
1
Owner’s Manual
Saab 9-3 M2005
© Saab Automobile AB 2004Service Readiness, Saab Automobile AB, Trollhättan, Sweden
Printed in Sweden
Safety 11
Security 41
9-3 Convertible 55
Instruments and controls 77
Interior equipment 121
Starting and driving 145
Car care 197
Customer Assistance and Information 261
Technical data 267
Index 283
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2IntroductionThis manual provides practical guidance on
driving and caring for your Saab.
The Saab 9-3 will be available with the fol-
lowing engine variants:
2.0t 175 hp
2.0 Turbo 210 hp
Although this manual describes the most
important differences between model vari-
ants, it does not specify the equipment or
features included on individual models.
Importation and distribution of Saab auto-
mobiles, spare parts and accessories are
handled exclusively by Saab Cars USA, Inc.
in the United States and by General Motors
of Canada Limited in Canada.We recommend that you read through the
manual before taking the car out for the first
time and keep it in the car for future refer-
ence.
To find a specific item, use the overviews
given on page 3–6. A list of content is given
at the beginning of each section of the man-
ual, and there is also a comprehensive
index at the back of the book.
Supplied with the car is a Warranty and Ser-
vice Record booklet which contains impor-
tant warranty information and specifies the
regular maintenance to be carried out. Also
included is a Quick Reference Guide, an
Infotainment System manual, tire warran-
ties and (U.S. customers), a dealer directory
with Roadside Assistance Program infor-
mation.Since the policy at Saab is one of continual
improvement, we retain the right to incorpo-
rate modifications and to alter specifications
during production without prior notice.
If you have any questions concerning your
car, its equipment, the warranty conditions,
etc., your Saab dealer will be pleased to
help, or you may call the Saab Customer
Assistance Center in the U.S. at 1-800-955-
9007 or email them at saab-
[email protected]. In Canada, please
contact the Saab Customer Assistance
Center at 1-800-263-1999.
Enjoy the road ahead!
Saab Automobile AB
Saab Automobile AB does not accept liability for
any damage caused by the fitting of spare parts,
exchange parts or accessories that are not
approved by Saab Automobile AB.
WARNING
Failure to heed warnings may cause
personal injury.NOTICENOTICE texts warns of potential damage
to the car if the recommendations are not
followed.
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242 Car careAspect ratio: A two-digit number that indi-
cates the tire height-to-width measure-
ments. For example, if the tire size aspect
ratio is “55”, as shown in item “C” of the illus-
tration, it would mean that the tire´s sidewall
is 55% as high as it is wide.
Belt Rating: A letter code is used to indicate
the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter “R” means radial ply construction; the
letter “D” means diagonal or bias ply con-
struction; and the letter “B” means belted-
bias ply construction.
Rim Diameter: Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
Load range: The load range represents the
load carry capacity a tire is certified to carry.
Speed Rating: The maximum speed that a
tire is certified to carry a load. Speed ratings
range from “A” to “Z”.
Tire markingsAn example of the meaning of the different
markings in a tire size is given below for a
tire size of 225/45 R17 94H:
225 Tire section width, mm
45 Aspect ratio, i.e. the section height
as a percentage of the section
width
R Radial ply
17 Wheel rim diameter 17 in at bead
seats
94 Tire load index
H Speed rating
Tire load indices
91 Tire approved for max. 1355 lbs.
(615 kg)
93 Max. 1433 lbs. (650 kg)
94 Max. 1477 lbs. (670 kg)
Speed ratings
Q Tire approved for speeds up to
100 mph (160 km/h)
S Max. 112 mph (180 km/h)
T Max. 118 mph (190 km/h)
H Max. 130 mph (210 km/h)
V Max. 149 mph (240 km/h)
W Max. 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y Max. 186 mph (300 km/h)
TIN-codea Manufacturer´s Identification Mark
b Tire Size
c Tire Type Code
d Date of Manufacture
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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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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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285 Index
Important information, petrol-engined
cars with catalytic converters
_____ 151
Indicator lights
___________________ 78
Inflation, tires ___________________ 234
Information about fuel
____________ 155
Instrument illumination, adjusting
____ 97
Interior lighting
_________________ 129
Interior lighting, Convertible
________ 72
Interior rearview mirror
___________ 135
Intermittent malfunctioning, central
locking
_______________________ 44
JJump starting
__________________ 193
KKey
___________________________ 42
Kick-down
_____________________ 161
LLATCH (child safety)
______________ 23
Labeling, tire sidewall ____________ 241
Labels and plates, location
________ 278
Lashing eyes
___________________ 143
Laying the car up
_______________ 175
Leather upholstery, cleaning
_______ 251Lighting in luggage compartment,
Convertible
____________________ 73
Limp-home
____________________ 150
Limp-home, automatic transmission
_162
Load carriers, roof
_______________ 188
Load indices, tires _______________ 242
Loading your vehicle _____________ 243
Load-through hatch ______________ 142
Locking a car with flat battery
_______ 45
Locks
__________________________ 42
Long-term parking
_______________ 175
Luggage compartment
___________ 140
Luggage compartment lighting
_130
, 144
Luggage compartment lighting,
Convertible
____________________ 73
Luggage compartment lighting,
changing
_____________________ 224
MMAXI fuses
____________________ 228
Main instrument panel
_____________ 78
Main/dipped beam
________________ 97
Maintenance schedule
___________ 262
Manual climate control ___________ 103
Manual gear selection ____________ 164
Manual gearbox
________________ 158
Manual tripping of car alarm
________ 52
Materials used in the car, reclamation
256
Memory, driver’s seat
_____________ 20
Messages on SID, Convertible
______ 65Milometer
_______________________ 83
Mug holder ____________________ 130
NNew tires, buying
________________ 236
Night driving
___________________ 190
Number plate lighting, changing
____ 224
OORVR
________________________ 200
Oil capacity, engine
______________ 271
Opening handles
_________________ 42
Opening the soft top, Convertible
____ 58
Outside mirrors
_________________ 134
Owner assistance _______________ 264
PPanic function, car alarm
___________ 52
Park Brake Shift Lock
____________ 160
Park Brake Shift Lock, temporary
override
______________________ 162
Parking
_______________________ 173
Parking aid ____________________ 176
Parking brake __________________ 173
Parking on a hill _________________ 174
Pinch protection, electric windows
__ 124
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286 IndexPinch protection, sunroof
_________ 128
Plates and labels, location ________ 278
Polishing and waxing
____________ 253
Poly-V-belt
____________________ 210
Portable fuel container
___________ 155
Position lights
___________________ 96
Power steering fluid, checking
_____ 207
Power steering fluid, grade
________ 273
Pressure gauge
__________________ 84
Pressure, tires __________________ 234
Profiles, customized settings
_______ 87
QQuality grading, tires
_____________ 238
Quick guide, remote control
________ 43
RRain sensor
____________________ 101
Raising the soft top manually,
Convertible ____________________ 62
Reading lights, Convertible
_________ 72
Rear fog light
____________________ 98
Rear seats, folding down
_________ 140
Rear towing eye
________________ 191
Rear window heating
____________ 107
Rearview mirrors
________________ 134
Recirculation
___________________ 106Recommendations for automatic
transmission, towing a trailer
_____ 185
Recommendations for manual
gearbox, towing a trailer
_________ 186
Recommended snow chains _______ 275
Refueling
______________________ 153
Remote control
__________________ 42
Remote locking malfunction
________ 44
Replacement, wheel
_____________ 239
Reporting safety defects __________ 265
Rev counter
_____________________ 82
Reversing lights
__________________ 99
Rollover Pop-up Bars, Convertible
___ 70
Roof lighting
___________________ 129
Roof lighting, changing
___________ 222
Running-in
_____________________ 157
SSAHR, head restraint
_____________ 21
SDM
_________________________ 266
SID
___________________________ 87
SPA __________________________ 176
Saab Information Display
__________ 87
Saab Parking Assistance _________ 176
Saab Trionic engine management
system
_______________________ 200
Safety belts _____________________ 12
Seatbelts
_______________________ 12
Seatbelts in rear seat, Convertible
___ 69
Seatbelts, care
_________________ 251Seatbelts, checking
______________ 251
Seats
__________________________ 17
Securing a load
_________________ 143
Sentronic, manual gear selection
___ 164
Service costs
___________________ 263
Service information
______________ 264
Service intervals
________________ 262
Service record retention
__________ 263
Signalling, horn
_________________ 122
Ski hatch
______________________ 142
Spare wheel ___________________ 246
Speed ratings, tires
______________ 242
Speedometer
____________________ 83
Starting the engine
______________ 148
Steering wheel adjustment
________ 122
Steering wheel lock
______________ 148
Steps for determining correct load
limit
_________________________ 245
Storage compartments
___________ 132
Sun visor
______________________ 130
Sunroof
_______________________ 126
Switches _______________________ 96
TTCS
__________________________ 169
Technical data
__________________ 268
Textile carpeting, cleaning
_________ 252
Tie down eyes
__________________ 143
Tightening torque, wheels
_________ 250
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