine torque is reduced.
When continuing your journey, select a gear
in which the engine speed is about
3,000 rpm until the incline eases.
Driving considerations Always 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 185.
If the car has automatic transmission, select
position D when ascending steep hills. This
ensures that the adaptive gear change pat-
terns are operational, see page 165. Use
position D or L for steep descents.
Checks before drivingMake sure that the car and caravan or trailer
are in good working order. This is essential
since towing a caravan increases the strain
on the car.
Check and if necessary adjust the tire
pressure of the car and caravan.
Make sure all wheel bolts are properly
tightened.
Make sure that the equipment joining the
car and caravan is properly secured and
adjusted.
Make sure the caravan’s electrical cable
is properly connected and is not so long
that it drags along the ground. Also, make
sure the cable is not too short and risks
breaking when turning a corner.
Check all bulbs.
Check the car and caravan brakes.
Make sure that all items on or in the cara-
van or trailer are properly secured.
Make sure that the caravan’s jockey
wheel is raised and locked.
Check the distribution of the load so that
the car and caravan are well balanced.
Check that the rearview mirrors provide
the best possible rearward vision.
Make sure the caravan’s safety cable is
correctly attached.
VARNING
Utilize the braking effect of the engine
(1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you are
descending long or steep hills to spare
the brakes.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
NOTICEIf the ”Automatic transmission, fault indi-
cator” indicator comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
ProCarManuals.com
197 Starting and driving
Parking on a hillWhen parking on a steep hill, turn the front
wheels so that they will be blocked by the
curb if the car should move. Long-term parkingIf the car is not going to be used for some
time, e.g. 3–4 months, the following steps
are recommended:
Run the engine to normal temperature
before long-term parking.
Drain the washer-fluid reservoir and
hoses.
Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber
seals on the hood, luggage compartment
lid and doors, and lubricate them with
glycerol (glycerin). After washing the car, dry the brake discs
by taking the car out on the road and
applying the brakes a few times.
Fill the fuel tank with fuel to prevent con-
densation forming in it.
Top up the coolant and check the anti-
freeze before the onset of winter.
Park the car in a dry, covered and
well-ventilated building. Leave the park-
ing brake OFF!
Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead.
If frost is likely to occur during the long-term parking, remove the battery
and store it away from the frost.
Ideally, the car should be put up on blocks,
with the wheels off the ground. If this is not
possible, inflate the tires to about 43 psi
(300 kPa).
Leave all the windows open a crack and
cover the car with a fabric tarpaulin – not
one made of plastic.NOTICEEmpty the car yourself and bear in mind:
Never leave a mobile phone, camera,
computer or similar object visible in
your car.
Clothing, packages and bags attract
thieves.
Do not leave small objects such as
CDs, sunglasses and coins visible.
If possible, park in a well-lit,
conspicuous parking space.
Thieves strike whenever and wher-
ever they are given the opportunity.
123
IB485
1Pointing downhill and
against the curb
– Turn the wheels into
the curb and edge the
car forward until the
wheels touch the curb.2Pointing uphill and
against the curb
– Turn the wheels away
from the curb and edge
the car back until the
wheels touch the curb.3Pointing uphill or
downhill – no curb
– Turn the wheels
towards the edge of the
road. If the car should
start rolling, it will not run
into the road.
ProCarManuals.com
199 Car care and technical information
Car care and
technical
information
IB1772
Hood ________________ 200
Engine compartment ___ 201
Emission control systems 202
Engine_______________ 203
Engine oil ____________ 204
Transmission fluid_____ 206
Coolant ______________ 207
Brake and clutch fluid __ 208
Power steering fluid ___ 209
Air filter ______________ 209
Battery ______________ 210
Drive belts ___________ 212
Wipers and washers ___ 213 Changing bulbs _______ 215
Fuses _______________ 227
Tires ________________ 233
Compact spare tire ____ 246
Air conditioning (ACC) _ 252
Safety belts __________ 253
Upholstery and trim ___ 253
Textile carpeting ______ 253
Washing the car ______ 254
Waxing and polishing __ 255
Engine compartment __ 255
Touching up the paint__ 255
Anti-corrosion treatment 256 For long trips _________ 258
Recovery and/or recycling
of automotive materials 258
Headlight aiming ______ 259
ProCarManuals.com
201 Car care and technical information
Engine compartment
10
9
6
7
8
1
2
4
3
5
IB1773
Engine compartment1 Engine-oil dipstick/filler cap
2 Reservoir, brake/clutch fluid
3 Fuse box
4 Expansion tank, coolant
5 Washer-fluid filler cap
6Battery
7 Dipstick, automatic transmission fluid
8 Turbo unit
9 Ignition discharge module
10 Reservoir, power-steering fluid
ProCarManuals.com
202 Car care and technical informationEngine familiesSaab cars imported into the United States
and Canada meet all applicable emission
control standards. The engine family and
appropriate tune-up specifications are iden-
tified on a label affixed to the left front inner
fender.
These engine families meet applicable EPA
Federal Standards, California State Stan-
dards and Canadian Federal Standards and
are equipped with the following systems:
• Sequential multiport fuel injection sys-
tem.
Three way catalytic converter.
Crankcase emissions control system.
Evaporative emission control system.
On-Board diagnostic (OBD II) system.
Emission control
systemsThe systems for controlling emissions to the
atmosphere require regular checking and
adjustment at the intervals specified in the
service program.
In addition to meeting the exhaust emission
regulations and thereby helping to keep the
environment clean, a correctly tuned engine
will also give maximum fuel economy.Saab 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 and
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.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of
CA to cause cancer and birth defects and
reproductive harm. In addition, certain
fluids contained in vehicles and certain
products of component wear contain or
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects or
other reproductive harm.
NOTICEThe Trionic engine management systems
continuously monitors the operation of
these systems and have on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II).
If the ”Engine malfunction (CHECK
ENGINE)” lamp in the main instru-
ment illuminates, this indicates that 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.
ProCarManuals.com
207 Car care and technical information
Coolant 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 ”Coolant level low. Refill.” 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 45 % 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. Note:
If incorrect coolant is used or added, the
life-time properties will be affected. Even if
the coolant is flushed from the system and
replaced with life-time coolant, life-time
properties are no longer retained and the
coolant must then be drained and replaced
at regular intervals.
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.
The cooling system is pressurized –
hot coolant and vapor can escape
when the filler cap is released. These
can cause injury to your eyes and
burns. Loosen the cap carefully, and
let the engine cool before removing
the cap.
Exercise care when adding coolant.
Coolant on hot surfaces constitutes a
fire risk.
NOTICEAlways 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
ProCarManuals.com
258 Car care and technical information4Inspect the undercoating and touch
up if necessary.
Pay particular atten-
tion to the fenders and wheel housings,
which are exposed to abrasion by flying
gravel, etc. If the composition has worn
or flaked off, the steel must be thor-
oughly cleaned and dried before a fresh
coat is applied. The cleaning is best
done with a scraper and a steel wire
brush, followed by washing with solvent.
Apply the new coating thinly, as other-
wise it may run off or fall off when dry.
For long tripsBefore setting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car checked over by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-V-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of
the engine or gearbox/transmission.
Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
Inspect the Poly-V-belt and replace it if it
shows any signs of hard wear.
Check the battery charge.
Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
Check the brakes.
Check all bulbs.
Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
Recovery and/or
recycling of automotive
materialsA typical car consists of metals (65–75 %),
plastics (10–15 %), rubber (5 %) and small
quantities of glass, wood, paper and tex-
tiles. The recycling of metals has been com-
monplace for a long time now.
To facilitate sorting of other materials for
recycling, plastic parts, for instance, have
been marked to identify the precise nature
of the plastic.
The quantity of materials in the car that can
be recycled or recovered depends on the
scrapping facilities in different countries. EU
legislation that comes into force in 2006 will
require a minimum of 85 % of the total
weight of materials to be recycled. How-
ever, every major car salvage yard in each
market will receive details from Saab of how
the highest percentage of materials can be
reclaimed.
ProCarManuals.com