2009 SAAB 9-3 warning

210 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 overpressu re in the cooling
system. Coolant temper atures 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.
NOTICEIf 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.
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 210 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

212 Car careBrake/clutch fluid and
brake padsCheckingBrake fluid should be changed according to
the service program. Refer to the Warranty
and Service Book.
The brake and clutch fluid reservoir is trans-
parent to facilitate checking of the fluid level.
The fluid level should lie between the MAX
and MIN marks.If the level drops too low, the following
message appears on the SID:
Top up as necessary with
DOT 4 brake
fluid. Do not use DOT 5 fluid.
Use only new brake fluid from a sealed
container.
The brake fluid level will fall somewhat as
the brake pads wear. The MAX level in the
reservoir corresponds to the amount of
brake fluid required with new brake pads. If
the fall in fluid level is moderate, due to
normal brake pad wear, topping up is not
necessary.
If the brake fluid should require chang-
ing, this must be carried out at a Saab
dealer. We recommen d that you contact
a Saab dealer. The foot brake and parking brake are
self-adjusting.
It is not possible to detect, through abnormal
pedal or parking brake lever travel, whether
the brake pads are worn and need replac-
ing. It is therefore essential that brake pads
be checked regularly, as specified in the
service program.
WARNING
Brake fluid deteriorates as it becomes
old. Because it is hygroscopic, it absorbs
water from the air and, in time, could allow
vapor to form in the brake system, thus
reducing its performance. It is therefore
important that brake fluid be changed reg-
ularly, as specified in the service pro-
gram.
Brake fluid level low.
Make a safe stop.
Brake fluid reservoir
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm
Page 212 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

213
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.
NOTICEAvoid 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
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 213 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

214 Car careBattery
The battery is maintenance free.
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 215). If the
belt is damaged, the engine may overheat,
the battery may not be charged and the A/C
compressor may not work. Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the battery’s positive (+) terminal, and the
negative (black) cable
to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery. Always disconnect
both battery leads when boost charging the
battery.
A car with standard equipment specifica-
tions and a fully charged battery can be left
for up to 40 days and still have a sufficient
charge for starting. If extra equipment is
fitted, such as a mobile phone, the charge
may only be sufficient for about 15 days.
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 sulfuric acid. Always wear a face mask or gog-
gles 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
NOTICEA 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.
Turn the two retainers a quarter turn to
unlock the battery cover.
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 214 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

215
Car care
Drive belt
The alternator is situated on the right-hand
side of the engine. It is driven by a
poly-V-belt from the crankshaft pulley.
A slipping or broken poly-V-belt can
result in:
 No charge to the battery
 No A/C compressor function.
The belt tension is critical and is adjusted
automatically by the belt tensioner.
NOTICE If boost charging never use anything
but a 12-volt charger, see page 197.
• Do not connect th e battery termi-
nals, + and –, incorrectly.
 Serious damage can occur to the car’s electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the
engine is running.
 Exercise special care when removing and fitting the positive (+) cable so as
not to damage the battery disconnect
switch.
WARNING
 Keep hands and clothing clear of drive belts when engine is running.
 Always stop the engine before inspecting the drive belt.
 The radiator fan is electric and can start even when the engine is
switched off.NOTICESerious damage can be done to the car’s
electrical system if an alternator lead is
disconnected while the engine is running.
Battery bracket93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 215 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

217
Car care
Washers
The reservoir capacity is approx. 6 qts.
(5.8 liters).
When the washer fluid level drops below
1 quart (1 liter), the headlight washers (if
equipped) are deactivated. This is in order
to prioritize the windshield. The following
message is displayed on the SID:
Headlight washers are only available on
certain markets.
Fill with a mixture of washer fluid and water
as recommended by the table on
the packaging to reduce the risk of freezing
and to ensure effective cleaning (see also
page 104).
Washer jetsThe washer jets, which are adjustable, can
be cleaned with a pin if necessary.
WARNING
Take care not to spill washer fluid concen-
trate onto hot surfaces. Washer fluid con-
centrate can contain flammable ingredi-
ents such as alcohol.
Washer fluid level low.
Refill.
Washer fluid reservoir93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 217 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

218 Car careChanging bulbs
Auto checking of lightsThe bulbs that are most important from the
point of view of traffic safety are monitored
by the car’s electrical system. If one of these
bulbs should fail, a message will be dis-
played on the SID.
Example of SID message:
The following bulbs are not checked: park-
ing lights, front fog lights, reversing lights,
license plate lighting, side marker lights and
side direction indicators.
SportCombi
The tail lights and brake lights consist of
LEDs. If approx. 3/4 of the LEDs on one side
are broken then this is indicated in the SID. If a stop light bulb fails
SportSedan:
If a stop light bulb fails, the
adjacent taillight will act as a stop light to
ensure traffic safety. Change the broken
bulb when possible.
All rear light bulbs are of the same type and
rated 21 W, with the exception of the license
plate lighting which is rated 5 W.
WARNING
Before changing a bulb in the engine
bay, switch off the engine to avoid the
danger of fingers and hands being
injured by moving parts.
The radiator fan can cut in even when the
engine is switched off.NOTICESwitch off the ignition before changing a
bulb, to avoid possible short-circuiting.
Left low beam failure.
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 218 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

219
Car care
Wrong bulb fitted
If a low or main beam bulb of too high a
rating is fitted, a bulb failure message will be
shown on the SID (a too high wattage bulb
can damage the reflector).
If the following message is displayed but the
bulb shines, it is most likely that an incorrect
bulb has been fitted.
Note
When changing bulbs, fit the same type of
bulb (e.g. Long-Life) as that removed.
Headlight aiming , page 274.
Xenon headlights 3Xenon headlights produce roughly two
times as much light as halogen bulbs and
have a significantly longer service life.
The lamp units consist of a gas discharge
lamp containing xenon. When the lights are
switched on a very hi gh voltage activates
the xenon gas. The lamps soon reach full
intensity.
Cars with xenon headlights have automatic
levelling. The levelling system is comprised
of two sensors, one on the front suspension
and one on the rear suspension, and a con-
trol unit by the engine bay fuse box. Head-
light alignment is adjus ted automatically to
the car’s load to prevent dazzling drivers in
oncoming traffic.
If a fault is detected in the system, the fol-
lowing message will be displayed on the
SID:
Right high beam failure.
WARNING
Xenon headlights are high tension. All
work on xenon headlights, including
changing bulbs, must be carried out by
dealer personnel.
Headlight levelling
malfunction.
We recommend you to contact a Saab
dealer to have a xenon headlight changed
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 219 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com