2004 SAAB 9-5 towing

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!
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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.
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188 Starting and drivingDriving with the trunk
lid/tailgate openAvoid driving with the trunk lid/tailgate partly
or fully open, since exhaust fumes can be
drawn into the cabin.
If you must drive with the trunk lid/tailgate
open, all windows and the sunroof (if fitted)
must be closed and the cabin fan on at its
highest speed setting.
Driving in deep water Towing the carNOTICEDo not drive in water deeper than
12 inches (30 cm) and do not drive faster
than 3–4 mph. Water can otherwise be
sucked into the engine. The engine will be
seriously damaged if water enters the
intake system.
WARNING
 Remember that the brake servo does
not operate when the engine is off.
Much greater pressure than normal
will therefore be required to operate
the brake pedal.
 Nor does the steering servo operate
when the engine is off. The steering
will therefore be much heavier than
usual.
 The towing vehicle should always be
heavier than the vehicle on tow.
 Never allow passengers to ride in the
car being towed.
 Always seek professional help if the
car needs to be towed.
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189 Starting and driving
Front towing eye
The front towing eye is stored with the spare
wheel.
The attachment point (tapped hole) for the
towing eye is midway along the engine sub-
frame at the front of the car.
Remove the plastic plug and screw in the
towing eye securely.
To ensure that the towing eye is in far
enough, insert the handle of the wheel
wrench through the eye for additional lever-
age.
Rear towing eyeThe car has a permanently mounted towing
eye at the back. If the car is equipped with a
trailer hitch, this can be used instead of the
towing eye.
WARNING
 Make sure that the towing eye at the
front is screwed in tightly.
 The towing eye is only designed for
use when the car is being towed on the
road. It must not be used to pull the
car out of a ditch, for example.
 Make sure that all bystanders keep a
suitable distance, in case the towing
eye or tow rope should break. The
towing eye or tow rope could catapult
off and cause seriously injury.NOTICE Do not drive the car with the front
towing eye in position. If it catches the
curb, for example, the engine sub-
frame could be damaged.
 Refit the plastic plug in the hole when
the towing eye has been removed, to
keep dirt and moisture out of the
threads.
IB2427
Front towing eye
IB483
Rear towing eye
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190 Starting and drivingTowing the car Gear lever in neutral (in cars with automatic
transmission: selector lever at N (neutral))
Turn on the parking lights.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles being towed.
Always try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake, as necessary.
This will avoid the towrope being jerked
violently.
The local regulations on towing speeds
must be followed.
The highest permissible towing speed is
30 mph (50 km/h), unless the legal limit is
lower. The longest permissible towing dis-
tance is 30 miles (50 km). If the car has to
be transported farther than that, summon a
tow truck. A flat bed tow truck is the pre-
ferred method to tow.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in damage.Cars with automatic transmission
The car cannot be bump started. In an
emergency, it is possible to start the engine
using jump leads (see the section, ”Jump
starting” on page 191).
Transporting the car
NOTICE
Never use the towing eyes to pull the
car unstuck.
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 a sport (lowered) chassis is
transported, for example on a flat bed
truck, take extra care not to damage the
spoiler and/or underbody.
Never use the towing eyes to pull the car
unstuck
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244 Car care and technical informationSteps 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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271 Specifications
Trailer:
Luggage compartment
Volume (SAE):
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 15.9 cu.ft.
(450 litres)
9-5 Wagon, rear seat upright ________ 31.4 cu. ft.
(890 litres)
9-5 Wagon, rear seat folded _________ 73.0 cu. ft.
(2067 litres)
Luggage compartment, length, 9-5 Sedan:
Rear seat upright _________________ 43.0 in (1092 mm)
Rear seat folded down _____________ 67.5 in (1714 mm)
Luggage compartment, length, 9-5 Wagon:
Rear seat upright _________________ 42.8 in (1087 mm)
Rear seat folded __________________ 61.2 in (1732 mm)
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 luggage compartment, make sure
that it is tied down securely, particularly when part or all of the
rear seat is folded down.
Maximum towing speed, trailer with brakes 60 mph (100 km/h)
Trailer with brakes _________________ Maximum weight:
3500 lbs (1588 kg)
Trailer without brakes ______________ Maximum weight:
1000 lbs (450 kg)
Maximum load on ball hitch __________ 110–165 lbs
(50–75 kg)
The above speed and weight restrictions are those specified by
Saab Automobile AB.
Note that local restrictions may apply to trailer speeds and
weights (see page 178).
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283 Index
Index
AA/C system, fault diagnosis
_______ 252
A/C system, maintenance
_________ 252
ABS brakes
____________________ 168
ACC
__________________________ 75
ACC functions
___________________ 78
ACC, automatic climate control
_____ 75
ACC, calibration
_________________ 83
ACC, condensation _______________ 84
ACC, programming _______________ 81
ACC, useful tips
_________________ 83
Adjusting the steering wheel
_______ 120
Adjustment, seats
________________ 12
Air conditioning (A/C), fault diagnosis
and maintenance ______________ 252
Air distribution, ACC ______________ 80
Airbag
_________________________ 31
Alarm _________________________ 46
Alarm functions
__________________ 49
Alarm signals
________________ 46
, 49
Alternator
_____________________ 212
Alternator drive belt
__________ 212
, 275
Alternator rating
________________ 275
Anticorrosion treatment
___________ 256
Antidazzle rear-view mirror
________ 125
Ashtrays
______________________ 131
Audio System
___________________ 85
Audio System, quick guide
_________ 87
Autochecking of lights on starting
____ 60Automatic climate control (ACC)
_____ 75
Automatic transmission, technical
data
_________________________ 276
Aviod theft, tip
__________________ 197
BBattery
________________________ 210
Battery charging/replacing
________ 211
Battery, boost starting
____________ 191
Before a long journey ____________ 258
Before towing a camper or trailer
___ 181
Belt guide
______________________ 17
Boost starting using jump leads
____ 191
Brake and clutch fluid
____________ 208
Brake-fluid reservoir
_____________ 208
Brakes, technical data ____________ 277
Bulbs, changing
________________ 215
Bulbs, table of
__________________ 226
Buying new tires ________________ 235
CCD changer
_____________________ 97
CD player
______________________ 95
CHECK messages
_______________ 67
CHECKING
_____________________ 67
Calibration, ACC
_________________ 83
Cancelling the programmed settings
_81
Car alarm
______________________ 46
Car care
______________________ 199
Cargo net, 9-5 Wagon
____________ 142Carpeting, care of
_______________ 253
Cassette player
__________________ 92
Catalytic converter, important
considerations _________________ 152
Central locking ___________________ 40
Change language in SID
___________ 68
Change of address notification
_____ 266
Changing a wheel
_______________ 247
Changing bulbs
_________________ 215
Changing wiper blades
___________ 213
Charger/Jump starting ____________ 193
Charging the battery/Jump starting
__ 193
Chassis number
________________ 280
Chassis number, key to
___________ 281
Checks before towing a camper or
trailer
________________________ 181
Child safety
_____________________ 23
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 43
Cleaning, engine bay
_____________ 255
Clock
_______________________ 67
, 68
Color code, body
________________ 280
Color code, trim _________________ 280
Compact spare wheel
____________ 246
Compass
______________________ 126
Condensation, ACC
_______________ 84
Coolant
_______________________ 207
Courtesy Headlight Feature
________ 70
Cruise control
__________________ 167
Cup holder
_____________________ 134
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