2006 SAAB 9-5 automatic transmission fluid

156 Starting and drivingIf ”Automatic transmission
, fault indicator”
 appears on the main instrument panel,
the system has detected a fault in the auto-
matic transmission or its control module
(see page 62).
This also means that the Limp-home mode
has been selected, to guard against further
damage being done to the transmission. In
this mode, the automatic transmission
starts in 5th gear, and gear changes (if nec-
essary) will have to be made manually.
Stop the car in a safe place. Switch off then
restart the engine. If the fault is intermittent,
the transmission will operate as normal
despite the fault indicator being on. Have
the car checked at a workshop. We recom-
mend that you contact an authorized Saab
dealer.
It is not possible to select the SPORT or
Sentronic mode when the Limp-home mode
is active.
Gear changes must be made manually.
The following gears will be engaged in the
respective selector positions when the auto-
matic transmission is in Limp-home mode:
Overheated transmission fluid If the automatic-transmission fluid should
overheat, the following message will appear
on the SID:
”Gearbox too hot.
Make a safe stop.”
In this event, stop the car in a suitable place,
switch off the engine and open the hood.
Wait for several minutes then turn on the
ignition to check that the message has gone
out. When driving subsequent to the trans-
mission fluid overheating, select a gear in
which the engine speed is about 3,000 rpm.
Overheating of the automatic-transmission
fluid can occur when the car is towing a
heavy load, such as a camping trailer in hilly
country. High ambient temperatures can
also increase the temperature of the trans-
mission fluid or the oil cooler may be faulty.
Contact a workshop. We recommend that
you contact an authorized Saab dealer (see
also page 176).
Automatic transmission




,
fault indicator
Position R D M L
Gear Reverse 5th 5th 2nd
NOTICEIf the control module has actuated the
Limp-home function for the automatic
transmission, the car will remain in 5th
gear when D is selected, making it very
sluggish.
Select position L to prevent unnecessary
wear on the transmission. The transmis-
sion then starts in 2nd gear. Once the car
is moving you can select position D.
When the indicator light is on, the car
must not be driven with a caravan or
trailer attached.
95usM06.book Page 156 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

157 Starting and driving
Driving on hilly roads 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 in Normal mode. 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. Contact an authorized Saab
dealer (see also page 176).
Towing Towing of cars with automatic transmission,
see page 185.
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 a gear when you brake. If you
desire more powerful engine braking, man-
ually select a lower gear.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position D or L) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
95usM06.book Page 157 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

178 Starting and drivingWhen negotiating long hills, bear the follow-
ing important considerations in mind:
 Use Normal mode when driving with a
caravan or trailer on hilly roads. The adap-
tive gear change pattern function will pre-
vent the transmission overheating.
 Rises in coolant temperature are indi-
cated by the temperature gauge in the
main instrument panel.Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmission
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following steps are taken in order as the
temperature of the engine increases:
 Gear change pattern is altered.
 A/C compressor is switched off.
 Engine torque is reduced.
The following message will be displayed on
the SID if the transmission fluid becomes
too hot:
“Gearbox too hot.
Make a safe stop.
If this message appears, stop the car as
soon as it is safe to do so and allow the
engine to idle until the message has gone
out. The selector lever should be in
position P.When continuing your journey, select
manual mode and a gear in which the
engine speed is about 3,000 rpm until the
incline eases (see page 159).
WARNING
Remember to use the braking effect of the
engine (position D or L) when you are
descending long or steep hills to spare
the brakes.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
95usM06.book Page 178 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

198 Car care and technical informationTransmission fluidManual transmission Check and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.Automatic transmissionCheck and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.
Coolant The expansion tank is transparent to facili-
tate checking of the coolant level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant must
not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the
expansion tank.If the message
”Coolant level low.
Refill.”
is displayed on the SID, check the level of
fluid in the expansion tank.
Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of
clean water and Saab-approved coolant.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine to normal temper-
ature and top up again, as necessary.
WARNING
 Proceed with caution if the radiator is
boiling when you open the hood.
Never remove the expansion-tank
filler cap when the radiator is boiling.
 The cooling system is pressurized –
hot coolant and vapor can escape
when the filler cap is released. These
can cause injury to your eyes and
burns. Loosen the cap carefully, and
let the engine cool before removing
the cap.
 Exercise care when adding 
.
#
 on hot surfaces constitutes a
fire risk.
IB1338
Coolant expansion tank
95usM06.book Page 198 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

255 Customer Assistance and Information
Service record retentionIt is the owner´s responsibility to retain ser-
vice records. If possible, you should keep
copies of all shop work orders for all service
and repairs, whenever performed. As indi-
cated in the new car and emission control
system warranties, it is important to docu-
ment that all necessary maintenance has
been done.HOW THE SERVICE RECORD
IS ORGANIZEDThe service record is comprised of a series
of coupons on which to record services as
they are performed. There are additional
coupons for documenting extra engine oil
and filter changes, extra automatic trans-
mission fluid services necessary for severe
service conditions, and brake fluid changes.HOW TO USE THE SERVICE
RECORD COUPONSWhen the car is brought to a Saab dealer for
scheduled maintenance, present the Saab
Warranty and Service Record Booklet to the
service manager. When the technician has
completed the service, the technician will
sign the maintenance record. The person
responsible for quality assurance at the
dealership will also sign and stamp the
record with the dealer identification stamp.
Service costsDealer pricing practices and labor for ser-
vice work vary. Saab’s recommended ser-
vice times for each service point do not
include the labor required to replace wear
items, such as wiper blades, brake pads or
tires. Nor is labor to perform other service or
repairs found to be necessary as a result of
the inspections included in these times.
Additional labor and parts will be charged
for such work when necessary, except as
covered under an applicable Saab warranty
or any optional extended service contract.
Transmission fluid changes or suspension
alignment, when necessary, are also addi-
tional.
Dealer charges for general shop material,
regulated hazardous waste removal, recy-
cling expenses or other operation costs may
also be applied to service and repair
invoices and are apt to vary by dealer and
location.
Owner assistanceWarranties and service
problem assistanceFor complete information about all applica-
ble warranties, including the New Car War-
ranty, Perforation Warranty, Vehicle Emis-
sion Warranty and Emission Perforation
Warranty, consult the Warranties and Ser-
vice Record Booklet which accompanies
this Owner’s Manual. It also contains owner
assistance information including Saab
Roadside Assistance. If the booklet is lost or
misplaced, a new one may be ordered
through a Saab dealer or by contacting
Saab.
In the U.S. there is a national Customer
Assistance Center at Saab Cars USA, Inc.
The toll-free number to call from all 50 states
is 1-800-955-9007.
In Canada, please call the Saab Customer
Assistance Centre at 1-800-263-1999.
A list of authorized Saab sales and service
dealers is available for those planning to
travel in the United States and Canada.
Canadian or U.S. travelers may call the
Customer Assistance Center in the country
in which they are traveling.
95usM06.book Page 255 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

273 Index
Index
AA/C system, fault diagnosis
_______ 247
A/C system, maintenance
_________ 246
ABS brakes
____________________ 162
ACC
__________________________ 79
ACC functions
___________________ 82
ACC, automatic climate control
_____ 79
ACC, calibration
_________________ 86
ACC, condensation water
__________ 86
ACC, useful tips
_________________ 86
AUX input
_____________________ 104
Adjusting the steering wheel
_______ 114
Adjustment, seats
________________ 18
Air conditioning (A/C), fault diagnosis
and maintenance ______________ 246
Airbag
_________________________ 29
Alarm _________________________ 50
Alarm functions
__________________ 53
Alarm signals
________________ 50
, 53
Album information
_______________ 104
Alternator
_____________________ 204
Alternator drive belt
__________ 204
, 265
Alternator rating
________________ 265
Antennas
______________________ 109
Anticorrosion treatment
___________ 248
Antidazzle rear-view mirror
________ 121
Ashtrays
______________________ 126
Autochecking of lights on starting
____ 64Auto-dimming rear-view mirror with
garage door opener
____________ 118
Automatic climate control (ACC)
_____ 79
Automatic transmission, technical
data
_________________________ 266
Aviod theft, tip
__________________ 168
BBattery
________________________ 202
Battery charging/replacing
________ 203
Battery, boost starting
____________ 188
Before a long journey ____________ 249
Before towing a camper or trailer
___ 179
Belt guide
______________________ 12
Boost starting using jump leads
____ 188
Brake and clutch fluid
____________ 199
Brake-fluid reservoir
_____________ 199
Brakes, technical data ____________ 267
Bulbs, changing
________________ 207
Bulbs, table of
__________________ 218
Buying new tires ________________ 228
CCD changer
____________________ 100
CHECK messages
_______________ 71
CHECKING
_____________________ 71
Car alarm
______________________ 50
Car care
______________________ 191Cargo net, 9-5 SportCombi
________ 138
Carpeting, care of
_______________ 243
Catalytic converter, important
considerations
_________________ 147
Central locking ___________________ 44
Change language in SID
___________ 72
Change of address notification
_____ 256
Changing a wheel
_______________ 239
Changing bulbs
_________________ 207
Changing wiper blades
___________ 205
Charger/Jump starting ____________ 190
Charging the battery/Jump starting
__ 190
Chassis number
________________ 270
Chassis number, key to
___________ 271
Checks before towing a camper or
trailer
________________________ 179
Child safety
_____________________ 22
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 47
Cleaning, engine bay
_____________ 245
Clock
_________________________ 105
Color code, body
________________ 270
Color code, trim _________________ 270
Compact spare wheel
____________ 237
Compass
______________________ 122
Condensation water, ACC
__________ 86
Connecting a portable player ______ 104
Coolant
_______________________ 198
Courtesy Headlight Feature
________ 74
Crash memory, see EDR
_________ 257
Cross modulation
_______________ 110
Cruise control
__________________ 161
Cup holder
_____________________ 129
95usM06.book Page 273 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

274 IndexDDICE/TWICE
___________________ 220
Dampers
______________________ 267
Date
_________________________ 105
Date code, tires
_________________ 237
Date display
___________________ 105
Definitions and terminology, tire
____ 234
Determining correct load, tires
_____ 236
Dim-dipped beam
________________ 73
Direction indicators _______________ 75
Diversity antenna
_______________ 109
Door handles
___________________ 44
Door mirrors
___________________ 116
Doors, locks & luggage compartment
_43
Drive belt
______________________ 265
Drive belt, alternator
_____________ 204
Drive belts, length
_______________ 265
Driver’s seat, programmable
________ 20
Driving at night
_________________ 183
Driving in hot weather
____________ 175
Driving with a load
______________ 183
EEDR (Event Data Recorders)
______ 257
ESP
__________________________ 165
Electric heating of rear seat
________ 87
Electric windows
________________ 115
Electrical system, technical data
____ 265
Electronic Stability Program, ESP __ 165Electronic starting interlock
_________ 49
Emergency operation of moonroof
__ 124
Emission control systems
_________ 194
Engine bay
____________________ 193
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 245
Engine number
_________________ 270
Engine oil, grade ________________ 263
Engine, description ______________ 196
Engine, technical data ____________ 262
Engine, temperature gauge
________ 65
Engine-oil level, checking
_________ 196
Error codes, Audio System ________ 112
Event Data Recorders (EDR) ______ 257
Expansion tank, coolant
__________ 198
FFilling a portable fuel container
_____ 150
Flat spots, tires
_________________ 227
Fluid level, automatic transmission
__ 198
Folding the parcel shelf,
9-5 SportCombi
________________ 134
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Sedan
___ 130
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 SportCombi
133
Frequency band
_________________ 93
Frequently asked questions on airbag

40
Front fog lights
__________________ 76
Frost warning
___________________ 68
Fuel
__________________________ 148
Fuel consumption
________________ 68
Fuel container
__________________ 150Fuel gauge
_____________________ 65
Fuel grade _____________________ 262
Fuel information
_________________ 150
Fuse box under hood
____________ 223
Fuse panel
_____________________ 219
Fuses
_________________________ 219
GGarage door opener
_____________ 118
Gearbox number
________________ 270
Gearbox oil, checking
____________ 198
Gearbox, technical data, __________ 266
General functions
_______________ 105
Glove compartment ______________ 127
HHandbrake
_____________________ 167
Hazard warning lights
_____________ 76
Head restraint
___________________ 21
Headlight flasher _________________ 73
Headlights
______________________ 73
Heated front seats
________________ 87
Hood
_________________________ 192
Horn __________________________ 114
95usM06.book Page 274 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com

276 IndexRadio
_________________________ 93
Radio Data System (RDS)
_________ 94
Radio text
______________________ 94
Radio waves ___________________ 110
Rain sensor _____________________ 77
Random playback of MP3 files, CD
_ 103
Random playback, CD
____________ 99
Random playback, CD changer
____ 101
Rapid playing an MP3 file
_________ 103
Rear fog light
___________________ 74
Rear seat, 9-5 Sedan, folding
______ 130
Rear seat, 9-5 SportCombi, folding
_ 133
Rear window heating
_____________ 82
Rear-seat head restraints __________ 21
Rear-view mirror, auto-dimming
____ 121
Rearview mirrors
________________ 116
Reclamation
___________________ 250
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmission, towing a
camper or trailer
_______________ 177
Refuelling
_____________________ 148
Relay panel ____________________ 222
Remote control __________________ 44
Remote-control battery, changing
____ 49
Remove the key
________________ 142
Removing CDs
__________________ 99
Removing CDs, CD-changer
______ 100
Removing MP3 discs
____________ 102
Replacement, wheel
_____________ 230
Reporting safety defects
__________ 256
Reprogramming of systems _______ 272
Reservoir, power-steering fluid _____ 201Rev counter
_____________________ 64
Reversing lights
_________________ 76
Rolling advertisements
____________ 94
Roof load
______________________ 181
Running-in _____________________ 172
SSDM
_________________________ 257
SID
___________________________ 68
Saab Information Display (SID)
_____ 68
Saab Parking Assistance
_________ 170
Safety belts
_____________________ 12
Safety belts, care of
_____________ 242
Safety-belt pretensioners
__________ 15
Safety-belt reminder
______________ 12
Seats
__________________________ 18
Securing a load
__________________ 47
Selecting a radio station
___________ 93
Selecting and changing tracks, CD
___ 99
Selecting/changing MP3 file
_______ 103
Selector lever indication, automatic
transmission
___________________ 67
Sentronic, manual mode
__________ 158
Service costs
___________________ 255
Service information
______________ 256
Service intervals
________________ 254
Service record retention
__________ 255
Setting the clock
________________ 105
Setting the date _________________ 105
Settings, seats __________________ 18Shadow effect
__________________ 110
Side airbags
____________________ 36
Signalling, horn _________________ 114
Snow chains
___________________ 174
Sorting music ___________________ 103
Sound system __________________ 107
Sources of AM interference
________ 111
Sources of FM interference ________ 111
Spare wheel
___________________ 237
Spare wheel and tools
____________ 185
Spark plugs
____________________ 265
Speed dependent volume
compensation _________________ 106
Speedometer
_________________ 64
, 65
Starting in cold weather, ACC
_______ 84
Starting in hot weather, ACC ________ 84
Steering wheel adjustment
________ 114
Steering wheel controls
____________ 91
Steering, technical data ___________ 267
Steps for determining correct load
limit
_________________________ 236
Stone-chip damage, repairing
______ 245
Storage compartments
___________ 127
Storing radio stations
______________ 93
Sun visors
_____________________ 125
Suspension ____________________ 267
Suspension, technical data
________ 267
Switches
_______________________ 73
Symboler ________________________ 9
Systems, adjustment
_____________ 272
95usM06.book Page 276 Thursday, November 17, 2005 8:59 AM
ProCarManuals.com