Page 208 of 320
208 Car care
1 Oil filler cap
2 Coolant reservoir
3 Brake and clutch fluid reservoir
4Battery
5 Fuse box
6 Washer-fluid reservoir
7 Power-steering fluid reservoir
8 Engine-oil dipstick
Engine bay, 4-cyl engine93_US_M08.book Page 208 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
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Page 209 of 320
209 Car care
1 Power-steering fluid reservoir
2 Coolant reservoir
3 Brake and clutch fluid reservoir
4Battery
5 Fuse box
6 Washer-fluid reservoir
7 Oil filler cap
8 Engine-oil dipstick
Engine bay, V6 engine93_US_M08.book Page 209 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
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Page 210 of 320
210 Car careEngine oilChecking the oil levelCheck the engine oil level regularly.
1 Park the car on a level ground.
2 Switch off the engine and wait for
2–5 minutes. The engine should be at
normal operating temperature.
3 Take the dipstick out and wipe it off with
a clean rag before carrying out the
check.
The level must not be below the MIN mark
on the dipstick, but nor should it be above
the MAX mark. Excess engine oil could
result in abnormal oil consumption.
The distance between the MIN and MAX
marks is equivalent to 1.0 qt (1.0 l).4-cyl engine: The engine oil level is
checked each time the engine is started. If
the oil level is low, the following message
appears on the SID:
If this occurs the oil level must be checked
first. If the level is too low then it must be
topped up.V6 engine: The engine has an oil level
sensor that checks the oil level when the
engine is running. If the oil level drops too
low, the following message appears on the
SID:
If this occurs the oil level must be checked
first. If the level is too low then it must be
topped up.NOTEToo high oil level can damage the engine.
Low engine oil level.
Fill oil now.
Low engine oil level.
Fill oil now.
Oil filler cap and dipstick, 4-cyl engine
Oil filler cap and dipstick, V6 engine
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Page 211 of 320
211 Car care
Make sure you screw on the oil filler cap
properly after topping up the oil to avoid
running problems.
It is normal for an engine to consume a cer-
tain amount of oil. It is therefore often nec-
essary to top up the oil between services.
Check the engine oil level regularly.
During the Break-in Period (approx.
3,000 miles or 5,000 km) and when driving
at high speeds or with a trailer, the oil con-
sumption may be higher than normal.
Air filter
NOTEChange of engine oil and oil filter may be
required more frequently if the car is
being used under certain conditions, see
page 281.
WARNING
Prolonged and repeated exposure of
the skin to engine oil can cause seri-
ous skin disorders. Avoid prolonged
skin contact whenever possible.
Used engine oil contains chemicals
that have caused cancer in laboratory
animals. Always protect your skin by
washing thoroughly with soap and
water.
Keep oil out of reach of children.
Do not touch the turbocharger or
exhaust manifold. These get very hot
when the engine has been running.
Do not spill oil on hot parts of the
engine as this could cause a fire. Used
engine oil is particularly flammable.
Protect the environment. Do not dis-
pose of oil into the ground or down a
drain. Dispose of all used oil and
oil filters at an appropriate disposal
facility.
NOTEDo not run the engine with the oil level
too low.
Change engine oil and oil filter in
accordance with the service pro-
gramme
Only use the recommended type of oil.
Observe the above three points to avoid
serious damage to the engine.
For oil volumes and grades, refer to
page 290.
WARNING
To ensure reliable operation, only use
an air filter recommended by Saab
Automobile AB.
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Page 212 of 320
212 Car careTransmission fluidManual transmission
Check and top up the oil in accordance with
the service program.
Automatic transmission
Check and top up the oil in accordance with
the service program.Coolant
There is an overpressure in the cooling
system. Coolant temperatures can some-
times exceed 212° F (100° C).
If the coolant level drops too low, the follow-
ing message appears on the SID:
The properties of the coolant are retained
for the entire service life of the car. There-
fore, it is not necessary to change the cool-
ant.
The coolant contains 45 % antifreeze and
anti-corrosion fluid. This ratio gives the best
cooling effect. Lower concentrations should
be avoided, in view of the corrosion risk.
Coolants of a different brand could damage
the engine or cooling system. We therefore
recommend strict use of coolants that have
been approved by Saab.Note
If incorrect coolant is used or added, the
life-time properties will be affected. Even if
the coolant is flushed from the system and
replaced with life-time coolant, life-time
properties are no longer retained and the
coolant must then be drained and replaced
at regular intervals.
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 coolant.
Coolant on hot surfaces constitutes a
fire risk.
Coolant level low.
Refill.
NOTEIf the cooling system needs topping up,
mix the antifreeze with the appropriate
quantity of drinking water or distilled
water before adding it to the system.
If undiluted antifreeze is added, the
engine could still freeze and be damaged.
This is because the antifreeze will not mix
properly with the coolant before the ther-
mostat has opened to allow full circula-
tion.
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213 Car care
4-cyl engine: The expansion tank is trans-
parent to facilitate checking the coolant
level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant shall lie
on or just above the KALT/COLD mark on
the expansion tank (boundary between the
upper and lower sections of the tank, see
illustration).
Top up with a mixture of equal parts of
Saab-approved concentrated coolant and
clean water. We recommend that you con-
tact an authorized Saab dealer.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine until warm so that
the thermostat opens. Top up the tank
again, as necessary.V6 engine: The expansion tank is not trans-
parent. The cap must be unscrewed so that
the coolant level can be checked. When the
cap is screwed off there are two level mark-
ings, HOT and COLD.
When the engine is cold, the coolant shall lie
on or just above the COLD mark in the
expansion tank.
Coolant expansion tank, V6 engine Level markings, V6 engine
1HOT
2COLD
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Page 215 of 320
215 Car care
Brake pads should only be changed at a
workshop. We recommend that you con-
tact a Saab dealer.
Power steeringCheck the level of the power steering fluid in
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point directly forwards
during this check.
Clean round the cap before unscrewing it.
Wipe the dipstick. To check the level, screw
down the cap completely and then remove
it again.
The oil level should lie between the MAX
and MIN marks when the oil temperature is
about 68°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder, the
level will be lower, and at a higher tempera-
tures the level will be higher.
Top up with CHF 11S or CHF 202 power
steering fluid.
NOTEAvoid spilling brake fluid onto paintwork,
since it can cause the paint to bubble and
lift. If any brake fluid is spilled, the area
should be flushed with large quantities of
water as quickly as possible.
WARNING
Power steering fluid on hot engine com-
ponents constitutes a fire risk.
Power steering fluid reservoir, 4-cyl
enginePower steering fluid reservoir, V6 engine
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Page 216 of 320
216 Car careBattery
Check the charge state and electrolyte level
of the battery regularly.
If frequent short journeys are made, the bat-
tery may need extra charging. This can be
done with a battery charger or by taking the
car for a long run.
If the battery is not being charged while the
engine is running, the following message
will appear on the SID:
Check the drive belt (see page 219). If the
belt is damaged, the engine may overheat,
the battery may not be charged and the A/C
compressor may not work.
WARNING
When working on the battery, highly
explosive gas can build up. A spark
could ignite this gas that collects
around the battery.
Therefore, always avoid sparks and
open flames in the vicinity of the bat-
tery.
The battery contains corrosive sulphu-
ric acid. Always wear a face mask or
goggles when working on the battery.
If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes onto skin or clothing, wash
the affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large
quantity makes contact with the skin,
seek medical help.
Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after
handling
NOTEA discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from sub-zero temperatures.
Battery not charging.
Make a safe stop.
Checking the battery electrolyte level.
Dark or green level indicator means
correct fluid level.
Battery should be changed if indicator is
light
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