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Recommended grade and
viscosityOil grade:
ILSAC GF-4, which can be identified
with the ILSAC certification mark
(Starburst mark)
or API classification SM with the
words “ENERGY CONSERVING”
These recommended oil grades can be
identified by looking for either or both of
the following marks displayed on the oil
container.API Service label
1) Indicates the oil quality by API designa-
tions
2) Indicates the SAE oil viscosity no.
3) Indicates that the oil has fuel saving ca-
pabilitiesILSAC
Certification Mark (Starburst
Mark)
In choosing an oil, you want the proper
quality and viscosity, as well as one that
will add to fuel economy. The following ta-
ble lists the recommended viscosities and
applicable temperatures.
When adding oil, different brands may be
used together as long as they are the
same API classification and SAE viscosity
as those recommended by Saab.
SAE viscosity no. and applicable tem-
perature
*: 5W-30 is recommended.Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects fuel
economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide
better fuel economy. However, in hot
weather, oil of higher viscosity is required
to properly lubricate the engine.Recommended grade and
viscosity under severe driv-
ing conditionsIf the vehicle is used in desert areas, in ar-
APISERVICE
SM
ENERGY
CONSERVING
SAE
5W-30
1
2
3
B00446
B00014
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
B00522
5W-30*
10W-30, 10W-40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40
-20 0 6020 80 10040
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eas with very high temperatures, or used
for heavy-duty applications such as tow-
ing a trailer, use of oil with the following
grade and viscosities is recommended.API classification SM (or SL):
SAE viscosity no.: 30, 40, 10W-50,
20W-40, 20W-50
Synthetic oilYou can use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using syn-
thetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this owner’s manual, and must follow
the oil and filter changing intervals shown
in the maintenance schedule.
Cooling system
Cooling fan, hose and con-
nectionsYour vehicle employs an electric cooling
fan which is thermostatically controlled to
operate when the engine coolant reaches
a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate
even when the engine coolant tempera-
ture gauge exceeds the normal operating
range, the cooling fan circuit may be de-
fective. Check the fuse and replace it if
necessary. If the fuse is not blown, have
the cooling system checked by your Saab
dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is neces-
sary, there may be a leak in the engine
cooling system. It is recommended that
the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness. Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down com-
pletely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious
burns from a spray of boiling hot
coolant when the cap is removed.
The cooling system has been
filled at the factory with a high
quality, corrosion-inhibiting, year-
around coolant which provides
protection against freezing down
to –33F (–36C). For adding, use
genuine Saab coolant or an equiv-
alent: a mixture of 50% soft water
and 50% ethylene-glycol basis
coolant. Use of improper coolants
may result in corrosion in the
cooling system. It is important to
maintain protection against freez-
ing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected.
Never mix different kinds of cool-
ant.Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
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Engine coolantChecking the coolant level1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level markCheck the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the
“LOW” level mark, add coolant up to the
“FULL” level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
Changing the coolant
Always add genuine cooling system con-
ditioner whenever the coolant is replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add gen-
uine cooling system conditioner using the
following procedures according to the
maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the
drain plug and loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the
coolant from the radiator. Then drain the
coolant from the reserve tank. Tighten the
drain plug securely.NOTE (Turbo model only)The cap (without tabs) on top of the ra-
diator does not need to be removed. To
add coolant, remove the cap (with tabs)
FULL
LOW
1
2
B00468
Be careful not to spill engine cool-
ant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire.
If engine coolant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
B00018
B00019
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on the coolant tank on top of the en-
gine.4. Install the under cover.Non-turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this levelTurbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
5. Slowly pour the coolant and fill up to
just below the filler neck, allowing enough
room to add genuine cooling system con-
ditioner in the radiator. Add genuine cool-
ing system conditioner until the coolant
level reaches the filler neck. Do not pour
the coolant too quickly, as this may lead to
insufficient air bleeding and trapped air in
the system.
Guideline of coolant quantity (including cool-
ant in reservoir tank):
Non-turbo models:
MT. 7.4 US qt (7.0 liters, 6.2 Imp qt)
AT. 7.3 US qt (6.9 liters, 6.1 Imp qt)
Turbo models:
MT. 8.1 US qt (7.7 liters, 6.8 Imp qt)
AT. 8.0 US qt (7.6 liters, 6.7 Imp qt)
1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level mark
Never attempt to remove the radia-
tor cap until the engine has been
shut off and has cooled down com-
pletely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious
burns from a spray of boiling hot
coolant when the cap is removed.
1
2
B00453
1
2
B00454
FULL
LOW
1
2
B00468
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6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir
tank’s “FULL” level mark.
7. Put the radiator cap back on and tight-
en firmly. At this time, make sure that therubber gasket in the radiator cap is cor-
rectly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than
five minutes at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the cool-
ant cools down (122 to 140F [50 to
60C]). If there is any loss of coolant, add
coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and to
the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.
10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap
back on and tighten firmly.
Air cleaner elementThe air cleaner element functions as a fil-
ter screen. When the element is perforat-
ed or removed, engine wear will be exces-
sive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element is a viscous type.
It is unnecessary to clean or wash the ele-
ment.
Be careful not to spill engine cool-
ant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on the
exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe it
off.
Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
B00018
Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters in-
take air but also stops flames if the
engine backfires. If the air cleaner
element is not installed when the en-
gine backfires, you could be burned.
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Replacing the air cleaner ele-
mentTurbo models
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
1) Air cleaner case cover
2) Air cleaner element2. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
3. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cov-
er and case with a damp cloth and install
a new air cleaner element.4. To install the air cleaner case cover, in-
sert the two projections on the air cleaner
case cover into the slits on the air cleaner
case and then snap the two clamps on the
air cleaner case cover.
B00024
B00025
B00026
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Non-turbo models
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air
cleaner case cover.
2. Push the air cleaner case cover in thedirection of the arrow shown in the draw-
ing.
1) Air cleaner case cover
2) Air cleaner element3. Open the air cleaner case cover and
remove the air cleaner element.
4. Clean the inside of the air cleaner cov-
er and case with a damp cloth and install
a new air cleaner element.5. To install the air cleaner case cover, in-
sert the three projections on the air clean-
er case into the slits on the air cleaner
case cover and then snap the two clamps
on the air cleaner case cover.
B00361B00362
1
2
B00363
B00364
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Spark plugsIt may be difficult to replace the spark
plugs. It is recommended that you have
the spark plugs replaced by your Saab
dealer.
The spark plugs should be replaced ac-
cording to the maintenance schedule in
the “Saab Warranty and Service Record
Booklet”.
Recommended spark plugsNon-turbo models:
FR5AP-11 (NGK)
Turbo models:
ILFR6B (NGK)
Drive belts1) Power steering pump pulley
2) Air conditioner compressor pulley
3) Crank pulleyThe alternator, power steering pump, and
air conditioner compressor depend on
drive belts. Satisfactory performance re-
quires that belt tension be correct.
To check belt tension, place a straight-
edge (ruler) across two adjacent pulleys
and apply a force of 22 lbs (98 N, 10 kg)
midway between the pulleys by using a
spring scale. Belt deflection should be the
amount specified. If a belt is loose,
cracked, or worn, contact your Saab deal-
er. When disconnecting the spark
plug cables, always grasp the
spark plug cap, not the cables.
Make sure the cables are replaced
in the correct order.
B00027
A B
2
3 1
B00365
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