11 - 3 2
Maintenance and service
Abnormally low tire pressure (tread
worn at shoulders)
Rolling resistance is high, so fuel con-
sumption is also higher.Abnormally high tire pressure (tread
worn in center)
Ride comfort is poor. Also, the tire magni-
fies the effects of road-surface bumps and
dips, possibly resulting in vehicle damage.
If the label shows tire pressures for the ve-
hicle when fully loaded and for the vehicle
when towing a trailer, adjust the tire pres-
sures to the values that match current
loading conditions.
Wheel balanceEach wheel was correctly balanced when
your vehicle was new, but the wheels will
become unbalanced as the tires become
worn during use. Wheel imbalance caus-
es the steering wheel to vibrate slightly at
certain vehicle speeds and detracts from
the vehicle’s straight-line stability. It can
also cause steering and suspension sys-
tem problems and abnormal tire wear. If
you suspect that the wheels are not cor-
rectly balanced, have them checked and
adjusted by your Saab dealer. Also have
them adjusted after tire repairs and after
tire rotation.NOTELoss of correct wheel alignment* caus-
es the tires to wear on one side and re-
duces the vehicle’s running stability.
B00051
B00052
Driving at high speeds with exces-
sively low tire pressures can cause
the tires to deform severely and to
rapidly become hot. A sharp in-
crease in temperature could cause
tread separation, and destruction of
the tires. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 32 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
Maintenance and service
11 - 3 3
11
– CONTINUED –
Contact your Saab dealer if you notice
abnormal tire wear.*: The suspension system is designed to hold
each wheel at a certain alignment (relative to
the other wheels and to the road) for optimum
straight-line stability and cornering perfor-
mance.Wear indicators1) New tread
2) Worn tread
3) Tread wear indicatorEach tire incorporates a tread wear indica-
tor, which becomes visible when the depth
of the tread grooves decreases to 0.063 in
(1.6 mm). A tire must be replaced when
the tread wear indicator appears as a solid
band across the tread.
NOTEFor safety, inspect tire tread regularly
and replace the tires before their tread
wear indicators become visible.Tire rotation
Tire wear varies from wheel to wheel. To
maximize the life of each tire and ensure
that the tires wear uniformly, it is best to
rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,500
km). Rotating the tires involves switching
the front and rear tires on the right-hand
side of the vehicle and similarly switching
the front and rear tires on the left-hand
side of the vehicle. (Each tire must be kept
on its original side of the vehicle.)
Replace any damaged or unevenly worn
tire at the time of rotation. After tire rota-
tion, adjust the tire pressures and make
sure the wheel nuts are correctly tight-
ened.
After driving approximately 600 miles
(1,000 km), check the wheel nuts again
and retighten any nut that has become
loose.Tire replacementThe wheels and tires are important and in-
tegral parts of your vehicle’s design; they
cannot be changed arbitrarily. The tires fit-
ted as standard equipment are optimally
matched to the characteristics of the vehi-
cle and were selected to give the best pos-
sible combination of running performance,
ride comfort, and service life. It is essential
for every tire to have a size and construc-
tion matching those shown on the tire la-
123
B00327
When a tire’s tread wear indicator
becomes visible, the tire is worn be-
yond the acceptable limit and must
be replaced immediately. With a tire
in this condition, driving at high
speeds in wet weather can cause
the vehicle to hydroplane. The re-
sulting loss of vehicle control can
lead to an accident.
B00054
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 33 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
11 - 3 4
Maintenance and service
bel and to have a speed symbol and load
index matching those shown on the tire la-
bel.
Using tires of a non-specified size detracts
from controllability, ride comfort, braking
performance, speedometer accuracy and
odometer accuracy. It also creates incor-
rect body-to-tire clearances and inappro-
priately changes the vehicle’s ground
clearance.
All four tires must be the same in terms of
manufacturer, brand (tread pattern), con-
struction, and size. You are advised to re-
place the tires with new ones that are
identical to those fitted as standard equip-
ment.
For safe vehicle operation, Saab recom-
mends replacing all four tires at the same
time.
NOTEUnidirectional tires: Some tires have a
specified direction of rotation. A tire of
this type has an arrow or other mark on
its side wall to indicate the direction of
rotation. Install it so that the direction
of rotation is correct when the vehicle
is driven forward.
Wheel replacementWhen replacing wheels due, for example,
to damage, make sure the replacement
wheels match the specifications of the
wheels that are fitted as standard equip-
ment. Replacement wheels are available
from Saab dealers.
B00480
All four tires must be the same in
terms of manufacturer, brand
(tread pattern), construction, de-
gree of wear, speed symbol, load
index and size. Mixing tires of dif-
ferent types, sizes or degrees of
wear can result in damage to vehi-
cle’s power train. Use of different
types or sizes of tires can also
dangerously reduce controllabili-
ty and braking performance and
can lead to an accident.
Use only radial tires. Do not use
radial tires together with belted
bias tires and/or bias-ply tires. Do-
ing so can dangerously reduce
controllability, resulting in an ac-
cident.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 34 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
Maintenance and service
11 - 3 5
11
– CONTINUED –
NOTEWhen any of the wheels is removed
and replaced for tire rotation or to
change a flat tire, always check the
tightness of the wheel nuts after driv-
ing approximately 600 miles (1,000
km). If any nut is loose, tighten it to the
specified torque.
Aluminum wheelsAluminum wheels can be scratched and
damaged easily. Handle them carefully to
maintain their appearance, performance,
and safety.
When any of the wheels is removed and
replaced for tire rotation or to change a
flat, always check the tightness of the
wheel nuts after driving approximately 600
miles (1,000 km). If any nut is loose, tight-
en it to the specified torque.
Never apply oil to the threaded parts,
wheel nuts, or tapered surface of the
wheel.
Never let the wheel rub against sharp
protrusions or curbs.
Be sure to fit tire chains on uniformly
and completely around the tire, otherwise
the chains may scratch the wheel.
When wheel nuts, balance weights, or
the center cap is replaced, be sure to re-
place them with genuine Saab parts de-
signed for aluminum wheels.
Windshield washer fluidIf you spray washer fluid on the windshield
but the supply of washer fluid appears to
diminish, check the level of washer fluid in
the tank. Use only those wheels that are
specified for your vehicle. Wheels
not meeting specifications could in-
terfere with brake caliper operation
and may cause the tires to rub
against the wheel well housing dur-
ing turns. The resulting loss of vehi-
cle control could lead to an acci-
dent.
300523
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 35 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
12
Specifications
Specifications ..................................................... 12-2
Dimensions ............................................................. 12-2
Engine ...................................................................... 12-3
Electrical system .................................................... 12-3
Capacities ................................................................ 12-4
Tires ......................................................................... 12-4
Wheel alignment ..................................................... 12-5
Fuses and circuits .............................................. 12-6
Fuse panel located behind the coin tray ............. 12-6
Fuse panel located in the engine
compartment ......................................................... 12-8
Bulb chart ............................................................ 12-9
Vehicle identification ......................................... 12-103 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend
on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options
or accessories)
.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
12-4
Specifications
CapacitiesAT: Automatic transmission
MT: Manual transmissionTiresFuel tank
15.9 US gal (60 liters)
Engine oil
4.2 US qt (4.0 liters)
Transmission oil (MT)
3.7 US qt (3.5 liters)
Transmission oil (AT)
9.8 US qt (9.3 liters)
AT differential gear oil
1.3 US qt (1.2 liter)
Rear differential gear oil
0.8 US qt (0.8 liter)
Power steering fluid
0.7 US qt (0.7 liter)
Engine coolant
Turbo engine model
MT
7.8 US qt (7.4 liters)
AT
7.7 US qt (7.3 liters)
Non-turbo engine model
MT
7.4 US qt (7.0 liters)
AT
7.3 US qt (6.9 liters)
Tire size
P205/55R16 89V
215/45R17 91W
Wheel size
16 6
1/2 JJ
17 7 JJ
Pressure
Front
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
33 psi (230 kPa, 2.3 kgf/cm
2)
Rear
29 psi (200 kPa, 2.0 kgf/cm
2)
32 psi (220 kPa, 2.2 kgf/cm
2)
Temporary spare tire
Size
T135/70 D16
Pressure
60 psi (420 kPa, 4.2 kgf/cm
2)
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 4 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
113
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
Tire information .................................................. 13-2
Tire labeling ............................................................. 13-2
Recommended tire inflation pressure .................. 13-5
Glossary of tire terminology .................................. 13-6
Tire care – maintenance and safety practices ..... 13-7
Vehicle load limit – how to determine ................... 13-8
Determining compatibility of tire and vehicle
load capacities ...................................................... 13-11
Adverse safety consequences of overloading
on handling and stopping and on tires .............. 13-11
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit ........... 13-11
Uniform tire quality grading standards ............ 13-12
Treadwear ................................................................ 13-12
Traction AA, A, B, C ................................................ 13-12
Temperature A, B, C ............................................... 13-13
Reporting safety defects (USA) ......................... 13-13
Reporting safety defects to the Canadian
government ...................................................... 13-143 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend
on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options
or accessories)
.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
Consumer information and Reporting safety defects
13-3
13
– CONTINUED –
which specifies the maximum load a
tire can carry at the speed indicated
by its speed symbol, at maximum in-
flation pressure.
For example, “91” means 1,356 lbs
(615 kg), “89” means 1,279 lbs (580
kg)(7) Speed Rating: An alphabetical
system describing a tire’s capability to
travel at established and predeter-
mined speeds.
For example, “V” means 149 mph
(240 km/h), “W” means 168 mph (270
km/h)
Tire Identification Number (TIN)
Tire Identification Number (TIN) is
marked on the intended outboard
sidewall. The TIN is composed of four
groups. Here is a brief review of the
TIN with a breakdown of its individual
elements.(1) Manufacturer’s Identification Mark
(2) Tire Size
(3) Tire Type Code
(4) Date of Manufacture
The first two figures identify the week,
starting with “01” to represent the first
full week of the calendar year; the
second two figures represent the
year. For example, 0101 means the
1st week of 2001.
Other markings
The following makings are also
placed on the sidewall.
Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which this tire may be inflated. For
example, "300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX.
PRESS"
Maximum load rating
The load rating at the maximum per-
missible weight load for this tire. For
example, “MAX. LOAD 580 kg (1279
LBS) @ 300 kpa (44 PSI) MAX.
PRESS.” Load indices apply only to the
tire, not to the vehicle. Putting a
load rated tire on any vehicle
does not mean the vehicle can
be loaded up to the tire’s rated
load.
Speed ratings apply only to
the tire, not to the vehicle. Put-
ting a speed rated tire on any
vehicle does not mean the ve-
hicle can be operated at the
tire’s rated speed.The speed rating is void if the
tires are worn out, damaged,
repaired, retreaded, or other-
wise altered from their original
condition. If tires are repaired,
retreaded, or otherwise al-
tered, they may not be suitable
for original equipment tire de-
signed loads and speeds.
DOT XX XX XXX XXXX
(1) (2)
(3)(4)
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com