2005 SAAB 9-5 transmission

163 Starting and driving
When negotiating long hills, bear the follo-
wing important considerations in mind:
 Use Normal mode when driving with a
caravan or trailer on hilly roads. The adap-
tive gear change pattern function will pre-
vent the transmission overheating.
 Rises in coolant temperature are indica-
ted by the temperature gauge in the main
instrument panel.
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmissionRises 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 engine increases:
 Gear change pattern is altered.
 A/C compressor is switched off.
 Engine torque is reduced.
The following message will be displayed on
the SID if the transmission fluid becomes
too hot:
“Gearbox too hot.
Make a safe stop.
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, select
manual mode and a gear in which the
engine speed is about 3,000 rpm until the
incline eases (see page 149).
WARNING
Remember to use the braking effect of the
engine (position D or L) when you are
descending long or steep hills to spare
the brakes.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
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164 Starting and drivingRecommendations for cars with manual
gearboxRises 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 engine increases:
 A/C compressor is switched off.
 engine torque is reduced.
When continuing your journey, select a gear
in which the engine speed is about
3,000 rpm until the incline eases.
Driving considerations Always take extra care when towing a
trailer, as the car’s handling will be different
and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s
braking system and suspension also have a
considerable effect on these characteris-
tics, see also ”Driving with a load” page 168.
If the car has automatic transmission, select
position D when ascending steep hills. This
ensures that the adaptive gear change pat-
terns are operational, see page 150. Use
position D or L for steep descents.
Checks before drivingMake sure that the car and camper or trailer
are in good working order. This is essential
since towing a camper or trailer increases
the strain on the car.
 Check and if necessary adjust the tire
pressure of the car and camper or trailer.
 Make sure all wheel bolts are properly
tightened.
 Make sure that the equipment joining the
car and camper or trailer is properly secu-
red and adjusted.
 Make sure the camper or trailer’s electri-
cal cable is properly connected and is not
so long that it drags along the ground.
Also, make sure the cable is not too short
and risks breaking when turning a corner.
 Check all bulbs.
 Check the car and camper or trailer bra-
kes.
 Make sure that all items on or in the cara-
van or trailer are properly secured.
 Make sure that the camper or trailer’s
jockey wheel is raised and locked.
 Check the distribution of the load so that
the car and camper or trailer are well
balanced.
 Check that the rearview mirrors provide
the best possible rearward vision.
 Make sure the camper or trailer’s safety
cable is correctly attached.
WARNING
Utilize the braking effect of the engine
(1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you are
descending long or steep hills to spare
the brakes.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
NOTICEIf the ”Automatic transmission, fault indi-
cator” indicator comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
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173 Starting and driving
Towing the car Gear lever in neutral (in cars with automatic
transmission: selector lever at N (neutral))
Turn on the parking lights.Drive carefully and do not exceed the
speed limit for vehicles being towed. Always try to keep the towrope taut by
gently applying the brake, as necessary.
This will avoid the towrope being jerked
violently.
The local regulations on towing speeds
must be followed.
The highest permissible towing speed is
30 mph (50 km/h), unless the legal limit is
lower. The longest permissible towing dis-
tance is 30 miles (50 km). If the car has to
be transported farther than that, summon a
tow truck. A flat bed tow truck is the pre-
ferred method to tow.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result
in damage.
Cars with automatic transmissionThe car cannot be push started. In an emer-
gency, it is possible to start the engine using
jump leads (see the section, ”Jump starting”
on page 174).
Transporting the car
NOTICENever
use the towing eyes to pull the
car unstuck.
NOTICE The car must be towed front first.
 If the car is to be towed with the front
wheels off the ground, make sure the
parking brake is off, as this acts on the
rear wheels.
NOTICEIf a car with a sport (lowered) chassis is
transported, for example on a flat bed
truck, take extra care not to damage the
spoiler and/or underbody.
Never use the towing eyes to pull the car
unstuck
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174 Starting and drivingJump startingIf your battery has run down, you may want
to use another vehicle and some jumper
cables to start your Saab. Follow the steps
below to do it safely.To jump start your vehicle:
1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a
12-volt battery with a negative ground
system.
2 Get the vehicles close enough so the
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the
vehicles are not touching each other. If a
poor connection on the negative jumper
cable should exist, it is possible for
damage to be caused to electrical sys-
tems/components of either vehicle
should inadvertent contact be made.
You would not be able to start your car
and bad grounding could damage elec-
trical systems.
3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles.
Turn off all lights that are not needed,
and radios. This will avoid sparks and
help save both batteries and it could
save your radio.
WARNING
 When working on the battery, highly
explosive gas can build up. A spark
could ignite this gas that collects
around the battery.
Therefore, always avoid sparks and
open flames in the vicinity of the bat-
tery.
 The battery contains corrosive sulfuric
acid. Always wear a face mask or
goggles when working on the battery.
 If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes onto skin or clothing, wash
the affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large
quantity makes contact with the skin,
seek medical help.
 Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after
handling.
NOTICEIgnoring these steps could result in costly
damage to your vehicle that would not be
covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your car by pushing or pul-
ling it could damage your vehicle, even if
you have a manual transmission. If you
have an automatic transmission, your
vehicle cannot be started by pushing or
pulling it.
NOTICEIf the other system is not a 12-volt system
with a negative ground, both vehicles can
be damaged.
WARNING
You could be injured if the vehicles roll.
Set the parking brake firmly on each
vehicle. Put an automatic transmission in
P (Park) or a manual transmission in
Neutral.
+
–
+
–
IB484
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179 Starting and driving
Parking brake

The parking brake is situated between the
front seats and acts on the rear wheels.
When the parking brake is on, the indicator
light on the main instrument panel will
be on. To release the parking brake, lift the
lever slightly, press the release button and
release the lever by pushing down on it.
Parking
WARNING
Always
apply the parking brake when
you park the car.

Always
apply the parking brake
before removing the ignition key.
 Do not use the parking brake while
driving.
WARNING
 Do not leave children or pets unatten-
ded in the car. In warm, sunny
weather, the temperature inside the
car can reach 160–180°F (70–80°C).
 Park where the vehicle will not create
an obstruction or a hazard to other
road users.
 Do not park on dry grass or other com-
bustible material. The catalytic con-
verter gets very hot and could start a
fire.
 Apply the parking brake.
 Shift to Reverse for manual transmis-
sion (automatic transmission: move
selector lever to P (Park)), and remove
the ignition key. Lock the car.
NOTICEEmpty the car yourself and bear in mind:
 Never leave a mobile phone, camera,
computer or similar object visible in
your car.
 Clothing, packages and bags attract
thieves.
 Do not leave small objects such as
CDs, sunglasses and coins visible.
 If possible, park in a well-lit,
conspicuous parking space.
 Thieves strike whenever and where-
ver they are given the opportunity.
IB360
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181 Car care and technical information
IB1772
Hood ________________ 182
Engine compartment __ 183
Emission control systems 184
Engine ______________ 186
Engine oil ____________ 186
Transmission fluid ____ 188
Coolant ______________ 188
Brake and clutch fluid__ 189
Power steering fluid ___ 191
Air filter _____________ 191
Battery ______________ 192
Drive belts ___________ 194
Wipers and washers ___ 195
Changing bulbs _______ 197
Fuses _______________ 211 Tires _________________ 217
Compact spare tire _____ 230
Air conditioning (ACC) __ 234
Safety belts ___________ 235
Upholstery and trim ____ 236
Textile carpeting _______ 236
Washing the car _______ 237
Waxing and polishing ___ 238
Engine compartment ___ 238
Touching up the paint __ 238
Anti-corrosion treatment 240
For long trips __________ 241
Recovery and/or recycling
of automotive materials 242
Headlight aiming _______ 242
Car care and technical information
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186 Car care and technical informationEngineThe 2.3-liter model is a transverse, 4-cylin-
der in-line engine with twin overhead cams-
hafts and 4 valves per cylinder.
This engine is equipped with balance shafts
that reduce engine vibration to a minimum.
The balance shafts are chain driven and
rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft.
They produce forces and torques that are
opposed to those generated by the pistons
and connecting rods, an effect that occurs
twice for each revolution of the engine.
Engine noise is also reduced as the coun-
ter-rotating shafts counteract the vibration
from the moving parts of the engine.
The transmission, located on the right (vie-
wed from the front), is integrated with the
engine. All models have front-wheel drive.
Engine oilChecking the oil level Check the engine-oil level regularly. This
should be done after the engine has been
run to normal temperature and then allowed
to cool for 2–5 minutes, with the car stan-
ding on level ground. Remove the dipstick
and wipe it clean before checking the level.
The oil level must not be allowed to drop
below the MIN mark on the dipstick, nor
should oil be filled beyond the MAX mark, as
this can lead to excessive oil consumption.
The distance between the MIN and MAX
marks on the dipstick corresponds to a
volume of approximately 1.05 qts (1 liter).
When necessary, add oil of the recommen-
ded grade via the dipstick tube.
IB601
Balance shafts
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188 Car care and technical informationTransmission fluidManual transmission Check and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.Automatic transmissionCheck and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.
Coolant The expansion tank is transparent to facili-
tate checking of the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant must
not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the
expansion tank.If the message
”Coolant level low.
Refill.”
is displayed on the SID, check the level of
fluid in the expansion tank.
Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of
clean water and Saab-approved coolant.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine to normal tempera-
ture and top up 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.
IB1338
Coolant expansion tank
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