6Engine bay, 4-cylColor code______________ 293
Engine number __________ 293
Gearbox number _________ 293
Warning labels __________ 8
Vehicle identification number 293Alternator_______________ 216
Drive belt _______________ 216
Exhaust emission control __ 155
Ignition system __________ 286
Simple troubleshooting (ACC) 268
Spark plugs _____________ 286
Turbo gauge ____________ 88Engine oil: checking level __ 207Automatic transmission _________ 163
Transmission: technical data _____ 287
Manual transmission ___________ 162
Battery ______________________ 213
Battery charge ________________ 213
Jump starting _________________ 198
Engine: description ____________ 202
Engine: technical data __________ 283
Important considerations for driving 154
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 284
Topping-up fluid _________ 218
Wash/wipe stalk switch____ 101
Washer fluid ____________ 218
Washer jets ____________ 218
Power steering ________________ 212
Fluid: checking/topping up _______ 212
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 209
Driving in hot climates __________ 187
Radiator _____________________ 283
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
Changing a fuse _________ 234
Fuse table _____________ 239
Fuses _________________ 234
Relays ________________ 239ABS brakes_____________ 170
Brake pads _____________ 211
Brake system ___________ 289
Brake fluid______________ 211
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7
Engine bay, 2.8 V6Power steering___________ 212
Fluid: checking/topping up__ 212Vehicle identification
number ________________ 293
Colour code _____________ 293
Engine number __________ 293
Warning labels___________ 8
Gearbox number _________ 293Exhaust emission control __ 155
Drive belt _______________ 216
Simple troubleshooting (ACC) 268
Alternator_______________ 216
Turbo gauge ____________ 88
Spark plugs _____________ 286
Ignition system __________ 286Automatic transmission _________ 163
Manual gearbox_______________ 162
Gearbox: technical data_________ 287
Engine: description ____________ 202
Engine oil: topping up __________ 207
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 284
Engine: technical data __________ 283
Important considerations
for driving ___________________ 154Engine oil: checking level________ 207
Battery ______________________ 213
Battery charge ________________ 213
Jump starting _________________ 198
Wash/wipe stalk switch ____ 101
Topping-up fluid _________ 218
Washer jets_____________ 218
Washer fluid ____________ 218Changing a fuse _________ 236
Fuses _________________ 234
Relays ________________ 239
Fuse table ______________ 236ABS brakes_____________ 171
Brake pads _____________ 289
Brake system ___________ 170
Brake fluid______________ 211
Cooling system, coolant capacity__ 283
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 209
Driving in hot climates __________ 187
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
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154 Starting and drivingImportant
considerations for
driving1 Starting and driving
Do not use full throttle until the engine
is warm, so as to avoid unnecessary
wear. If the needle of the turbo gauge
repeatedly enters the red zone, the
engine may suddenly lose power, due
to the initiation of a monitoring system
that limits the boost pressure. We
recommend that you contact a Saab
dealer as soon as possible.
Under certain barometric conditions
(high outside temperature and/or high
altitude) the needle may enter the first
part of the red zone without necessarily
indicating that a fault has arisen.
A protective function (interruption of the
fuel supply) limits the engine speed.2 Stopping the engine
Do not rev the engine immediately
before switching it off - stop the engine
when it is idling.
3 Regulating the boost pressure
One of the advantages of boost pres-
sure regulation is that the engine can
also be run safely on gasoline with a
lower octane rating, although not lower
than AON 87. However, engine perfor-
mance will fall slightly and heavy load-
ing and laboring should be avoided. For
optimum performance, use the recom-
mended grade of fuel.
The maximum boost pressure is regu-
lated according to the tendency of the
engine to knock. Short-lived knocking
is perfectly normal. This can occur
when the engine is running at about
3,000 rpm under a heavy load. The
extent of this knocking will depend on
the grade of fuel in the tank.
Isolated instances of knocking can
occur with low-octane fuel. This
controlled form of knocking, followed
by a reduction in the boost pressure, is
a sign that the control system is work-
ing normally, and is perfectly safe for
the engine.The light3 comes on in the event of an
engine or gearbox fault (cars with automatic
gearbox), which can cause drivability prob-
lems. The car can still be driven but perhaps
with limited performance.
Contact a workshop when you find it suit-
ably. We recommend that you contact an
authorised Saab workshop.
NOTICE If the engine sounds strange there is a
malfunction. We recommend that you
contact a Saab dealer immediately.
The use of fuel with too low an octane
rating can cause serious engine
damage.
Limited performance.
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162 Starting and drivingManual transmissionClutch interlockTo start the car, the clutch pedal must be
depressed.
When changing gear, fully depress the
clutch pedal and then release it smoothly. It
is inadvisable to drive with your hand resting
on the gear lever, as this can increase the
wear on the gearbox.
Before reverse (R) can be engaged, you
must lift the ring underneath the gear knob.NOTICEWhen reverse gear is to be engaged,
the car must be at a standstill with
the accelerator fully released.
Gear positions, 5-speed Gear positions, 6-speed
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164 Starting and drivingPark Brake Shift LockThe transmission has a security function
known as Park Brake Shift Lock. To move
the gear selector lever out of the P or N posi-
tion, the gear selector lever detent (catch)
must be pressed in at the same time as the
brake pedal is held depressed.
The detent button on the selector lever has
to be pressed in before the lever can be
moved between certain positions.
Temporary override of Park Brake Shift
Lock, see page 166.
Adaptive gear change patternsThe adaptive gear change pattern function
adapts gear changing to the prevailing driv-
ing conditions. The transmission control
module senses the engine load, vehicle
speed and temperature of the transmission.
A suitable gear change pattern is then
selected automatically to avoid unneces-
sary gear changes and undesired increases
in transmission temperature.
Certain variants use a special change pat-
tern for the first few minutes after a cold start
so that the catalytic converter reaches its
working temperature more quickly.
Thermal transmission protectionThe transmission has built-in protection
against overheating. If the temperature of
the transmission fluid exceeds 302°F
(150°C), engine torque will be limited to
147 ft.lbs. (200 Nm).
The following message is shown on the SID:
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.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.Gearbox too hot. Make a
safe stop. Open hood.
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165 Starting and driving
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 195.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 168).
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:
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.
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189 Starting and driving
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmissionThe following driving time limits are based
on the capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (+30°C).
The following driving time limits are based
on the capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (+40°C).When negotiating long hills, bear the follow-
ing important considerations in mind.
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 transmission increases:
Gear change pattern is altered
A/C compressor is switched off
Max. engine torque is reduced
The following message will be displayed on
the SID if the transmission fluid becomes
too hot:
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.
NOTICE Only use a towbar that has been
approved for your car. We recom-
mend that you entrust towbar installa-
tion to an authorised Saab workshop,
which can also provide important
information such as trailer weight.
Your authorised Saab workshop has
information on how the towbar is to be
installed and whether other measures
must be undertaken that could affect
the cooling system or other equipment
We recommend that you contact a
Saab dealer for guidance on how to
connect a trailer hitch.
Exercise care when driving on uneven
roads or against the curb if the car is
heavily laden. This particularly applies
to cars with 17" wheels.
Gradient of
hill, %Max. trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Time limit,
minutes
6-8 3330 (1500) unlimited
9-11 3080 (1400) max. 15
12-14 2645 (1200) max. 15
max. 15 2200 (1000) max. 15
Gradient of
hill, %Max. trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Time limit,
minutes
6-8 2200 (1000) unlimited
9-11 1760 (800) max. 15
12-14 1100 (500) max. 15
max. 15 880 (400) max. 15
Gearbox too hot. Make a
safe stop. Open hood.
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200 Starting and drivingUsing a battery charger3/starter
unitTo avoid damaging the car’s electrical
system and electronics, the following rules
must be followed when charging the battery
or jump starting the car.
If the charger or starter unit can be set to
different voltages (6V/12V/18V/24V), 12V
must be selected.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
supplied with the charger or starter unit.
No other apparatus that are grounded or
connected to the mains must be
connected to the car during charging or
jump starting.
The charger or starter unit must under no
conditions produce a voltage greater
than:
16V continuous
18V for 60 min.
If you are unsure about the charge rating of
the unit, disconnect the battery clamp from
the positive terminal before connecting the
unit to the battery.
For long tripsBefore starting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car inspected by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey, such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a drive belt (poly-V-belt) and
the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
Check that no oil or fuel leaks out of the
engine or gearbox/transmission.
Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
Inspect the drive belt (poly-V-belt) and
replace if it shows any signs of wear.
Check the battery charge.
Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
tire.
Take an extra remote control and keep it
separate.
Check the brakes.
Check all bulbs.
Check for the presence of the tool kit and
jack in the car.
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