
67 Instruments and controls
CHECK messages When the engine is started, CHECKING will
appear on the display for about four sec-
onds, while the SID checks are being per-
formed.
When a CHECK message is generated
while the car is being driven, a chime will
sound, INFO DISPL will illuminate on the
main instrument panel, and the message
will appear on the SID. The number of mes-
sages that can be displayed by the SID
varies with the specification of the car.
If more than one CHECK message has
been generated, the
+ symbol will appear to
the left of the text on the display. The mes-
sages appear in order of priority.
If a new fault occurs while another message
is being displayed, the message relating to
the new one will appear for 10 seconds,
after which the display will return to the ear-
lier one.
Press CLEAR once to acknowledge a mes-
sage, whereupon it will be cleared from the
display. It will not be displayed again before
the ignition has been switched off and then
on again. The following messages may be displayed:
1 This message will be displayed approximately
600 miles (1,000 km) before the next sched-
uled service is due, or when 365 days have
elapsed since the last service. The message
should be cleared at the time of that service
(see the Saab Warranties & Service Record
Booklet).
This message can also be deleted by first
briefly pressing the CLEAR button, then
depressing it a second time for at least eight
seconds until ”SERVICE” appears on the dis-
play and a chime sounds. The message can
only be deleted when it is shown on the SID.
Night panelTo improve night-driving conditions inside
the car, the Night Panel mode can be
selected. In this mode, the amount of infor-
mation displayed is reduced, and only the
most important instruments and displays
will be illuminated.
When the Night Panel button is pressed,
only the speedometer will be illuminated (up
to the 87-mph or 140-km/h graduation), all
the other instruments illumination being
extinguished and their needles moved to
zero. Both the SID and the ACC displays will
be extinguished and the backlighting for
switches and other controls will be dimmed.
Note: All indicator and warning lights,
together with the display of CHECK mes-
sages, will operate as normal, except ”Out-
door temperature (Frost warning)”, see
page 64. Message See
page
Fog light failure. 216
Rear light failure. 220
Brake light failure. 220
Washer fluid level low. Refill. 214
Coolant level low. Refill. 207
Remote control battery low.
Replace battery. 43
Key not accepted. Contact service. 50
Theft protection failure. Contact
service. 50
Gearbox too hot. Make a safe stop. 162
Tighten fuel filler cap. 154
Time for service.
1)
264
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97 Saab 9-5 Audio System
CD changer(accessory)Important! Always keep the sliding cover
closed to keep dust out of the CD changer,
so that it will continue to provide satisfactory
service for a long time. To load the CD changer (which is installed
in the luggage compartment and can
accommodate six CDs) proceed as follows:
1 Slide the top back.
2 Lift out the CD magazine.
3 Press back the catch on the magazine.
4 Withdraw one CD tray at a time and
swap/load the CD (label side up).
5 Slide the tray back into the magazine.
Note the position of the magazine for load-
ing (see picture).
Insert the entire magazine carefully inside
the CD changer and slide back the cover.
To select the CD changer If the Audio System is in the RADIO or
TAPE mode, press the CD/RDM button
twice.
If the CD player is active, press the
CD/RDM button once.
If the CDs in the magazine have not been
changed, the system will start playback
from where it left off before.
If there is no magazine in the CD changer,
the following will appear on the display:
NOTICEDo not use writeable CDs in your Audio
System. In certain cases, this type of CD
is only suitable for home use and can
therefore cause operational problems
(overheating).
IB383
4
3
Changing a CD
IB1341
2
1
CD changer in luggage compartment,
Saab 9-5 Sedan
IB1208
CD changer in luggage compartment,
Saab 9-5 Wagon
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106 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemAdjusting the frequency steps North
America/Europe If the car is taken from North America to
Europe, the radio’s frequency steps can be
adjusted.
Press and hold (mid-segment)
and switch the radio on at the same time.
The preset stations will be cancelled and
replaced by default frequencies.
Fault codesThe Audio System has a built-in diagnostics
function. If a fault is detected, a fault code is
generated to help dealer technicians to
diagnose the fault. Below are the codes for
some faults that you might be able to rectify
yourself.
OnStar SystemYour vehicle may be equipped with OnStar,
a vehicle telematics communications and
navigation system. Please consult the sep-
arate chapter in this owner’s manual, page
107.
NOTICEGreat care should be exercised in trying
to rectify a fault. If you are at all unsure,
contact an authorized Saab dealer.
Fault code Possible cause
CD/CDC
ERROR
12/17/19 CD is dirty, loaded
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
TAPE ERR 01 Tape broken or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR
02/03 Tape snarled up or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR 11 Cassette jammed: can-
not be loaded/ejected.
WARNING
The CD player/CD changer is classified
as Class 1 laser equipment
Service and repair work must only be
carried out by authorized technicians.
If the casing is damaged, hazardous
laser radiation can occur. NOTICEAll work on the Audio System must be
carried out by an authorized Saab dealer.
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107 OnStar - Telematics
OnStar - Telematics
Using OnStar _________ 108OnStar is Easy______________ 108
OnStar Services Button _______ 108
Emergency button ___________ 109
White dot button ____________ 109
System status light __________ 109The OnStar Center _____ 110Connecting to the OnStar center 110
Your personal identification number
(PIN) ____________________ 110
The OnStar Safe & Sound
Plan ________________ 110
Automatic notification of air bag
deployment _______________ 110
Emergency services _________ 110
Roadside assistance _________ 111
Stolen vehicle tracking ________ 111
Accident Assist™ ____________ 111
Hands-free communication ____ 111The OnStar Premium
Services Plan ________ 111Route support ______________ 111
Ride Assist _________________ 111
Information and Convenience ser-
vices ____________________ 111
Online Concierge services_____ 112
Additional Services____ 112Personal Calling: ___________ 112Virtual Advisor: _______ 116
OnStar Subscriber
Website ____________ 117
Limitations ___________ 117
Additional Information _ 118Warranty _________________ 118
A Note About Privacy ________ 118
Transferring OnStar _________ 118
OnStar Subscription Information 118
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108 OnStar - TelematicsYour new vehicle may come equipped with
advanced telematics hardware. OnStar
telematics is a sophisticated in-vehicle
system allowing convergence of wireless
communications, GPS (Global Positioning
System) satellites and advanced vehicle
electronics.
You should activate immediately to ensure
you receive your full year of service, as your
prepaid subscription begins at the time of
delivery.
Here’s how to activate your OnStar ser-
vice:
1 Push the blue OnStar button located in
your Saab. After a prerecorded mes-
sage explaining the benefits of OnStar,
you will be greeted by a live OnStar advi-
sor. The advisor will activate your
OnStar service.
2 Provide the information requested by
the advisor to activate your account and
set up your personal profile. This will
take approximately 10–15 minutes. You
can also provide OnStar with customer
and driver information on their website
at www.onstarenrollment.com. You will
receive an e-mail confirmation with an
OnStar account number. Once you have
received this information, complete the
enrollment process from the car by
pushing the blue OnStar button.
Using OnStarWelcome to OnStar. This section gives you
all the information you need to get started
using OnStar, including descriptions of all
OnStar services. It also introduces the
added services of Personal Calling, Virtual
advisor, and the Onstar Subscriber website.
For a complete explanation of these addi-
tional services, please see pages 112, 116
and 117.
NOTE: In order for OnStar to operate, the
car audio system must be switched on.OnStar is EasyIf your new Saab has OnStar, it’s easy to
start using your OnStar system. In fact,
pressing the OnStar button is usually all you
need to do. Once you are connected, an
OnStar advisor will help you with the ser-
vices in your plan.
Inoperative if battery is discharged or
disconnected.
OnStar is powered by your vehicle´s battery
and will not operate if the battery is dis-
charged or disconnected.
Potentially inoperative if vehicle is in a
crash
If your vehicle is in a crash, some compo-
nents could be damaged or disconnected,
potentially rendering OnStar inoperative.Your onboard OnStar System consists of
three buttons:
OnStar Services Button
Press this button, and you are
connected to an OnStar advi-
sor. You will hear a chime, fol-
lowed by the words
”Connecting to OnStar.” Allow
20–30 seconds for initial con-
nection to the OnStar Call
Center. An advisor will then
help you with any of the ser-
vices included in your OnStar
plan.
If cellular service is unavail-
able, OnStar will generate a
fast busy tone. The OnStar
system will retry calls a num-
ber of times before returning
to the ready mode. To cancel
the automatic dialing, press
the White dot button.
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109 OnStar - Telematics
System status lightSolid Green — Indicates the OnStar
system in the vehicle is powered ON and
ready to make calls or receive calls from the
OnStar Center.
Blinking Green — The light blinks green to
indicate a call is being connected or in
progress. If you notice this light blinking
while you are not on a call, press the White
dot button.
Red — This signals that your OnStar
system may not be functioning properly.
Press the OnStar button to attempt to con-
tact an OnStar advisor. If the connection is
made, the advisor will assist you in making
sure your OnStar system is operating prop-
erly. If you cannot contact the OnStar Cen-
ter, please take your car to the nearest Saab
dealer for diagnosis and service.The OnStar Center is the heart of your ser-
vice — staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week with knowledgeable OnStar advisors.
Even on weekends and holidays, there is
always someone ready to help.
OnStar uses sophisticated Global Position-
ing System (GPS) satellites to locate your
Saab, and wireless technology to provide
the communications link and seamless inte-
gration into your Saab. This system allows
the OnStar advisors to pinpoint your Saab´s
location precisely. This way, advisors can
provide you with a range of helpful services
to protect you and your Saab. Plus, with the
Premium Services Plan* included for 12
months with your Saab, advisors can also
access an extensive database to assist you
with directions, making reservations and
other convenience services.
*) New retail deliveries only.
Emergency button
In an emergency, press this
button to connect with an
OnStar advisor. Your call will
be given the highest priority,
and you will hear a tone fol-
lowed by the words ”Connect-
ing to OnStar Emergency.” An
advisor will locate your Saab,
find out what kind of assis-
tance you require, and con-
tact the nearest emergency
services provider who can
dispatch ambulance, fire,
police or other emergency
services. Please use this but-
ton only for true emergencies.
White dot button
Press this button at the end of a
call. You’ll hear the words
”OnStar Request Ended.”
Also, press this button to
answer a call from the OnStar
Center, or cancel a call if one
of the other buttons is acci-
dentally pressed. This button
is also used to access OnStar
Personal Calling services
which are described on page
112.
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110 OnStar - TelematicsThe OnStar CenterConnecting to the OnStar centerIn addition to using the 3-button system
found in your Saab, there are two other
ways to connect to the OnStar Center.
Toll-Free Call
To take advantage of your OnStar services
from outside your Saab, you can call OnStar
toll-free at 1-888-4-OnStar
(1-888-466-7827). Remember to have your
Personal Identification Number (PIN)
handy.
Automatic Notification
A priority signal will be sent to the OnStar
Center with your exact location if an airbag
deploys.(Vehicle electrical system and cellular service
must be operable.)
Your personal identification number
(PIN)When you signed up with OnStar, you were
asked to provide a Personal Identification
Number (PIN). You’ll need your PIN to
access many of OnStar’s services. If, for
example, your vehicle has been stolen, an
OnStar advisor will ask for your PIN in order
to provide assistance.
Changing your PIN is easy. Call the OnStar
Center and provide the advisor with your
current number, and he or she will assist
you in setting up a new number. If you have
forgotten your PIN, just call the OnStar Cen-
ter. For security reasons, we will send your
PIN to you in the mail.
The OnStar Safe &
Sound PlanThe OnStar Safe and Sound Plan is one of
three plans you can purchase.* With it, you
have access to a complete range of ser-
vices providing you with an unsurpassed
level of safety and security — 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. And you have it all at
the touch of a button.
So whether you’re on a lonesome country
road or stuck in highway traffic, you have at
your disposal a complete range of services
providing you with unsurpassed security.
And you have it all at the touch of a button.Automatic notification of air bag
deploymentShould your front air bags deploy, a priority
signal will be sent to the OnStar Center with
your Saab´s location (as long as cellular
service and the vehicle’s electrical system
are operable). An advisor will attempt to
contact you to assess the nature of your
emergency, and then notify the appropriate
emergency services provider.Emergency servicesShould you require emergency assistance,
press the red emergency button and On
Star or an advisor will contact the nearest
emergency services provider with your
exact location and your request for help.* New retail deliveries only.
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111 OnStar - Telematics
Roadside assistance**There’s nothing worse than being stranded
on the road with car trouble. No matter what
the problem is (flat tire, out of gas, or engine
trouble), just call OnStar. They will contact
the help you need to get you quickly back on
the road.Stolen vehicle trackingOnStar doesn’t just protect you, it protects
your Saab, too. If your vehicle is ever stolen,
just contact OnStar by calling
1-888-4-ONSTAR. They will put you in
touch with the authorities and aid them in
locating your Saab. Ask your insurance car-
rier about possible premium discounts.Accident Assist™Accident Assist™ provides step-by-step
guidance about what to do in case of a
crash. Working with leading insurance com-
panies OnStar has developed a ”best prac-
tices” list to assist you through most acci-
dent situations. OnStar Accident Assist™
can make the process of completing a
police report and/or insurance claim less
stressful. **There will be no charge for Roadside Assistance as
long as your vehicle is under warranty.
Hands-free communicationTalking to an OnStar advisor is easy and
hands-free. Simply press the OnStar but-
ton, and a small microphone picks up your
voice while the OnStar advisor talks to you
through your stereo speakers. Note: Audio
system must be switched on. You can even
adjust the volume to your liking with the
steering wheel controls or the radio volume
knob. Your hands remain on the steering
wheel, while your eyes remain on the road.Being safe on the road is important, but
there’s more to life than security. There’s liv-
ing. That’s why we have created the OnStar
Directions and Connections Plan. It gives
you not only the important protections of the
Safe and Sound Plan, but also a whole
range of services which truly change driving
from a chore to a luxury.
The OnStar Directions &
Connections PlanRoute supportWith OnStar Route Support, an advisor can
help you find your way, no matter how far off
course you are. You can get exact street
directions, or guidance to nearby gas sta-
tions, restaurants, hotels or ATMs.Ride AssistIf you need a lift, anytime of the day or night,
just call OnStar. They’ll contact transporta-
tion and send it right to you.Information and Convenience ser-
vicesOnStar advisors have access to over five
million service listings including hotels, res-
taurants, gas stations, dealerships, hospi-
tals, ATMs and airports — more than 250
service categories in all. OnStar advisors
can even assist you with hotel and restau-
rant reservations.
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