2005 SAAB 9-3 brake fluid

6Engine bayColor code______________ 278
Engine number __________ 278
Gearbox number _________ 278
Warning labels __________ 7
Vehicle identification number 278Alternator ______________ 210
Drive belt _______________ 210
Exhaust emission control __ 151
Ignition system __________ 272
Simple troubleshooting
(A/C, ACC) _____________ 257
Spark plugs _____________ 272
Turbo gauge ____________ 84Engine oil: checking level __ 202Automatic transmission _________ 159
Transmission: technical data _____ 272
Manual transmission ___________ 158
Battery ______________________ 208
Battery charge ________________ 208
Jump starting _________________ 193
Changing engine oil ____________ 203
Engine: description ____________ 199
Engine: technical data __________ 270
Important considerations for driving 150
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 270
Topping-up fluid _________ 211
Wash/wipe stalk switch____ 100
Washer fluid ____________ 211
Washer jets ____________ 212
Power steering ________________ 207
Fluid: checking/topping up _______ 207
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 205
Driving in hot climates __________ 183
Radiator _____________________ 270
Temperature gauge ____________ 84
Changing a fuse _________ 227
Fuse table _____________ 232
Fuses _________________ 227
Relays ________________ 232ABS brakes_____________ 166
Brake pads _____________ 206
Brake system ___________ 274
Brake fluid______________ 206
ProCarManuals.com

80 Instruments and controlsThis light shows when the high beam is on
(see page 97).
This light indicates when the front fog lights
are on (see page 98).
The front fog lights are switched off auto-
matically when the engine is switched off.
When the fog lights are next needed, they
will have to be switched on manually.This light should come on briefly when you
turn the ignition key to ON. If it doesn´t come
on, have it fixed so it will be ready to warn
you if there is a problem. This light indicates
when the brake fluid level is too low (see
page 206).
The following message is shown on the
Saab Information Display (SID):For safety reasons, stop the car and check
the level of the brake fluid (see page 206).
If the level is normal, depress the brake
pedal firmly two or three times. Now check
the level again. If the level is still normal, you
may drive the car, with considerable cau-
tion, to the nearest Saab dealer to have the
brake system checked.
The brake system provides Electronic
Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). This distrib-
utes the brake pressure between the front
and rear wheels, in such a way as to achieve
optimum braking performance irrespective
of the car’s load.
If a fault arises in the EBD function, the ,
and lights will come on. Also, the fol-
lowing message will appear on the Saab
Information Display (SID):
If this is the case, drive carefully and contact
a Saab dealer as soon as possible. Refer to
Brake warning light on page 80, Antilock
braking warning on page 78 and TCS OFF
or ESP OFF indicator on page 86.
High beam Indicator
Front fog lights (option)
Brake warning lightBrake fluid level low.
Make a safe stop.
Contact Saab dealer.
WARNING
 Never drive the car if these two lights
are on at the same time. Danger of
brake failure!
 If the level of brake fluid in the reser-
voir is below the MIN mark, the vehicle
should be transported on a recovery
vehicle.
 Have the brake system checked
immediately at a Saab dealer.
Brake malfunction.
Make a safe stop.
Contact Saab dealer.
ProCarManuals.com

160 Starting and drivingPark Brake Shift LockThe transmission has a security function
known as Park Brake Shift Lock. To move
the gear selector lever out of the P or N posi-
tion, the gear selector lever detent (catch)
must be pressed in at the same time as the
brake pedal is held depressed.
The detent button on the selector lever has
to be pressed in before the lever can be
moved between certain positions.
Temporary override of Park Brake Shift
Lock, see page 162.
Adaptive gear change patternsThe adaptive gear change pattern function
adapts gear changing to the prevailing driv-
ing conditions. The transmission control
module senses the engine load, vehicle
speed and temperature of the transmission.
A suitable gear change pattern is then
selected automatically to avoid unneces-
sary gear changes and undesired increases
in transmission temperature.
Certain variants use a special change pat-
tern for the first few minutes after a cold start
so that the catalytic converter reaches its
working temperature more quickly.
Thermal transmission protectionThe transmission has built-in protection
against overheating. This protection is pro-
vided by the control module, which changes
gear change patterns.
1 If the temperature of the transmission
fluid exceeds 257°F (125°C), the gear
change pattern is changed.
2 If the temperature of the transmission
fluid exceeds 275°F (135°C), the gear
change pattern is again changed.
3 If the temperature of the transmission
fluid exceeds 302°F (150°C), engine
torque will be limited to 147 ft.lbs.
(200 Nm).
The following message is shown on the SID:
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.Gearbox too hot.
Make a safe stop.
Open hood to cool down.
Selector lever detent
ProCarManuals.com

161 Starting and driving
Lock-upThe transmission’s torque converter has a
lock-up function. This can lock the torque
converter, thus reducing the engine speed
and fuel consumption.Kick-downWhen the accelerator is pressed down fully,
a down change is made to optimize acceler-
ation, e.g. for overtaking.
Following this, the next higher gear will be
selected at the optimum engine speed,
unless you ease off the accelerator before
reaching this.
Driving in hilly country with a
heavy loadThe transmission fluid can overheat when
the gearbox is strained, for example, when
driving with a trailer on hilly roads. To avoid
the transmission fluid overheating, always
drive with the selector lever in the D posi-
tion. The adaptive gear change patterns are
then active.
High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler
can also cause the transmission fluid to
overheat. Overheating reduces the service
life of the fluid.
TowingTowing of cars with automatic transmission,
see page 190.Descending hillsIf the speed of the car increases while
descending a steep hill, despite the acceler-
ator being released, the control module will
change down. If you desire more powerful
engine braking, manually select a lower
gear (see page 164).
WARNING
Remember to use the braking effect of the
engine (1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you
are descending long or steep hills to
spare the brakes.
Overheating can cause the brakes to
fade!
ProCarManuals.com

175 Starting and driving
Long-term parkingIf the car is not going to be used for some
time, e.g. three to four months, the following
steps are recommended:
 Drain the washer fluid reservoir and
hoses.
 Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber
seals on the hood, trunk lid and doors,
and lubricate them with glycerol
(glycerine).
 After washing the car, dry the brake discs
to avoid corrosion by taking the car out on
the road and applying the brakes a few
times.
 Fill the fuel tank to prevent condensation
forming in it.
 Top up the coolant and check the anti-
freeze before the onset of winter. Park the car in a dry, covered and well-
ventilated building. Leave the parking
brake OFF!
Convertible: If the car is stored, the soft
top should be closed.
 If necessary, use wheel chocks and leave
the parking brake off.
 Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead.
If frost is likely to occur during the storage
period, remove the battery and store it in
a frost-free place.
 If it is not possible to stand the car on axle
stands, increase the tire pressure to
43 psi (3 bar).
Leave all the door windows open a crack
and cover the car with a non-plastic
tarpaulin – not one made of plastic which will
not breath.
ProCarManuals.com

185 Starting and driving
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmissionThe following driving time limits are based
on the capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (+30°C).The following driving time limits are based
on the capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (+40°C).
When negotiating long hills, bear the follow-
ing important considerations in mind.
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 transmission increases:
 Gear change pattern is altered
 A/C compressor is switched off
 Max. engine torque is reducedThe following message will be displayed on
the SID if the transmission fluid becomes
too hot:
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, manually
select a low gear in which the engine speed
is about 3,500 rpm until the incline eases
(see page 164).NOTICE Use only a genuine Saab trailer hitch,
since other models can damage the
car’s bodywork and electrical system.
 Consult a Saab dealer for guidance on
how to connect a trailer hitch.
 Exercise care when driving on uneven
roads or against the curb if the car is
heavily laden. This particularly applies
to cars with 17" wheels.
Gradient of
hill, %Max. trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Time limit,
minutes
6-8 3330 (1500) unlimited
9-11 3080 (1400) max. 15
12-14 2645 (1200) max. 15
max. 15 2200 (1000) max. 15
Gradient of
hill, %Max. trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Time limit,
minutes
6-8 2200 (1000) unlimited
9-11 1760 (800) max. 15
12-14 1100 (500) max. 15
max. 15 880 (400) max. 15
Gearbox too hot.
Make a safe stop.
Open hood to cool down.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position M1, M2, or M3) to spare the
brakes when you are driving on a long or
steep downhill slope.
Overheating can cause the brakes to
fade!
ProCarManuals.com

196 Starting and drivingFor long tripsBefore starting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car inspected by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey, such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a drive belt (poly-V-belt) and
the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
 Check that no oil or fuel leaks out of the
engine or gearbox/transmission.
 Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
 Inspect the drive belt (poly-V-belt) and
replace if it shows any signs of wear.
 Check the battery charge.
 Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
tire.
 Take an extra remote control and keep it
separate.
 Check the brakes.
 Check all bulbs.
 Check for the presence of the tool kit and
jack in the car.
ProCarManuals.com

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
ProCarManuals.com