Fuel octane ratingThis octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor
Octane numbers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock
Index (AKI). Refer to “Fuel” section in this manual.Fuel capacity15.9 US gal (60 liters, 13.2 Imp gal)Engine oilUse only API classification SM with the words “ENERGY CON-
SERVING” and the ILSAC certification mark (starburst mark) dis-
played on the container.Engine oil capacity4.2 US qt (4.0 liters, 3.5 Imp qt)
Gas station referenceFuel• 2.5-liter non-turbo models
Use only unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or
higher.
• 2.5-liter turbo models (Aero)
Use premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI or
higher. If premium unleaded gasoline is not available, regular
unleaded gasoline with octane rating of 87 AKI or higher may be
temporarily used. For optimum engine performance and driveabil-
ity, it is required that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline.Cold tire pressureNOTE:
Adjust the tire pressure to 36 psi (250 kPa, 2.5 kgf/cm
2) when driving the vehicle with five people and cargo inside and at speeds
exceeding 99.4 mph (160 km/h).Tire size P205/55R16 89V 215/45R17 91W
Wheel size 16 x 61/2 JJ 17 x 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)
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13
Instruments and controls
Ignition switch .................................................... 3-3
LOCK ....................................................................... 3-3
ACC .......................................................................... 3-4
ON ............................................................................ 3-4
START ...................................................................... 3-4
Key reminder chime ............................................... 3-5
Ignition switch light 3 ............................................ 3-5
Key interlock release (AT vehicles only) .............. 3-5
Hazard warning flasher ...................................... 3-6
Meters and gauges ............................................. 3-6
Speedometer ........................................................... 3-6
Odometer/Trip meter .............................................. 3-6
Tachometer ............................................................. 3-7
Fuel gauge ............................................................... 3-7
Temperature gauge ................................................ 3-8
Outside temperature indicator .............................. 3-9
Warning and indicator lights ............................. 3-8
Seatbelt warning light and chime .......................... 3-9
SRS airbag system warning light .......................... 3-10
Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON and OFF
indicators .............................................................. 3-10
CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction
indicator lamp ....................................................... 3-11
Charge warning light .............................................. 3-11
Oil pressure warning light ..................................... 3-11
AT OIL TEMPerature warning light
(AT vehicles) ......................................................... 3-12
ABS warning light ................................................... 3-12
Brake system warning light ................................... 3-13Door open warning light ........................................ 3-13
All-Wheel Drive warning light (AWD AT
vehicles) ................................................................ 3-14
Selector lever position indicator (AT
vehicles) ................................................................ 3-14
Turn signal indicator lights .................................... 3-14
High beam indicator light ....................................... 3-14
Cruise control indicator light ................................. 3-14
Cruise control set indicator light .......................... 3-15
Clock .................................................................... 3-15
Light control switch ........................................... 3-15
Headlights ............................................................... 3-16
High/low beam change (dimmer) .......................... 3-16
Headlight flasher ..................................................... 3-16
Daytime running light system ............................... 3-17
Turn signal lever ................................................. 3-17
Illumination brightness control ......................... 3-18
Headlight beam leveler (Cars with HID
headlights only) ............................................... 3-18
Parking light switch ........................................... 3-19
Front fog light button
3 ..................................... 3-19
Wiper and washer ............................................... 3-20
Windshield wiper and washer switches ............... 3-21
Rear window wiper and washer switch ................ 3-22
Rear window defogger button ........................... 3-23
Windshield wiper deicer
3 ................................. 3-24
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Instruments and controls
3-11
3
– CONTINUED –
CHECK ENGINE warn-
ing light/Malfunction in-
dicator lampIf this light comes on steadily or blinks
while the engine is running, it may indicate
that there is a problem or potential prob-
lem somewhere in the emission control
system.
If the light comes on steadily:
If the light comes on steadily while driving
or does not go out after the engine starts,
an emission control system malfunction
has been detected.
You should have your vehicle checked by
an authorized Saab dealer immediately.NOTEThis light also comes on when the fuelfiller cap is not tightened until it clicks.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle,
the cause of the CHECK ENGINE warning
light/malfunction indicator lamp coming on
could be a loose or missing fuel filler cap.
Remove the cap and retighten it until it
clicks. Make sure nothing is interfering
with the sealing of the cap. Tightening the
cap will not make the CHECK ENGINE
warning light turn off immediately. It may
take several driving trips. If the light does
not go out, take your vehicle to your au-
thorized Saab dealer immediately.
If the light is blinking:
If the light is blinking while driving, an en-
gine misfire condition has been detected
which may damage the emission control
system.
To prevent serious damage to the emis-
sion control system, you should do the fol-
lowing.
Reduce vehicle speed.
Avoid hard acceleration.
Avoid steep uphill grades.
Reduce the amount of cargo, if possi-
ble.
Stop towing a trailer as soon as pos-
sible.
The CHECK ENGINE warning light may
stop blinking and come on steadily afterseveral driving trips. You should have
your vehicle checked by an authorized
Saab dealer immediately.
Charge warning light If this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the charging
system is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the alternator belt. If the belt is
loose, broken or if the belt is in good con-
dition but the light remains on, contact
your nearest Saab dealer immediately.Oil pressure warning
lightIf this light comes on when the engine is
running, it may indicate that the engine oil
pressure is low and the lubricating system
is not working properly.
If the light comes on while driving or does
not go out after the engine starts, stop the
engine at the first safe opportunity and
check the engine oil level. If the oil level is
low, add oil immediately. If the engine oil
is at the proper level but the light remains
on, contact your nearest Saab dealer im-
mediately. If the CHECK ENGINE light comes
on while you are driving, have your
vehicle checked/repaired by your
Saab dealer as soon as possible.
Continued vehicle operation without
having the emission control system
checked and repaired as necessary
could cause serious damage, which
may not be covered by your vehi-
cle’s warranty.
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7-4
Starting and operating
1) Open
2) Close2. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it
slowly counterclockwise.
3. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler
pump automatically stops. Do not add any
more fuel.
4. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise
until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap while
tightening.
5. Close the fuel filler lid completely.
If you spill any fuel on the painted surface,
rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the
painted surface could be damaged.NOTEIf the fuel filler cap is not tightened until
it clicks or if the tether is caught under
the cap, the CHECK ENGINE warning
light may come on. Refer to the “Warn-
ing and indicator lights” section locat-
ed in chapter 3.
(Turbo model only) Promptly put fuel in
the tank whenever the low fuel warning
light comes on. Engine misfires as a re-
sult of an empty tank could cause dam-
age to the engine.
Gasoline vapor is highly flamma-
ble. Before refueling, always first
stop the engine and make sure
that there are no lighted ciga-
rettes, open flames or electrical
sparks in the adjacent area.
12
700330
When opening the cap, do not re-
move the cap quickly. Fuel may be
under pressure and spray out of
the fuel filler neck especially in
hot weather, which may cause in-
jury.
Never add any cleaning agents to
the fuel tank. The addition of a
cleaning agent may cause dam-
age to the fuel system.
Make sure that the cap is tight-
ened until it clicks to prevent fuel
spillage in the event of an acci-
dent.
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle.
Fuels may cause paint damage,
which is not covered under the
Saab Limited Warranty.
Always use a genuine Saab fuel
filler cap. If you use the wrong
cap, it may not fit or have proper
venting, and your fuel tank and
emission control system might be
damaged.
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8-2
Driving tips
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving
– the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km)The performance and long life of your ve-
hicle are dependent on how you handle
and care for your vehicle while it is new.
Follow these instructions during the first
1,000 miles (1,600 km):
Do not race the engine. And do not al-
low engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm ex-
cept in an emergency.
Do not drive at one constant engine or
vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or
slow.
Avoid starting suddenly and rapid accel-
eration, except in an emergency.
Avoid hard braking, except in an emer-
gency.
The same break-in procedures should be
applied to an overhauled engine, newly
mounted engine or when brake pads or
brake linings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hintsThe following suggestions will help to
save your fuel.
Select the proper gear position for the
speed and road conditions.
Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera-
tion. Always accelerate gently until you
reach the desired speed. Then try to main-
tain that speed for as long as possible.
Do not pump the accelerator and avoid
racing the engine.
Avoid unnecessary engine idling.
Keep the engine properly tuned.
Keep the tires inflated to the correct
pressure shown on the tire label, which is
located under the door latch on the driv-
er’s side. Low pressure will increase tire
wear and fuel consumption.
Use the air conditioner only when nec-
essary.
Keep the front and rear wheels in prop-
er alignment.
Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or
cargo.
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)Never inhale engine exhaust gas.
Engine exhaust gas contains car-
bon monoxide, a colorless and
odorless gas which is dangerous,
or even lethal, if inhaled.
Always properly maintain the en-
gine exhaust system to prevent
engine exhaust gas from entering
the vehicle.
Never run the engine in a closed
space, such as a garage, except
for the brief time needed to drive
the vehicle in or out of it.
Avoid remaining in a parked vehi-
cle for a lengthy time while the en-
gine is running. If that is unavoid-
able, then use the ventilation fan
to force fresh air into the vehicle.
Always keep the front ventilation
inlet grille free from snow, leaves
or other obstructions to ensure
that the ventilation system always
works properly.
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Maintenance and service
11 - 3
11
– CONTINUED –
Maintenance and service
Maintenance scheduleThe scheduled maintenance items re-
quired to be serviced at regular intervals
are shown in the “Saab Warranty and Ser-
vice Record Booklet”.
For details of your maintenance schedule,
read the separate “Saab Warranty and
Service Record Booklet”.
Maintenance precautionsWhen maintenance and service are re-
quired, it is recommended that all work be
done by an authorized Saab dealer.
If you perform maintenance and service
by yourself, you should familiarize your-
self with the information provided in this
section on general maintenance and ser-
vice for your Saab.
Incorrect or incomplete service could
cause improper or unsafe vehicle opera-
tion. Any problems caused by improper
maintenance and service performed by
you are not eligible for warranty coverage.Testing of an All-Wheel Drive ve-
hicle must NEVER be performed
on a single two-wheel dynamome-
ter or similar apparatus. Attempt-
ing to do so will result in transmis-
sion damage and in uncontrolled
vehicle movement and may cause
an accident or injuries to persons
nearby.
Always select a safe area when
performing maintenance on your
vehicle.
Always be very careful to avoid in-
jury when working on the vehicle.
Remember that some of the mate-
rials in the vehicle may be hazard-
ous if improperly used or handled,
for example, battery acid.
Your vehicle should only be ser-
viced by persons fully competent
to do so. Serious personal injury
may result to persons not experi-
enced in servicing vehicles.
Always use the proper tools and
make certain that they are well
maintained.
Never get under the vehicle sup-
ported only by a jack. Always use
a safety stands to support the ve-
hicle.
Never keep the engine running in
a poorly ventilated area, such as a
garage or other closed areas.
Do not smoke or allow open
flames around the fuel or battery.
This will cause a fire.
Because the fuel system is under
pressure, replacement of the fuel
filter should be performed only by
your Saab dealer.
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Maintenance and service
11 - 3 1
11
– CONTINUED –
pressed against the curb when you
park the vehicle.
If you feel unusual vibration while
driving or find it difficult to steer the ve-
hicle in a straight line, one of the tires
and/or wheels may be damaged. Drive
slowly to the nearest authorized Saab
dealer and have the vehicle inspected.Tire pressures and wearMaintaining the correct tire pressures
helps to maximize the tires’ service lives
and is essential for good running perfor-
mance. Check and, if necessary, adjust
the pressure of each tire (including the
spare) at least once a month (for example,
during a fuel stop) and before any long
journey.Check the tire pressures when the tires
are cold. Use a pressure gauge to adjust
the tire pressures to the values shown on
the tire label. The tire label is located on
the door pillar on the driver’s side.
Driving even a short distance warms up
the tires and increases the tire pressures.
Also, the tire pressures are affected by the
outside temperature. It is best to check tire
pressure outdoors before driving the vehi-
cle.
When a tire becomes warm, the air inside
it expands, causing the tire pressure to in-
crease. Be careful not to mistakenly re-
lease air from a warm tire to reduce its
pressure.
NOTEThe air pressure in a tire increases
by approximately 4.3 psi (30 kPa, 0.3
kgf/cm
2) when the tire becomes warm.
The tires are considered cold when
the vehicle has been parked for at least
three hours or has been driven less
than one mile (1.6 km).
Incorrect tire pressures detract from con-
trollability and ride comfort, and they
cause the tires to wear abnormally.
Correct tire pressure (tread worn
evenly)
Roadholding is good, and steering is re-
sponsive. Rolling resistance is low, so fuel
consumption is also lower.
D00120
Do not let air out of warm tires to ad-
just pressure. Doing so will result in
low tire pressure.
B00050
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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.
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