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11 - 3 6Maintenance and service
26 December 2003
1) Specified range2. Check the fluid level of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is hot after the vehicle has been run:
Check that the oil level is between “HOT MIN” and
“HOT MAX” on the surface of the reservoir tank.
When the fluid is cool before the vehicle is run: Check
that the oil level is between “COLD MIN” and “COLD
MAX” on the surface of the reservoir tank.
3. If the fluid level is lower than the applicable “MIN”
line, add the recommended fluid as necessary to bring
the level between the “MIN” and “MAX” line.
If the fluid level is extreme low, it may indicate possible
leakage. Consult your Saab dealer for an inspection.
Be careful not to burn yourself because the flu-id may be hot.!When power steering fluid is being added,
use only clean fluid, and be careful not to allow
any dirt into the tank. And never use different
brands together.!Avoid spilling fluid when adding it in the tank."Recommended fluid“Dexron III” Type Automatic Transmission Fluid
1
1
HSB045BB
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26 December 2003
Brake fluid"Checking the fluid level1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level markCheck the fluid level monthly.
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If
the level is below “MIN”, add the recommended brake
fluid to “MAX”.
Use only brake fluid from a sealed container.
!Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air.
Any absorbed moisture can cause a dangerous
loss of braking performance.
!If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there
may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, havethe vehicle checked at your Saab dealer.!Never use different brands of brake fluid to-
gether.
!When adding brake fluid, be careful not to al-
low any dirt into the reservoir.
!Never splash the brake fluid over painted sur-
faces or rubber parts. Alcohol contained in thebrake fluid may damage them."Recommended brake fluidFMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid
MAXMIN
UG9032HB
1
2
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11 - 3 8Maintenance and service
18 February 2004
Clutch fluid (MT vehicles)"Checking the fluid level1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark1) “MAX” level mark
2) “MIN” level mark
Check the fluid level on the outside of the reservoir. If
the level is below “MIN” level mark, add the recom-
mended clutch fluid to “MAX” level mark.
Use only clutch fluid from a sealed container.!Clutch fluid absorbs moisture from the air.
Any absorbed moisture can cause improper
clutch operation.
MAX
MIN
UG9032IB
1
2
MAX
MIN
UGB095CB
1
2
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11 -3 9
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26 December 2003
!If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there
may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, have
the vehicle checked at your Saab dealer.
!Never use different brands of clutch fluid to-
gether.
!When clutch fluid is added, be careful not toallow any dirt into the tank."Recommended clutch fluidFMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
Brake boosterIf the brake booster does not operate as described be-
low, have it checked by your Saab dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal sever-
al times, applying the same pedal force each time. The
distance the pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine.
The pedal should move slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine
and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The
pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one minute
then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times
to check the brake booster. Brake booster operates
properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each de-
pression.
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11 - 4 0Maintenance and service
18 February 2004
Brake pedalCheck the brake pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “Saab
Warranty and Service Record Booklet”."Checking the brake pedal free play1) 0.04 – 0.12 in (1.0 – 3.0 mm)Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal
several times. Lightly press the brake pedal down with
one finger to check the free play with a force of less
than 2 lbs (10 N, 1 kg).If the free play is not within proper specification, con-
tact your Saab dealer.
"Checking the brake pedal reserve dis-
tance1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 lbs
(294 N, 30 kg) and measure the distance between the
upper surface of the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than the specifica-
tion, or when the pedal does not operate smoothly,
contact with your Saab dealer.
1
HSB049BB
1
HSB050BB
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18 February 2004
Clutch pedal (MT vehicles)Check the clutch pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “Saab
9-2X Saab Warranty and Service Record Booklet”."Checking the clutch functionCheck the clutch engagement and disengagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there are no ab-
normal noises when the clutch pedal is depressed,
and that shifting into 1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal slowly to
check that the engine and transmission smoothly cou-
ple without any sign of slippage.
"Checking the clutch pedal free play1) 0.16 – 0.51 in (4.0 –13.0 mm)Lightly press the clutch pedal down with your finger
until you feel resistance, and check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper specification, con-
tact your Saab dealer.
1
HSB049BB
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11 - 4 2Maintenance and service
18 February 2004
Replacement of brake pad and liningThe right front disc brake and the right rear disc brake
have an audible wear indicators on the brake pads. If
the brake pads wear close to their service limit, the
wear indicator makes a very audible scraping noise
when the brake pedal is applied.
If you hear this scraping noise each time you apply the
brake pedal, have the brake pads serviced by your
Saab dealer as soon as possible.
If you continue to drive despite the scraping
noise from the audible brake pad wear indica-
tor, it will result in the need for costly brake ro-tor repair or replacement."Breaking-in of new brake pads and lin-
ingsWhen replacing the brake pad or lining, use only gen-
uine Saab parts. After replacement, the new parts
must be broken in as follows:
!Brake pad and lining
While maintaining a speed of 30 to 40 mph (50 to
65 km/h), step on the brake pedal lightly. Repeat this
five or more times.
!Parking brake lining
1. Drive the vehicle at a speed of about 22 mph
(35 km/h).
2. With the parking brake release button pushed in,
pull the parking brake lever SLOWLY and GENTLY.
(Pulling with a force of approximately 33 lbs [147 N,
15 kg].)
HS7012BA
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18 February 2004
3. Drive the vehicle for about 220 yards (200 meters)
in this condition.
4. Wait 5 to 10 minutes for the parking brake to cool
down. Repeat this procedure.
5. Check the parking brake stroke. If the parking
brake stroke is out of the specified range, adjust it by
turning the adjusting nut located on the parking brake
lever.Parking brake stroke:
7 – 8 notches / 44 lbs (196 N, 20 kg)
A safe location and situation should be select-ed for break-in driving.Pulling the parking brake lever too forcefully
may cause the rear wheels to lock. To avoid
this, be certain to pull the lever up slowly andgently.
Parking brake strokeCheck the parking brake stroke according to the main-
tenance schedule in the “Saab Warranty and Service
Record Booklet”. When the parking brake is properly
adjusted, braking power is fully applied by pulling the
lever up seven to eight notches gently but firmly (about
44 lbs [196 N, 20 kg]). If the parking brake lever stroke
is not within the specified range, have the brake sys-
tem checked and adjusted at your Saab dealer.
UG7509CA
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