2005 SAAB 9-3 air conditioning

103 Instruments and controls
Manual climate-control
systemFresh air for the cabin is drawn in through an
inlet grille at the bottom edge of the wind-
shield. It passes through a filter before
reaching the climate control system and
delivery into the cabin. The air is evacuated
via openings in the parcel shelf. It is then led
through outlets on either side of the car
behind the rear bumper.
The incoming air is treated in three stages:
first it passes through a filter; it is then dehu-
midified and cooled; and finally, if required,
it is heated.
To optimize the performance of the A/C sys-
tem, all windows and the sunroof should be
shut.
To reduce potential misting on the insides of
the windows, the glass should be cleaned
with a quality glass cleaner. How often this
will need to be done depends on how clean
the air is - if there are smokers in the car, the
windows will need to be cleaned more fre-
quently.
The output of air is controlled by the fan
speed.
Temperature controlThe temperature of the incoming air can
be infinitely varied using the temperature
control.
Fan
Control panel: manual climate control1 Temperature
2 Fan speed
3 Air distribution
4 Seat heating, front right seat
5 Recirculation6 Rear window/door mirror heating
7 Hazard warning lights
8 Air conditioning (A/C)
9 Seat heating, front left seat
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106 Instruments and controlsAir ventsThe air vents swivel universally, so that air
can be directed as desired. In winter, for
instance, the outer vents can be directed
onto the door windows for enhanced
demisting.
The amount of air can be individually con-
trolled by the regulator on each vent. If you
wish to reduce the airflow, start by half-
shutting the vent in question.The air conditioning is combined with the
conventional climate control system and
is switched on by pressing the but-
ton, provided that the fan control is in
position 1-5.
The incoming air is treated in three stages:
first it passes through a filter; it is then dehu-
midified and cooled; and finally, if required,
it is heated.
If the engine coolant gets too hot, the A/C
compressor will be turned off.
Convertible: When the soft top or all the
windows are open in a hot, humid climate, it
is recommended to switch off the air condi-
tioning to save fuel. Also, if the air condition-
ing is on, condensation may form on cold
surfaces such as the floor air ducts.
Condensation waterWhen the A/C compressor is on, the incom-
ing air is dehumidified. The resulting con-
densation water is drained away through an
outlet under the car.
It is therefore perfectly normal for water to
be seen dripping from this outlet when the
car is parked. The warmer the ambient air
and the higher the humidity, the more con-
densation will form.
When the button is pressed, the reg-
ular air intake will be closed. In this mode,
the air inside the cabin is recirculated.
Use recirculation when you wish for rapid
cooling at very high outside temperatures.
Switch the air conditioning (A/C) on first.
If necessary, recirculation can be switched
on manually to avoid unpleasant air from
entering the car.
Only use recirculation for a short period
of time at temperatures lower than 50°F
(+10°C), such as to avoid unpleasant air.
Mist or ice may otherwise form on the
windows.
Air conditioning (A/C)
Recirculation
Panel vent
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117 Instruments and controls
ACC- ConvertibleWhen the soft top is folded, the ACC system
switches to manual temperature control.
There are eleven temperature settings: 0–
10.
The system adjusts itself as follows:
 AUTO goes out.
 Heating, air distribution and fan speed are
not affected.
 Recirculation and rear window heating
are cut out.
 The A/C compressor is switched off (man-
ual activation is possible by pressing the
AC button).
All manual selections are possible with the
exception of rear window heating.
When the soft top is raised, the system
reverts to the AUTO mode and the previous
set temperature.
Note: When the soft top or all the windows
are open in a hot, humid climate, turning the
air conditioning on manually can cause con-
densation to form on cold surfaces, such as
the air ducts.
ProfilerSome of the functions of the ACC system
can be customized.
1 Press the CUSTOMIZE button to go to
Profiler.
2 Select Climate System using the
INFO dial.
3 Press in the INFO dial.
4 Select Rear Defroster, Heated Seats,
Fan Settings, Air Distribution, A/C
Mode, Dual/Single Zone or Default
Settings by turning the dial.
5 Confirm this selection by pressing the
INFO dial.
Once you have adjusted the ACC system
settings under Profiler, CUSTOMIZE will
appear on the ACC display.
ACC display when soft top folded
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197 Car care
Hood ________________ 198
Engine ______________ 199
Engine bay ___________ 201
Engine oil ____________ 202
Air filter______________ 204
Transmission fluid ____ 204
Coolant ______________ 205
Brake/clutch fluid and
brake pads__________ 206
Power steering________ 207
Battery ______________ 208
Drive belt ____________ 210
Wipers and washers ___ 211
Wiper blades _________ 211
Changing bulbs _______ 213 Fuses ________________ 227
Tires _________________ 234
Compact spare ________ 246
Changing a tire ________ 248
Safety belts ___________ 251
Upholstery and trim ____ 251
Textile carpeting _______ 252
Engine bay ____________ 252
Washing ______________ 252
Waxing and polishing ___ 253
Touching up the paint___ 253
Anti-corrosion treatment 254
Recovery and/or
recycling of automotive
materials ____________ 256
Air conditioning (A/C) ___ 257
Car care
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243 Car care
Loading Your VehicleThis is an example of what your vehicle´s
Tire-Loading Information/Certification label
might look like. It is located on the B-pillar
and shows how much weight your vehicle
may properly carry. The label tells you the
proper size, and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It
also gives you important information about
the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle
Capacity Weight, and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-
installed options.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure: The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight: This means the com-
bined weight of optional accessories, for
example, automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio: The relationship of a tire´s
height to its width.
Belt: A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other rein-
forcing materials.
Bias Ply Tire: A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at
alternate angles substantially less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Inflation Pressure: The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa), before
a tire has built up heat from driving. See
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 234.
Curb weight: This means the weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant, without passengers
and cargo.DOT Markings: A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation motor vehicle safety stan-
dards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanu-
meric designator which can also identify the
tire manufacturer, production plant, brand
and date of production.
GVWR: Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 243.
GAWR FRT: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle”
on page 269.
GAWR RR: Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the rear axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 243.
Intended Outboard Sidewall: The side of
an asymmetrical tire that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa): The metric unit for air
pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire: A tire used
on light duty trucks and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index: An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
This label can only be found on vehicles
sold in the U.S.
Vehicles sold in Canada have the tire
information label in the glove box, see
page 278.
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252 Car carevery warm, dry climates the leather may
need more regular reconditioning. Use con-
ventional leather care products. Follow the
instructions on the packaging.
Do not use unknown harsh polishing
agents, cleaning agents, sprays, coarse
soap or hot water.Textile carpetingTextile carpeting should be vacuum
cleaned regularly. Carpeting can also be
cleaned using a brush or sponge and carpet
shampoo.
For safety reasons, vacuum cleaners that
are not earthed (grounded) must not be
used out of doors.
Engine bayThe engine bay should be cleaned with an
engine decreasing and rinsed with hot
water. The headlights must be covered
over. Do not use a pressure washer. Avoid
spraying electrical components and con-
nectors.
Do not use petrol as a cleaning agent or sol-
vent when carrying out repairs or mainte-
nance. Saab recommends the use of envi-
ronmentally-friendly decrescendos.WashingThe bodywork must be washed frequently.
When the car is new, the body should be
washed by hand using plain cold water and
a clean, soft brush through which the water
flows. Automatic caresses should be
avoided when the car is new.
After 5–6 months the paintwork will have
hardened. To facilitate cleaning, a suitable
detergent can be added to the water, which
should be lukewarm.
Remove any bird droppings without delay,
as these can discolor the paintwork and
prove difficult to polish out. Lay a wad of wet
paper on the patch of dirt and leave it for a
minute or so. It will then be easy to wash off
the dirt.
Use a soft cloth moistened with white spirit
to remove splashes of tar or asphalt. Do not
use strong cleaners, as these can dry out
the paintwork.The underside of the car also needs wash-
ing regularly, and this should be done extra
thoroughly at the end of winter. Clean the
underside of the car by hand if the car is usu-
ally washed in an automatic car wash with-
out special facilities for underbody cleaning.
Never wash or leave the car to dry in the
sun, but wipe it dry with a chamois leather
immediately after washing to avoid smears
and streaks.
Clean the inside of window glass using a
proprietary window cleaner. This is particu-
larly important when the car is new, as
upholstery and trim have a tendency to
sweat a little at first.
Keep the glass well polished, as this helps
to prevent misting.
Clean the outside of the windows with Saab
washer fluid. This is especially important if
the car has been washed in an automatic
car wash, as sometimes a wax treatment is
used that can contaminate the windshield
and impair the performance of the wipers.
NOTICEDo not use alcohol-based cleaners on the
plastic lenses of the front or rear lights, as
these can cause a crackling effect on the
lenses.
The door mirrors should be folded in
before the car enters an automatic car
wash.
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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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