2006 SAAB 9-7X power steering

Starting and Operating Your
Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:Your vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting to
brake, or slow, the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst
200 miles (322 km) or so. During this time
your new brake linings are not yet broken
in. Hard stops with new linings can mean
premature wear and earlier replacement.
Follow this breaking-in guideline every
time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. See
Towing a Trailer on page 4-41for the trailer
towing capabilities of your vehicle and more
information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can be
gradually increased.
Ignition Positions
Use the key to turn
the ignition switch to
four different positions.
The ignition switch is
located on the center
console.
9(OFF/LOCK):This position locks the ignition and
transmission. It is a theft-deterrent feature. You will only
be able to remove the key when the ignition is turned
to OFF/LOCK and the vehicle has power.
Notice:Using a tool to force the key from the
ignition switch could cause damage or break the key.
Use the correct key and turn the key only with your
hand. Make sure the key is all the way in. If it is, turn
the steering wheel left and right while you turn the
key hard. If none of this works, then your vehicle
needs service.
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Reduced Engine Power Light.........................3-40
Highbeam On Light.......................................3-41
Service All-Wheel Drive Light.........................3-41
Check Gages Warning Light...........................3-41
Gate Ajar Light.............................................3-42
Fuel Gage...................................................3-42
Low Fuel Warning Light.................................3-43
Check Gas Cap Light....................................3-43
Driver Information Center (DIC).......................3-43
DIC Operation and Displays...........................3-44
DIC Warnings and Messages.........................3-47
DIC Vehicle Customization.............................3-52Audio System(s).............................................3-58
Setting the Time...........................................3-59
Radio with CD..............................................3-60
Radio with Six-Disc CD.................................3-73
Navigation/Radio System...............................3-84
Rear Seat Entertainment System....................3-84
Rear Seat Audio (RSA).................................3-96
Theft-Deterrent Feature..................................3-97
Audio Steering Wheel Controls.......................3-98
Radio Reception...........................................3-99
Care of Your CDs and DVDs.........................3-99
Care of the CD and DVD Player...................3-100
Fixed Mast Antenna....................................3-100
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System............3-100
Section 3 Instrument Panel
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The main components of your instrument panel are the following:
A. Air Outlets. SeeOutlet Adjustment on page 3-24.
B. Turn Signal/Multifunction Lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7.
C. Audio Steering Wheel Controls. SeeAudio Steering
Wheel Controls on page 3-98.
D. Horn. SeeHorn on page 3-6.
E. Instrument Panel Cluster. SeeInstrument Panel
Cluster on page 3-26.
F. Windshield Wiper/Washer Lever. SeeWindshield
Wipers on page 3-9.
G. Hazard Warning Flashers Button and Driver
Information Center Buttons. SeeHazard Warning
Flashers on page 3-6orDriver Information Center
(DIC) on page 3-43.
H. Rear Window Washer/Wiper. SeeWindshield
Washer on page 3-10.
I. Instrument Panel Brightness Control. SeeInstrument
Panel Brightness on page 3-17.J. Hood Release. SeeHood Release on page 5-11.
K. Dome Lamp Override Button. SeeDome Lamp
Override on page 3-17.
L. Audio System. SeeAudio System(s) on page 3-58.
M. Climate Controls. SeeDual Automatic Climate
Control System on page 3-19.
N. Gear Shift Lever. SeeAutomatic Transmission
Operation on page 2-24.
O. Ignition Switch. SeeIgnition Positions on page 2-20.
P. Parking Brake. SeeParking Brake on page 2-27.
Q. Accessory Power Outlet. SeeAccessory Power
Outlet(s) on page 3-18.
R. Cupholder. SeeCupholder(s) on page 2-50.
S. Glove Box. SeeGlove Box on page 2-50.
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Steering
Power Steering
If you lose power steering assist because the engine
stops or the system is not functioning, you can steer
but it will take much more effort.
Steering Tips
It is important to take curves at a reasonable speed.
A lot of the “driver lost control” accidents mentioned on
the news happen on curves. Here is why:
Experienced driver or beginner, each of us is subject
to the same laws of physics when driving on curves.
The traction of the tires against the road surface makes
it possible for the vehicle to change its path when you
turn the front wheels. If there is no traction, inertia will
keep the vehicle going in the same direction. If you
have ever tried to steer a vehicle on wet ice, you will
understand this.
The traction you can get in a curve depends on the
condition of your tires and the road surface, the angle
at which the curve is banked, and your speed. While you
are in a curve, speed is the one factor you can control.Suppose you are steering through a sharp curve.
Then you suddenly accelerate. Both control
systems — steering and acceleration — have to do their
work where the tires meet the road. Adding the sudden
acceleration can demand too much of those places. You
can lose control.
What should you do if this ever happens? Ease up
on the accelerator pedal, steer the vehicle the way you
want it to go, and slow down.
Speed limit signs near curves warn that you should adjust
your speed. Of course, the posted speeds are based on
good weather and road conditions. Under less favorable
conditions you will want to go slower.
If you need to reduce your speed as you approach a
curve, do it before you enter the curve, while your front
wheels are straight ahead.
Try to adjust your speed so you can “drive” through the
curve. Maintain a reasonable, steady speed. Wait to
accelerate until you are out of the curve, and then
accelerate gently into the straightaway.
Adding non-Saab accessories can affect your vehicle’s
performance. SeeAccessories and Modications on
page 5-3.
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Service............................................................5-3
Accessories and Modications..........................5-3
California Proposition 65 Warning.....................5-3
Doing Your Own Service Work.........................5-4
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle . . .5-4
Fuel................................................................5-5
Gasoline Octane............................................5-5
Gasoline Specications....................................5-5
California Fuel...............................................5-5
Additives.......................................................5-6
Fuels in Foreign Countries...............................5-7
Filling the Tank..............................................5-8
Filling a Portable Fuel Container.....................5-10
Checking Things Under the Hood....................5-10
Hood Release..............................................5-11
Engine Compartment Overview.......................5-12
Engine Oil...................................................5-16
Engine Oil Life System..................................5-19
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter................................5-21
Automatic Transmission Fluid.........................5-22
Engine Coolant.............................................5-24
Radiator Pressure Cap..................................5-27
Engine Overheating.......................................5-27
Cooling System............................................5-29
Engine Fan Noise.........................................5-34
Power Steering Fluid.....................................5-35Windshield Washer Fluid................................5-36
Brakes........................................................5-37
Battery........................................................5-40
Jump Starting...............................................5-41
All-Wheel Drive..............................................5-46
Rear Axle.......................................................5-47
Front Axle......................................................5-48
Headlamp Aiming...........................................5-49
Bulb Replacement..........................................5-49
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting............5-49
Halogen Bulbs..............................................5-50
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
and Parking Lamps....................................5-50
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Sidemarker,
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps...................5-52
Replacement Bulbs.......................................5-53
Windshield Replacement.................................5-53
Windshield Wiper Blade Replacement..............5-53
Tires..............................................................5-56
Tire Sidewall Labeling...................................5-57
Tire Terminology and Denitions.....................5-60
Ination - Tire Pressure.................................5-62
Tire Inspection and Rotation...........................5-65
When It Is Time for New Tires.......................5-66
Section 5 Service and Appearance Care
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A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
B. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-29.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid on
page 5-36.
D. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-35.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick (Out of View).
See “Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
F. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-27.
H. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
I. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Marked GND).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-41.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
K. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-40.
L. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-99.
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A. Engine Coolant Recovery Tank. SeeCooling System
on page 5-29.
B. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 5-21.
C. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” underWindshield Washer Fluid
on page 5-36.
D. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.
E. Automatic Transmission Fluid Dipstick. See
“Checking the Fluid Level” underAutomatic
Transmission Fluid on page 5-22.
F. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
underEngine Oil on page 5-16.G. Radiator Pressure Cap. SeeRadiator Pressure Cap
on page 5-27.
H. Remote Negative (−) Terminal (Marked GND).
SeeJump Starting on page 5-41.
I. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. SeePower Steering
Fluid on page 5-35.
J. Brake Master Cylinder Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid”
underBrakes on page 5-37.
K. Engine Compartment Fuse Block. SeeEngine
Compartment Fuse Block on page 5-99.
L. Battery. SeeBattery on page 5-40.
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Power Steering Fluid
SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 5-12for
reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly check power steering uid
unless you suspect there is a leak in the system or you
hear an unusual noise. A uid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the system inspected and
repaired.
How to Check Power Steering Fluid
To check the power steering uid, do the following:
1. Turn the key off and let the engine compartment
cool down.
2. Wipe the cap and the top of the reservoir clean.
3. Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick with a
clean rag.
4. Replace the cap and completely tighten it.
5. Remove the cap again and look at the uid level on
the dipstick.
For vehicles with the 4.2L L6 engine, the level
should be at the C (Cold) mark. For vehicles with the
5.3L V8 engine, the level should be at the FULL mark.
If necessary, add only enough uid to bring the level up
to the mark.
What to Use
To determine what kind of uid to use, see
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants on page 6-12.
Always use the proper uid. Failure to use the proper
uid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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