6Engine compartment
IB3636
Engine ______________________ 186
Checking the oil level ___________ 186
Changing engine oil ____________ 187
Engine oil, specification _________ 255
Braking______________________ 152
ABS brakes __________________ 153
Brake and clutch fluid ___________ 189
Brake system _________________ 259
Brake pads ___________________ 259
Fuses _________________ 211
Changing a fuse _________ 213
Relays ________________ 215
Table of fuses ___________ 211Temperature gauge ______ 59
Driving in hot weather_____ 160
Driving in cold weather ____ 159
Coolant________________ 188
Coolant capacity_________ 254
Power steering fluid _______ 191
Steering, technical data ___ 259
Wipers and washers ______ 71
Washers _______________ 196
Washer jets ____________ 196
Jump starting _________________ 174
Battery ______________________ 192
Charging/replacing the battery____ 193
Manual transmission ___________ 142
Automatic transmission _________ 143
Automatic transmission,
technical data ________________ 258
Manual gearbox, technical data ___ 258
Important considerations for driving 136
Turbo unit ___________________ 183
Engine, technical data __________ 254Ignition switch ___________ 132
Drive belts ______________ 194
Spark plugs _____________ 257
Catalytic converter _______ 137Warning labels __________ 7
V.I.N. number ___________ 262
Engine number __________ 262
Gearbox number _________ 262
Color code______________ 262
Tire and Loading Information
Label _________________ 226
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58 Instruments and controlsAutochecking of lights,
main instrument panel The above warning and indicator lights
should come on when the ignition is swit-
ched on prior to starting. They should go out
after about 3 seconds.
The following lights light up until the engine
is started, presuming that no fault exists:
Central warning light .
Oil pressure warning light .
Warning, charging .
InstrumentsTachometerThe tachometer indicates the engine speed
in thousands of revolutions per minute. The
needle may be allowed to enter the broken
red zone on the dial only for an instant.
A safety cut-out function (in the fuel system)
prevents the engine speed from exceeding
approximately 6,000 rpm.
Odometer and trip meter The odometer records the distance traveled
in miles on U.S. vehicles and on Canadian
vehicles the distance indicated is in kilome-
tres, and the trip meter in miles and tenths
(kilometres and tenths of kilometres on
Canadian vehicles). Reset button The reset button has two functions, determi-
ned by whether the ignition is ON or OFF.
When the ignition is ON, pressing the
button will reset the trip meter.
When the ignition is OFF, the display
lights up for 20 seconds enabling you to
read the odometer and trip meter. Pres-
sing the button a second time within these
20 seconds will reset the trip meter.
IB1922
IB340
IB341
1 Cars with automatic transmission
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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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191 Car care and technical information
Power steering fluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid in
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point forward during the
check.
Clean around the cap before it is unscre-
wed. Clean the dipstick. Screw in the cap
completely again before checking the level.
The oil should lie between the MAX and MIN
marks when the oil temperature is about
70°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the level can
be lower, and in higher temperatures the
level can be higher, both of which are
acceptable.
Top up with ”Power Steering Fluid
CHF 11S”.
Air filter
WARNING
Do not fill the power steering fluid to
above the MAX mark. Too much fluid
can result in leakage.
Power steering fluid on hot engine
components constitutes a fire risk.
WARNING
For Service and Repair, parts equiva-
lent to those used by Saab should be
used.
Be aware that some non standard
replacement parts may put you in an
unsafe condition, even if they might fit.
IB501
Power steering fluid reservoir
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241 Car care and technical information
2Clean the underside of the car during
the winter.
Use high pressure water to
clean the car’s underside (floor panels,
wheel wells) at least at mid- winter and
in the spring.
3
Inspect the car frequently for leaks or
damage, and arrange for needed
repairs promptly.
After washing or after
heavy rain, check for leaks. When wash-
ing the car inspect body surfaces for
paint damage. While checking for leaks,
lift the floor mats and check beneath
them. Water can collect in these areas
and remain for prolonged periods. Dry
any wet areas including the floor mats.
Have leaks repaired as soon as pos-
sible.
Use touch-up paint to repair small scrat-
ches or minor finish damage. Areas
where metal is exposed will rust quickly
and MUST be repaired immediately by
touch-up or professional repainting.
Rust must be removed, the bare metal
primed and painted. Major body
damage should be repaired immediately
and new panels or exposed areas
should be undercoated with anti- corro-
sion material.
Repairs of this type are the owner’s
responsibility and are not covered under
warranty.4
Inspect the undercoating and touch
up if necessary.
Pay particular atten-
tion to the fenders and wheel housings,
which are exposed to abrasion by flying
gravel, etc. If the composition has worn
or flaked off, the steel must be tho-
roughly cleaned and dried before a fresh
coat is applied. The cleaning is best
done with a scraper and a steel wire
brush, followed by washing with solvent.
Apply the new coating thinly, as other-
wise it may run off or fall off when dry.
For long tripsBefore setting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car checked over by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-V-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself befor-
ehand:
Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of
the engine or gearbox/transmission.
Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
Inspect the Poly-V-belt and replace it if it
shows any signs of hard wear.
Check the battery charge.
Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
Check the brakes.
Check all bulbs.
Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
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266 IndexCoolant
_______________________ 188
Courtesy Headlight Feature
________ 68
Crash memory, see EDR
_________ 249
Cruise control
__________________ 151
Cup holder
____________________ 120
DDICE/TWICE
___________________ 212
Dampers
______________________ 259
Date code, tires
_________________ 229
Definitions and terminology, tire
____ 226
Determining correct load, tires
_____ 228
Dim-dipped beam
________________ 67
Direction indicators _______________ 69
Door handles
___________________ 38
Door mirrors
___________________ 107
Doors, locks & luggage compartment
_37
Drive belt
______________________ 257
Drive belt, alternator
_____________ 194
Drive belts, length
_______________ 257
Driver’s seat, programmable
________ 14
Driving at night
_________________ 168
Driving in hot weather
____________ 160
Driving with a load
______________ 168
EEDR (Event Data Recorders)
______ 249
ESP
__________________________ 155
Electric heating seat
______________ 15
Electric heating, front seats
_________ 15
Electric windows
________________ 113
Electrical system, technical data
____ 257
Electronic Stability Program, ESP ___ 155
Electronic starting interlock
_________ 43
Emergency operation of sunroof
____ 115
Emission control systems
_________ 184
Engine bay
____________________ 183
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 238
Engine number
_________________ 262
Engine oil, grade ________________ 255
Engine, description ______________ 186
Engine, technical data ____________ 254
Engine, temperature gauge
________ 59
Engine-oil level, checking
_________ 186
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ______ 249
Expansion tank, coolant
__________ 188
FFault codes, Audio System
________ 104
Flat spots, tires
_________________ 218
Fluid level, automatic transmission
__ 188
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Sedan
___ 121
Folding the rear seat,
9-5 SportWagon
_______________ 124Frequently asked questions on airbag
35
Front fog lights
___________________ 70
Frost warning ____________________ 62
Fuel
__________________________ 138
Fuel consumption
________________ 61
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 59
Fuel grade _____________________ 254
Fuse box under hood
____________ 215
Fuse panel
_____________________ 211
Fuses
_________________________ 211
GGarage door opener
_____________ 108
Gearbox number
________________ 262
Gearbox oil, checking
____________ 188
Gearbox, technical data, __________ 258
Glove compartment
______________ 118
HHandbrake
_____________________ 179
Hazard warning lights
_____________ 70
Head restraint
___________________ 15
Headlight flasher _________________ 67
Headlights
______________________ 67
Hood
_________________________ 182
Horn __________________________ 106
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