Page 101 of 276

99 Saab 9-5 Audio System
Programmable
functionsVolume-preset modeTo select the volume-preset mode, press
and hold the BAND button at the same time
as you switch the Audio System on.
Use the button to select the desi-
red function.
The following volume settings can be
preselected:
STARTVOL –
maximum
volume level
when the Audio System is switched on
TEL VOL – preset volume level when an
in-car phone is activated
SP D VOL – speed-dependent volume.
The Audio System will automatically
adjust the volume level to compensate for
background noise, such as road noise,
which increases with vehicle speed.
LOUDNESS ON/OFF – boosting of the
highest and lowest frequency ranges to
enhance the sound image when the
volume is set to a low level.
Adjusting the volume The default setting for START VOL is
volume setting 9, and that for TEL VOL is
volume setting 14 (the highest volume set-
ting is 30).
Maximum
START VOL
TELVOL
To change the volume setting:
– Press and hold the BAND button at the
same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– After START VOL appears, release the
BAND button.
– Adjust the starting volume using the
volume knob.
– Wait 10 seconds or press one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO or BAND, to save the
new volume setting.
Speed-dependent volume
(SP D VOL) ON/OFF To change the default setting:
The default setting for this function is ON.
– Press and hold the BAND button at the
same time as you switch on the Audio
System.
– After START VOL appears, release the
BAND button.
– Select SP D VOL using
– Select ON or OFF using the VOL control.
– Wait 10 seconds or press one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO or BAND, to save the
new default setting.
WARNING
These functions should only be carried
out when the car is stationary.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 105 of 276

103 Saab 9-5 Audio System
AntennasThe Audio System has three antennas
incorporated in the rear window; two for FM
diversity and one for AM. The car has a factory-fitted roof antenna for
a mobile phone/OnStar. Roof loads may
negatively affect telecommunication.
Multipath propagation Multipath propagation occurs when radio
waves from an FM transmitter are reflected
by, e.g. large buildings, causing them to
arrive slightly later than the direct waves.
This can create interference to radio recep-
tion. To avoid this problem as much as pos-
sible the system is equipped with two FM
antennas, so called FM diversity.
NOTICERefrain from placing hard or sharp
objects on the rear parcel shelf, to avoid
damaging the antenna leads.
Do not use sun protective film which con-
tains metal particles on the rear window,
this can be the cause of radio interfe-
rence.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of head injuries in the
event of a crash, the headliner and pillar
trims incorporate energy absorbing mate-
rial. These areas must not be modified in
any way. Work on these areas must only
be carried out by an authorized Saab dea-
ler.
IB386
IB389
IB1743
Accessories and other equipment must
not be fitted to the surfaces marked as
these are where the airbags inflate in the
event of a crash
ProCarManuals.com
Page 106 of 276

104 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemAdjusting the frequency steps
North America/Europe If the car is taken from North America to
Europe, the radio’s frequency steps can be
adjusted.
Press and hold (mid-segment)
and switch the radio on at the same time.
The preset stations will be cancelled and
replaced by default frequencies.
Fault codesThe Audio System has a built-in diagnostics
function. If a fault is detected, a fault code is
generated to help dealer technicians to
diagnose the fault. Below are the codes for
some faults that you might be able to rectify
yourself.
OnStar SystemYour vehicle may be equipped with OnStar,
a vehicle telematics communications sys-
tem. Please consult the separate OnStar
Owner’s Manual for system details.
NOTICEGreat care should be exercised in trying
to rectify a fault. If you are at all unsure,
contact an authorized Saab dealer. Fault code Possible cause CD/CDC
ERROR
12/17/19 CD is dirty, loaded
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
TAPE ERR 01 Tape broken or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR
02/03 Tape snarled up or
mechanical fault in
deck.
TAPE ERR 11 Cassette jammed: can-
not be loaded/ejected.
WARNING
The CD player/CD changer is classified
as Class 1 laser equipment
Service and repair work must only be
carried out by authorized technicians.
If the casing is damaged, hazardous
laser radiation can occur. NOTICEAll work on the Audio System must be
carried out by an authorized Saab dealer.
ProCarManuals.com
Page 108 of 276
106 Interior equipment and trunkSteering wheel
adjustment Fore-and-aft and tilt adjustment of the stee-
ring wheel is possible.
Pull down the lever fully until you hear a
click. Move the steering wheel to the desired
position and then raise the lever. The lever
should lock with a click.
Make sure that the lever is fully locked
before driving off.
HornThe horn is sounded by pressing the central
part of the steering wheel. Press closest to
the steering wheel rim.
WARNING
Never adjust the steering wheel unless
the car is stationary.
IB408
To adjust the steering wheel
IB1563
ProCarManuals.com
Page 110 of 276

108 Interior equipment and trunkRearview mirrorThe rearview mirror has day/night positions
that can be selected by means of a knob
beneath the mirror. Adjust the mirror in day
position.
Interior rearview auto-dimming
mirror with garage door opener,
and digital compass(if equipped)Retain your original garage door transmitter
for future programming procedures (i.e.,
new vehicle purchase). It is also suggested
that upon the sale of the vehicle, the pro-
grammed garage opener buttons be erased
for security purposes.
WARNING
Make sure that people and objects are out
of the way of a moving door or gate to pre-
vent potential harm or damage.
When programming the garage opener,
you may be operating a garage door or
gate operator. Therefore it is advised to
park outside of the garage.
Do not use the garage opener with any
garage door opener that lacks the safety
stop and reverse feature as required by
federal safety standards. (This includes
any garage door opener model manufac-
tured before April 1, 1982.). A garage
door opener which cannot detect an
object, signalling the door to stop and
reverse, does not meet current federal
safety standards. Using a garage door
opener without these features increases
risk of serious injury or death.
Rearview mirror 1 Day position
2 Night position
Buttons for garage opener and compass1-3 Garage opener
4 LED
5 Compass/auto dimming ON/OFF
6 Compass bearing
ProCarManuals.com
Page 115 of 276

113 Interior equipment and trunk
Electric windowsThe electric motors of the front windows are
equipped with overload protection (integra-
ted thermal protection). This protection ope-
rates when the windows are wound down
automatically (switch pressed fully down).
To open:Front windows: press the front of the switch
Rear windows: Press the back of the switch.
The switches for the front windows have a
third position for automatic opening of the
window. Press the switch fully down to lower
the window completely.
To cancel automatic lowering of the win-
dow, lift the switch briefly.
To close:Front windows: Lift the front of the switch.
Rear windows: Lift the back of the switch.
The actuating motor will be switched off
automatically when the window is fully
closed or when the switch is released.
WARNING
Bear in mind the pinch hazard when the
side windows are being wound up.
Always
remove the ignition key when
you leave the car. This prevents per-
sonal injury caused by the electric win-
dows, for example, due to children
playing.
The person operating the electric win-
dows is responsible for ensuring that
no one, especially children, has their
head, hands or fingers in the window
openings, before raising the windows.
Raising the windows could otherwise
cause serious or fatal injuries.
IB3231
1 Window switches
2 Switch for rendering rear door window switches inoperative
ProCarManuals.com
Page 116 of 276

114 Interior equipment and trunk
Child safety: rear windows
(ON/OFF)The window switches on the rear doors can
be rendered inoperative by the ON/OFF
switch in the panel on the center console.
When the switch is ON, the rear side win-
dows can be operated by the switch on each
rear door. The switch’s back lighting will be
activated.
When the switch is OFF, the rear side win-
dows can only be operated from the panel
on the center console. When off, the
switch’s back lighting will also be switched
off.
Sunroof (if equipped)The sunroof is operated by the switch on the
overhead panel above the rearview mirror.
The sunroof can be opened partially or fully.
WARNING
Bear in mind the pinch hazard when clo-
sing the sunroof.
Always
remove the ignition key when
you leave the car. This prevents per-
sonal injury caused by the electric
sunroof, for example, due to children
playing.
The person operating the electric sun-
roof is responsible for ensuring that no
one, especially children, has their
head, hands or fingers in the opening,
before closing the sunroof. Operating
the sunroof could otherwise cause
serious or fatal injuries.
IB445
Switch for rear side window
ProCarManuals.com
Page 120 of 276

118 Interior equipment and trunkCigarette lighters (accessory/certain markets only)The car is provided with cigarette lighters
next to the front ashtray and in the rear end
of the center console.
The cigarette lighter socket can also be
used as power point, e.g. for a mobile
phone. The ignition should be in the ON
position.
The cigarette lighter sockets can also be
used for accessories (e.g. to charge a
mobile phone) when the ignition is ON.
Glove compartment The glove compartment can be cooled by
the air conditioning (ACC) system. Cold air
can be directed to the glove compartment
for keeping drinks cool, etc.
Slide the cover to open/close the air inlet.
Additional storage facilities are provided
(see next page).
WARNING
The maximum combined load for the two
cigarette lighter sockets is 240 W (20 A).
WARNING
The glove compartment must be closed
while travelling. An open glove compart-
ment door could cause leg injuries in the
event of a crash.
IB1286
Sliding cover in glove compartment to
admit cold air
ProCarManuals.com