2006 SAAB 9-3 fuel consumption

94 Instruments and controlsThe number of systems that are displayed
on the SID depends on the car’s equipment
level. The list shown below includes the
systems that can be found in your car.
Trip computer function of the SIDSID contains the following functions:
Park Assistance, page 192.
SPA onSPA off
Clock / Alarm, page 98.
Set ClockSet Alarm 08:30
Rain Sensor, page 107.
HighMediumLow
Climate System, page 124.
Rear DefrosterHeated SeatsFan SettingsAir DistributionA/C ModeDual/Single ZoneDefault Settings
System Settings, page 100.
LanguageUnitSpeed Scale Illum.Service Info
WARNING
It is strongly recommended that the SID
settings be changed only when the car is
stationary. The driver’s attention can
otherwise easily be distracted from the
road.
Te m pOutdoor temperature
D.T.E. Estimated range (distance to
empty fuel tank).
When the possible range is
less than 18 miles (30 km)
then the text Refill fuel now is
displayed.
Fuel ØAverage fuel consumption
since function last reset
DateDate
DistDistance to destinations.
Function can also be used as
a trip meter
ArrivEstimated time of arrival
Speed Ø Average speed since function
last reset
Speed WSpeed warning (chime)
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175 Starting and driving
Lock-upThe transmission’s torque converter has a
lock-up function. This can lock the torque
converter, thus reducing the engine speed
and fuel consumption.Kick-downWhen the accelerator is pressed down fully,
a down change is made to optimize acceler-
ation, e.g. for overtaking.
Following this, the next higher gear will be
selected at the optimum engine speed,
unless you ease off the accelerator before
reaching this.Driving in hilly country with a
heavy loadThe transmission fluid can overheat when
the gearbox is strained, for example, when
driving with a trailer on hilly roads. To avoid
the transmission fluid overheating, always
drive with the selector lever in the D posi-
tion. The adaptive gear change patterns are
then active.
High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler
can also cause the transmission fluid to
overheat. Overheating reduces the service
life of the fluid.
TowingTowing of cars with automatic transmission,
see page 205.Descending hillsIf the speed of the car increases while
descending a steep hill, despite the acceler-
ator being released, the control module will
change down. If you desire more powerful
engine braking, manually select a lower
gear (see page 178).
Limp-homeIf the transmission malfunctions, the control
module will activate limp-home mode. Driv-
ability will be affected to varying degrees.
The following message is shown on the SID:
In this mode, only 2nd and 5th gears are
available. Select 2nd gear when driving at
low speeds and 5th gear at higher speeds.
2nd gear must be selected manually. Select
5th gear manually or move the selector
lever to D (see page 178).
Cars with 5-speed transmission
In this mode, only 2nd and 5th gears are
available. Select 2nd gear when driving at
low speeds and 5th gear at higher speeds.
2nd gear must be selected manually. Select
5th gear manually or move the selector
lever to D, see page 178.
Cars with 6-speed transmission3
 The car may be totally powerless. If this is
case, have the car transported to a work-
shop to have the problem rectified.
WARNING
Remember to use the braking effect of the
engine (1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you
are descending long or steep hills to
spare the brakes.
Overheating can cause the brakes to
fade!
NOTICEDo not tow a trailer if limp-home mode is
engaged.
Gearbox malfunction.
Limited performance.
Contact Saab dealer.
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193 Starting and driving
Economical drivingFactors affecting fuel
consumptionThe fuel consumption of a car is greatly
affected by driving conditions, climate, road
conditions, speed, driving technique, etc.Breaking-inFuel consumption may be somewhat
higher during the break-in period (the
first 3,000–4,000 miles (5,000–7,000 km)).Weather conditionsSummer temperatures give better fuel
economy than winter ones. The difference
can be as much as about 10%. Consump-
tion increases in cold weather because the
engine takes longer to reach its normal
operating temperature. The transmission
and wheel bearings also take longer to
warm up. Even distance affects consump-
tion: short journeys of 3–5 miles (5–8 km)
do not give the engine enough time to
reach its optimum temperature. Wind con-
ditions also have a marked effect on fuel
consumption.How to read the diagram:
If fuel consumption with the engine at
normal temperature is 28 mpg (10 l/
100 km), the actual fuel consumption
3 miles (5 km) after the engine has started
from cold will be:
– 23.5 mpg (12 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 68°F (+20°C) (increase of 20%).
– 17.7 mpg (16 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 32°F (0°C) (increase of 60%).
– 14 mpg (20 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of –4°F (–20°C) (increase of 100%).
It is clear from the diagram that both dis-
tance driven and outside temperature have
a significant impact on fuel consumption,
after a cold start.
If the car is normally driven on short jour-
neys, 3–5 miles (5–8 km), for example to
and from work, the average consumption
will be 60–80% above the normal level.
Driving techniques To obtain the best running economy, with
regard to fuel consumption and general
wear, the car must be serviced regularly.
 High speed, unnecessary acceleration,
frequent braking and much changing
down all give higher fuel consumption.
 Frequent gear changing in traffic, starting
in cold weather, the use of studded tires
and roof racks, and towing a camper all
increase fuel consumption.
 Do not warm up the engine while the car
is stationary.
If idling, the engine will take much longer
to reach its optimum temperature, and Percentage increase in fuel consumption
of engine starting from cold compared to
engine at normal temperature.
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194 Starting and drivingengine wear is at its greatest during this
period. Drive off as soon as possible after
starting the engine and avoid high engine
speeds.
 Drive as smoothly and thoughtfully as
possible. Match your driving to the prevail-
ing traffic conditions.
 Driving in a low gear gives rise to higher
fuel consumption than driving in a high
gear because of the higher engine speed
for any given road speed. Always shift up
as soon as traffic conditions allow and
drive in the highest gear as much as
possible.
 Check the tire pressure once a month.
Incorrect tire pressure increases tire
wear. It is preferable for the tire pressure
to be slightly high than too low. Under-
pressure increases fuel consumption. Check the fuel consumption regularly.
Increased fuel consumption can indicate
that something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked. We recommend
that you contact a Saab dealer.
Practical road tests have demonstrated that
substantial savings in fuel consumption can
be made if the above advice is followed.
Road conditionsWet roads increase fuel consumption, as do
unpaved roads and driving in hilly country
(the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is
less than the additional amount required to
climb the hill).
Engine block heater3The following are just some of the benefits
to the car and the environment of using an
engine block heater:
 Lower fuel consumption.
 Reduced wear on the engine.
 Inside of car warms up faster.
 Exhaust emissions substantially reduced
over short runs.
The engine heater is effective at outside
temperatures up to 60–70°F (+15–+20°C).
The warmer it is outside, the shorter the time
the engine heater needs to be connected.
Longer than 1.5 hours is unnecessary.
If the car is equipped with a removable,
electric cabin heater that is not in use, store
this in the trunk.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while driving
as the effect of the brakes and power
steering will be greatly reduced.
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216 Car careSaab Trionic engine
management systemThe Saab Trionic engine management
system is a unique Saab development that
combines sequential multiport fuel injection,
electronic distributorless ignition and turbo-
charger boost pressure control into one sys-
tem.
The Trionic engine control module (ECM)
monitors many different engine parameters
such as:
 Intake manifold pressure.
 Intake air temperature.
 Crankshaft position.
 Engine coolant temperature.
 Throttle position.
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
The ECM receives information regarding
engine knocking from a sophisticated feed-
back function in the ignition discharge unit.
By processing all of this information, the Tri-
onic system can control fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing and turbo-
charger boost pressure to provide excellent
engine performance while maintaining low
emissions and fuel consumption.
ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery)All hydrocarbons formed when refueling will
be recovered by the car and not released
into the atmosphere. The hydrocarbons are
absorbed in an evaporative emission canis-
ter. When the engine is subsequently
started, the evaporative emission canister is
gradually purged as air is sucked into it
through a shut-off valve. The hydrocar-
bon/air mixture passes through the evap
canister purge valve and into the engine
where it is burned. “Refueling”, see
page 167.
When refueling, make sure you screw the
filler cap on and keep turning until it has
clicked 3 times.
NOTICEThe Trionic engine management system
continuously monitors the operation of
these systems and has on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). If the Engine
malfunction (CHECK ENGINE) light in
the main instrument illuminates, the
Trionic ECM has detected a problem. The
car will continue to operate, but perfor-
mance may be diminished. You should
have your car checked by a Saab dealer
as soon as possible.
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314 IndexDriving in hot climates
____________ 197
Driving techniques
______________ 193
Driving with a heavy load on hilly
roads
________________________ 175
Driving with a load
______________ 204
Driving with a roof load ___________ 202
Driving with the compact spare wheel
208
Driving with the trunk lid open
______ 204
EEasy entry, Convertible
____________ 75
Economical motoring
____________ 193
Electric engine heater ____________ 194
Electric heating, front seats
___ 114
, 123
Electric windows
________________ 129
Electric windows, Convertible
_______ 79
Electrical system, technical data ____ 300
Electrically adjustable seats
________ 20
Electronic steering wheel lock _____ 162
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
__ 185
Emergency opening of the narrow
backrest
_____________________ 150
Emergency operation of the sunroof
_ 140
Engine bay, cleaning
____________ 277
Engine heater
__________________ 194
Engine immobilizer
_______________ 57
Engine number
_________________ 307
Engine oil, checking
_____________ 219
Engine oil, grade
________________ 298
Engine oil, volume ______________ 299Engine temperature gauge
_________ 90
Engine, description
______________ 215
Engine, technical data ____________ 297
Engines
_______________________ 300
Event Data Recorders (EDR)
______ 292
Extra electrical socket
____________ 144
EDR (Event Data Recorders)
______ 292
ESP, anti-skid system
____________ 185
FFacilitating entry to rear seat,
Convertible
____________________ 75
Factors affecting fuel consumption
__ 193
Filler cap
______________________ 168
Filling a portable fuel container
_____ 169
Filling up
______________________ 167
Flat spots, tires
_________________ 259
Floor jack
_____________________ 274
Folding down the rear seat
________ 146
Front fog lights
_________________ 104
Front towing eye ________________ 205
Fuel container
__________________ 169
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 91
Fuel grade _____________________ 299
Fuel information
________________ 169
Functions, car alarm ______________ 61
Fuse panel in luggage compartment
_250
Fuse table
_____________________ 249
Fuses
________________________ 247
GGear selector indicator, automatic
transmission
___________________ 92
Gearbox number ________________ 307
General safety instructions,
Convertible
____________________ 64
Glove box
_____________________ 144
Glovebox lighting
________________ 244
GDO, garage door opener
_________ 134
HHandbrake
_____________________ 187
Hazard warning lights
____________ 105
Head restraint, Convertible
_________ 76
Head restraints
__________________ 23
Headlight flasher ________________ 103
Headlight levelling _______________ 102
Headlights
_____________________ 102
Heated door mirrors
_____________ 114
Hood
_________________________ 214
Horn __________________________ 128
Horn button
____________________ 128
IIf a tire goes flat
_________________ 264
Ignition switch
__________________ 160
Immobilizer
_____________________ 57
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