10
Illustrated indexExterior
1324 5
11 12 10 78 96
000170
1) Engine hood (page 11-4)
2) Headlight switch (page 3-15)
3) Replacing bulbs (page 11-44)
4) Wiper switch (page 3-21)
5) Moonroof (page 2-21)
6) Door locks (page 2-4)
7) Tire pressure (page 11-31)
8) Flat tires (page 9-4)
9) Tire chains (page 8-9)
10) Front fog light button (page 3-19)
11) Tie-down hooks (page 9-10)
12) Towing hooks (page 9-10)
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 10 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
11
– CONTINUED –
5 44321
000171
1) Rear window defogger button
(page 3-23)
2) Child safety locks (page 2-17)
3) Fuel filler lid and cap (page 7-3)
4) Tie-down/Towing hook (page 9-11)
5) Rear liftgate (page 2-19)
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 11 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
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.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 11 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
8
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000
miles (1,600 km) .............................................. 8-2
Fuel economy hints ............................................ 8-2
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .......... 8-2
Catalytic converter ............................................. 8-3
Periodic inspections .......................................... 8-4
Driving in foreign countries .............................. 8-4
Driving tips for AWD vehicles ........................... 8-5
Off road driving .................................................. 8-6
Winter driving ..................................................... 8-6
Operation during cold weather .............................. 8-6
Driving on snowy and icy roads ............................ 8-7
Corrosion protection .............................................. 8-8
Snow tires ................................................................ 8-9
Tire chains ............................................................... 8-9
Rocking the vehicle ................................................ 8-9
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-10
Vehicle capacity weight ......................................... 8-11
GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-11
Roof crossbar 3 ...................................................... 8-12
Trailer towing ...................................................... 8-13
Warranties and maintenance ................................. 8-13
Maximum load limits .............................................. 8-13
Trailer hitches ......................................................... 8-16
Connecting a trailer ................................................ 8-17
Trailer towing tips ................................................... 8-18 3 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
Driving tips
8-5
Driving tips for AWD vehiclesAll-Wheel Drive distributes the engine
power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles
provide better traction when driving on
slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and
when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By
shifting power between the front and rear
wheels, AWD can also provide added
traction during acceleration and added en-
gine braking force during deceleration.
Therefore, your Saab AWD vehicle may
handle differently than an ordinary two
wheel drive vehicle and it contains some
features unique to AWD. For safety pur-
poses as well as to avoid damaging the
AWD system, you should keep the follow-
ing tips in mind:An AWD vehicle is better able to climb
steeper roads under snowy or slippery
conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle.
There is little difference in handling, how-
ever, during extremely sharp turns or sud-
den braking. Therefore, when driving
down a slope or turning corners, be sure
to reduce your speed and maintain an am-
ple distance from other vehicles.
When replacing a tire, make sure you
use only the same size, construction,
brand, and load range as the original tires
listed on the tire label. Using other sizes,
circumference or construction may result
in severe mechanical damage to the drive
train of your vehicle and may affect ride,
handling, braking, speedometer/odometer
calibration, and clearance between the
body and tires. It also may be dangerous
and lead to loss of vehicle control.
If you use a temporary spare tire to re-
place a flat tire, be sure to use the original
temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle.
Using other sizes may result in severe
mechanical damage to the drive train of
your vehicle.
Always check the cold tire pressure be-
fore starting to drive. The recommended
tire pressure is provided on the tire label,
which is located under the door latch onthe driver’s side on U.S. vehicles or in the
glovebox on Canadian vehicles.
Tire chains should always be placed on
the front wheels only.
There are some precautions that you
must observe when towing your vehicle.
For detail information, see the “Towing”
section in chapter 9.
800004
Always maintain a safe driving
speed according to the road and
weather conditions in order to
avoid having an accident on a
sharp turn, during sudden braking
or under other similar conditions.
Always use the utmost care in
driving – overconfidence because
you are driving an All-Wheel Drive
vehicle could easily lead to a seri-
ous accident.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
Driving tips
8-13
8
– CONTINUED –
Trailer towingYour vehicle is designed and intended to
be used primarily as a passenger-carrying
vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional
loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain,
brakes, tires and suspension and has an
adverse effect on fuel economy.
If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safe-
ty and satisfaction depend upon proper
use of correct equipment and cautious op-
eration of your vehicle. Seek the advice of
your Saab dealer to assist you in purchas-
ing a hitch and other necessary towing
equipment appropriate for your vehicle. In
addition, be sure to follow the instructions
on correct installation and use provided by
the trailer and other towing equipment
manufacturers.
Saab assumes no responsibility for inju-
ries or vehicle damage that result from
trailer towing equipment, or from any er-
rors or omissions in the instructions ac-
companying such equipment or for your
failure to follow the proper instructions.Warranties and maintenanceFor details of application of warranties to
vehicle damage or malfunctions related
with trailer towing, please refer to the
“Saab Warranty and Service RecordBooklet”. If you use your vehicle to tow a
trailer, more frequent maintenance will be
required due to the additional load. (Refer
to “Maintenance schedule under severe
driving conditions” in the “Saab Warranty
and Service Record Booklet”.)
Under no circumstances should a trailer
be towed with a new vehicle or a vehicle
with any new powertrain component (en-
gine, transmission, differential, wheel
bearings, etc.) for the first 1,000 miles
(1,600 km) of driving.
Maximum load limits
Total trailer weightTotal trailer weightThe total trailer weight (trailer weight plus
its cargo load) must never exceed the
maximum weight shown in the following
table. Never exceed the maximum load
limits explained in the following. Ex-
ceeding the maximum load limits
could cause personal injury and/or
vehicle damage.
Adequate size trailer brakes are
required when the trailer and its
cargo exceed 1,000 lbs (453 kg)
total weight.Before towing a trailer, check the
trailer total weight, GVW, GAWs
and tongue load. Make sure the
load and its distribution in your
vehicle and trailer are acceptable.
800211
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 13 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
8-14
Driving tips
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR)Gross Vehicle WeightThe Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) must
never exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating (GVWR).
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the com-
bined total of the weight of the vehicle,
driver, passengers, luggage, trailer hitch,
trailer tongue load and any other optional
equipment installed on your vehicle.
Therefore, the GVW changes depending
on the situation. Determine the GVW each
time before going on a trip by putting your
vehicle and trailer on a vehicle scale.
Certification labelGVWR is shown on the certification plate
located on the driver’s side door jamb of
your vehicle.
Model Conditions Maximum
total trailer
weight
MT models When towing a
trailer without
brakes.1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
When towing a
trailer with
brakes.2,000 lbs
(906 kg)
AT models When towing a
trailer without
brakes.1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
When towing a
trailer with
brakes.2,000 lbs
(906 kg)
When towing a
trailer on a long
uphill grade con-
tinuously for over
5 miles (8 km)
with an outside
temperature of
104F (40C) or
above.1,000 lbs
(453 kg)
800273
800261
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 14 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com
8-16
Driving tips
1) Jack
2) Bathroom scaleThe tongue load can be weighed with a
bathroom scale as shown in the following
illustration. When weighing the tongue
load, be sure to position the towing cou-
pler at the height at which it would be dur-
ing actual towing, using a jack as shown.
F: Front of vehicleThe tongue load can be adjusted by prop-
er distribution of the load in the trailer.
Never load the trailer with more weight in
the back than in the front; approximately
60 percent of the trailer load should be in
the front and approximately 40 percent in
the rear. Also, distribute the load as even-
ly as possible on both the left and right
sides.
Be sure that all cargo is firmly secured to
prevent a change in weight distribution
while driving.
Trailer hitchesChoose a proper hitch for your vehicle and
trailer.
12
800270
F
60%
40%50%50%
800216
If the trailer is loaded with more
weight in the back of trailer’s axle
than in the front, the load is taken off
the rear axle of the towing vehicle.
This may cause the rear wheels to
skid, especially during braking or
when vehicle speed is reduced dur-
ing cornering, resulting in over-
steer, spin out and/or jackknifing.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 16 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com