2005 SAAB 9-3 check oil

205 Car care
CoolantIf the coolant level drops too low, the follow-
ing message appears on the SID:The properties of the coolant are retained
for the entire service life of the car. There-
fore, it is not necessary to change the cool-
ant.
The coolant contains 45 % antifreeze and
anti-corrosion fluid. This ratio gives the best
cooling effect. Lower concentrations should
be avoided, in view of the corrosion risk.
Other brands of antifreeze can damage the
engine and cooling system.The expansion tank is transparent to facili-
tate checking the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant must
not lie above the KALT/COLD mark on the
expansion tank (boundary between the
upper and lower sections of the tank, see
illustration).
Top up with a mixture of equal parts of
Saab-approved antifreeze and clean water.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine until warm so that
the thermostat opens. Top up the tank
again, as necessary.
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.
Coolant level low.
Refill.
Coolant expansion tank
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207 Car care
The foot brake and parking brake are self-
adjusting.
It is not possible to detect, through abnormal
pedal or parking brake lever travel, whether
the brake pads are worn and need replac-
ing. It is therefore essential that brake pads
be checked regularly, as specified in the
service program.
Brake pads should only be changed at a
Saab dealer. To ensure optimum brake
performance, use only Saab genuine
brake pads.
Power steeringCheck the level of the power steering fluid in
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point directly forwards
during this check.
Clean round the cap before unscrewing it.
Wipe the dipstick. To check the level, screw
down the cap completely and then remove
it again.
The oil level should lie between the MAX
and MIN marks when the oil temperature is
about 68°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder, the
level will be lower, and at a higher tempera-
tures the level will be higher.
Top up with “CHF 11S power steering fluid”.
NOTICEAvoid spilling brake fluid onto paintwork,
since it can cause the paint to bubble and
lift. If any brake fluid is spilled, the area
should be flushed with large quantities of
water as quickly as possible.
WARNING
Power steering fluid on hot engine
components constitutes a fire risk.
Power steering fluid reservoir
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251 Car care
Safety beltsCheck the function of the safety belts regu-
larly as follows:
 Hold the diagonal strap and pull it sharply.
The safety belt should lock and it should
not be possible to withdraw it further.
Check the anchorage points in the floor.
They must not have suffered rust damage.
If a belt is worn or has any fraying edges, it
should be replaced.
Safety belts must not come into contact with
substances such as polishes, oil or chemi-
cals. If the belts get dirty, wash them with
warm water and a detergent or have them
replaced.
Upholstery and trimTo remove fluff and hairs from the seats,
door armrests and headlining, use a
vacuum cleaner, a moist lint-free cloth, or a
clothes brush. Remove spots and dirt using
a cloth moistened with lukewarm soapy
water.
When using a stain remover, always work
from the outside towards the centre to avoid
leaving a ring. If a soiled ring or spot should
remain, it can usually be removed using
lukewarm soapy water or water alone.
Spots left by liquids, such as soft drinks or
thin oil, must be removed at once with an
absorbent material, such as kitchen towel-
ling. Then clean with a stain remover.
White spirit is recommended for removing
grease and oil stains. A medium stiff brush
may also be used.Cleaning and caring for leather
upholsteryThe principal reason for treating leather
upholstery is to maintain its elegant appear-
ance and to provide it with a protective film.
Disco lour at ion caused by dust and wear
mainly affects the lighter shades, although
this is not detrimental to the leather, indeed,
the patina resulting from use is often consid-
ered desirable in leather. But if the leather is
allowed to become too grubby, it can start to
look shabby.
The leather upholstery should be cleaned
and reconditioned twice a year in conjunc-
tion with spring and autumn inspections. In
WARNING
If the car is involved in a crash, the safety
belts, belt pretensioners and other asso-
ciated components must be inspected at
a Saab dealer.
Never make any alterations or repairs to
the safety belts yourself but visit a Saab
dealer.
Tightening sequence, wheel boltsGrease the surfaces indicated with a thin
layer of grease
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255 Car care
Use a hose to clean the underside of the car
thoroughly. After it has dried, use a brush or
spray to apply a viscous anti-corrosion
agent to any worn or damaged areas, to
prevent the onset of corrosion.
Even after the anti-corrosion warranty has
expired, it makes good sense to continue to
maintain the rustproofing.
Seams in the body, especially those in the
doors and trunk lid, are particularly vulnera-
ble to corrosion from the outside, caused by
grit and salt thrown up from the road, and to
corrosion from the inside, largely as a result
of condensation. Keep the seams clean and
at the first sign of any rust, apply a thin, pen-
etrating, anti-corrosion oil. Your Saab
dealer will be pleased to give you further
advice.
What causes rust?Steel body panels of automobiles are sub-
ject to rusting whenever air and moisture
manage to penetrate the protective finish.
Body panels may rust through if the process
is unchecked. Rusting can occur wherever
water is trapped or where the car’s panels
are continuously damp.
Damage to paint and undercoating by
stones, gravel and minor crashes immedi-
ately exposes metal to air and moisture.
Road salts used for de-icing will collect on
the bottom of the car and promote rusting.
Areas of the country with high humidity have
a greater potential for rust problems, espe-
cially where salt is used on roads or there is
moist sea air. Industrial pollution (fallout)
may also damage paint and promote rust-
ing.
Preventive maintenanceThe following procedures are necessary to
help protect against rusting. Refer also to
the terms and conditions of the Performa-
tion Limited Warranty described in the war-
ranty booklet.
1Wash the car frequently, and wax at
least twice a year. Under adverse
conditions, where there is a rapid
buildup of dirt, sand or road salt, wash
your car at least once a week. After
extreme exposure to salted snow or
slush, evidenced by a white film on the
car, wash the car immediately. Frequent
washing will prevent paint damage from
acid rain and other airborne contami-
nants such as tree sap and bird drop-
pings. If any of these contaminants are
noticed on the car the finish should be
washed immediately.
 Begin washing by rinsing the entire car
with water to loosen and flush off heavy
concentrations of dirt (include the
underbody).
 Sponge the car with a solution of either
a good quality car soap or mild general
purpose (dish washing) detergent and
water.
 Rinse car thoroughly with clean water.
 After washing, check and clear all
drains in doors and body panels.
 Wipe the car dry, preferably using a
chamois.
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257 Car care
Air conditioning (A/C)
TroubleshootingIf a fault occurs in the A/C system, there are
a number of checks you can perform your-
self. If the fault persists, however, have the
system checked at a Saab dealer.
Note:
When the A/C system is running, the intake
air is dehumidified. The resultant condensa-
tion that forms on the evaporator is drained
off under the car. When the car is parked,
this may result in a small puddle forming on
the ground. The warmer the air and the
higher the relative humidity, the more con-
densation will be produced.Inadequate coolinga Check that the controls for temperature
and air distribution are correctly set; see
“Manual climate-control system” on
page 103.
b Check that the condenser (in front of the
radiator) has not become clogged with
dirt and insects.
c Make sure that the compressor drive
belt does not slip (see page 210).
d Check the fuses for the ventilation fans
and compressor (see page 229).
Maintenance The compressor drive belt should be
inspected under the regular service
program.
 Clean away dirt and insects from the
condenser and radiator to prevent clog-
ging. When washing the car, use the hose
to spray the radiator and condenser
(located in front of the radiator) from both
sides (both from the front of the car and
from inside the engine bay). Do not use a
pressure washer.
Caution: Do not hose down the radia-
tor and condenser while the engine is
hot.
Other than in extremely cold weather, do not
screen the radiator, e.g. with netting, as this
will greatly diminish its cooling capacity.
 Applicable to the manual climate control
system - During cold months the air condi-
tioning should be switched on once or
twice a month and run for 5–10 minutes
during highway driving once the engine is
warm.
This action saves the gaskets in the
compressor from being spoiled. The
compressor uses a lubricant that circu-
lates with the coolant.
WARNING
 All repairs and adjustments to the A/C
system must be carried out at a Saab
dealer authorized for this kind of work.
 The A/C system is pressurized. Do not
break any connections or undo A/C
system components.
 Escaping gas can cause eye injury or
other personal injury.NOTICE The A/C system is designed for use
with R134a refrigerant.
 Refrigerant handling requires special
equipment and special procedures for
charging and draining the system.
 Never mix R 134a with other refriger-
ants.
NOTICEDo not use a pressure washer when
cleaning the condenser or radiator due to
the risk of damage.
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283 Index
Index
AA/C
__________________________ 106
ABS brakes
____________________ 167
ACC
_________________________ 108
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 122
Air conditioning
_________________ 106
Air filter
_______________________ 204
Airbag
_________________________ 29
Anchorage eyes
________________ 143
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 254
Antilock braking system __________ 167
Anti-spin
______________________ 169
Ashtrays ______________________ 132
Autochecking of lights, warning and
indicator lights
__________________ 82
Autodimming
_______________ 135
, 136
Automatic climate control (ACC)
____ 108
Automatic transmission
___________ 159
BBattery
________________________ 208
Bedding-in of new brake pads
_____ 157
Before towing a trailer
____________ 187
Brake fluid, grade
_______________ 274
Brakes
________________________ 166Braking
_______________________ 166
Bulb changing
__________________ 213
Bulb table
_____________________ 226
Buying new tires
________________ 236
CCabin lighting
__________________ 129
Cabin lighting, Convertible
_________ 72
Car alarm
______________________ 50
Car transport ___________________ 192
Care of air conditioning
___________ 257
Change of address notification
_____ 264
Changing a tire
_________________ 248
Changing bulbs _________________ 213
Changing engine oil
_____________ 203
Changing the battery, remote control
_48
Changing wiper blades
___________ 211
Checking the number of remote
controls
_______________________ 47
Checks before towing a trailer
______ 187
Child safety
_____________________ 22
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 46
Child seats
_____________________ 22
Cigarette lighter
_________________ 132
Cleaning the engine bay
__________ 252
Cleaning upholstery
_____________ 251
Climate control system, manual
____ 103
Closing the soft top manually,
Convertible
____________________ 62
Closing the soft top, Convertible
_____ 58Clutch interlock
_________________ 158
Compact spare _________________ 246
Compass
______________________ 139
Condensation water, A/C
_________ 106
Convertible
_____________________ 55
Convertible, washing
_____________ 253
Coolant
_______________________ 205
Crash memory, see EDR
_________ 266
Cruise control
__________________ 165
Cup holder
_____________________ 130
DDate codes, tires
________________ 246
Deep water, driving through
_______ 189
Definitions and terminology, tire ____ 243
Determining correct load, tires
_____ 245
Direction indicator stalk switch ______ 98
Direction indicators
_______________ 98
Dome light, Convertible
___________ 223
Dome light, Sport Sedan __________ 222
Donor battery, boost starting
_______ 193
Door handles
____________________ 42
Door mirrors ___________________ 134
Drive belt
______________________ 210
Drive belt, length
________________ 272
Driver’s seat with memory
__________ 20
Driving at night
_________________ 190
Driving in cold climates
___________ 181
Driving in deep water
_____________ 189
Driving in hot climates ____________ 183
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284 IndexDriving techniques
______________ 179
Driving with a heavy load on hilly
roads
________________________ 161
Driving with a load
_______________ 189
Driving with a roof load
___________ 188
Driving with the compact spare wheel
193
Driving with the trunk lid open
______ 189
EEDR (Event Data Recorders)
______ 266
ESP, anti-skid system
____________ 171
Easy entry, Convertible ____________ 67
Economical motoring
____________ 179
Electric engine heater ____________ 180
Electric heating, front seats
____ 107
, 116
Electric windows
________________ 123
Electric windows, Convertible
_______ 71
Electrical system, technical data ____ 272
Electrically adjustable seats
________ 19
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
__ 171
Electronic steering wheel lock
______ 148
Emergency opening of the narrow
backrest
_____________________ 144
Emergency operation of the sunroof
_ 128
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 252
Engine heater
__________________ 180
Engine immobilizer
_______________ 49
Engine number
_________________ 278
Engine oil, checking
_____________ 202
Engine oil, grade
________________ 270Engine oil, volume
_______________ 271
Engine temperature gauge
_________ 84
Engine, description
______________ 199
Engine, technical data ____________ 270
Engines
_______________________ 271
Event Data Recorders (EDR)
______ 266
Extra electrical socket
____________ 132
FFacilitating entry to rear seat,
Convertible
____________________ 67
Factors affecting fuel consumption
__ 179
Filler cap
______________________ 154
Filling a portable fuel container
_____ 155
Filling up
______________________ 153
Flat spots, tires
_________________ 235
Floor jack
______________________ 249
Folding down the rear seat
________ 140
Front fog lights
__________________ 98
Front towing eye ________________ 190
Fuel container
__________________ 155
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 85
Fuel grade _____________________ 271
Fuel information
________________ 155
Functions, car alarm ______________ 53
Fuse panel in luggage compartment
_230
Fuse table
_____________________ 229
Fuses
________________________ 227
GGDO, garage door opener
_________ 136
Gear selector indicator, automatic trans-
mission
_______________________ 86
Gearbox number
________________ 278
General safety instructions, Convertible
56
Glovebox
______________________ 132
Glovebox lighting
________________ 224
HHandbrake
_____________________ 173
Hazard warning lights
_____________ 99
Head restraint, Convertible
_________ 68
Head restraints
__________________ 21
Headlight flasher _________________ 97
Headlight levelling ________________ 96
Headlights
______________________ 96
Heated door mirrors
_____________ 107
Hood
_________________________ 198
Horn __________________________ 122
Horn button
____________________ 122
IIf a tire goes flat
_________________ 240
Ignition switch
__________________ 146
Immobilizer
_____________________ 49
Important considerations for driving
_ 150
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287 Index
Tire chains
____________________ 240
Tire date code __________________ 246
Tire inspection and rotation
________ 235
Tire markings
__________________ 242
Tire sidewall labeling
_____________ 241
Tire sizes
______________________ 275
Tire terminology and definitions
____ 243
Tire, changing
__________________ 248
Tire, spare
_____________________ 246
Tires
_________________________ 234
Tools and spare wheel
___________ 246
Touching up paintwork ___________ 253
Towbar
_______________________ 184
Towbar load
___________________ 186
Towing
_______________________ 190
Towing a trailer
_________________ 184
Towing the car _________________ 191
Traction Control System (TCS)
_____ 169
Transmission oil, checking
________ 204
Transmission oil, grade
___________ 272
Transmission, automatic __________ 159
Transmission, manual
____________ 158
Transporting the car
_____________ 192
Treadwear indicators ____________ 236
Trip computer
___________________ 88
Trip meter
______________________ 83
Troubleshooting, A/C and ACC
_____ 257
Trunk lid, driving when open
_______ 189
Trunk lid, opening
________________ 45
Turbo gauge
____________________ 84
UUniform tire quality grading
________ 238
Upholstery care
_________________ 251
Upholstery, cleaning
_____________ 251
Useful tips on night driving
________ 190
Useful tips on starting
____________ 149
VVanity mirror
___________________ 130
Vehicle Data Collection
___________ 266
Vehicle identification number
______ 278
Vehicle recovery
________________ 192
WWarning labels
___________________ 7
Warning lights
___________________ 78
Warning triangle _________________ 99
Warnings and messages on SID,
Convertible
____________________ 65
Washer fluid ___________________ 211
Washer jets ____________________ 212
Washers
______________________ 100
Washing ______________________ 252
Washing a Convertible
___________ 253
Waxing and polishing
____________ 253
Wear indicators, tires ____________ 236What Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates?
_______________________ 37
Wheel replacement
______________ 239
Wheels and tires, sizes ___________ 275
When it is time for new tires
_______ 236
Windshield washers
_____________ 100
Windshield wipers
_______________ 100
Wing mirrors
___________________ 134
Winter driving __________________ 181
Winter tires
____________________ 245
Wiper blades ___________________ 211
Wipers
________________________ 100
XXenon headlights
________________ 214
Xenon headlights, head light levelling
_96
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