2009 SAAB 9-3 fuel

183 Starting and driving
Economical drivingFactors affecting fuel
consumptionThe fuel consumption of a car is greatly
affected by driving conditions, climate, road
conditions, speed, driving technique, etc.Breaking-inFuel consumption may be somewhat
higher during the break-in period (the
first 3,000–4,000 miles (5,000–7,000 km)).Weather conditionsSummer temperatures give better fuel
economy than winter ones. The difference
can be as much as about 10%. Consump-
tion increases in cold weather because the
engine takes longer to reach its normal
operating temperature. The transmission
and wheel bearings also take longer to
warm up. Even distance affects consump-
tion: short journeys of 3–5 miles (5–8 km)
do not give the engine enough time to
reach its optimum temperature. Wind con-
ditions also have a marked effect on fuel
consumption.How to read the diagram:
If fuel consumption with the engine at
normal temperature is 28 mpg
(10 l/100 km), the actual fuel consumption
3 miles (5 km) after the engine has started
from cold will be:
– 23.5 mpg (12 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 68 °F (+20 °C) (increase of 20 %).
– 17.7 mpg (16 l/100 km) at outside temp.
of 32 °F (0 °C) (increase of 60 %).
– 14 mpg (20 l/100 km) at outside temp. of
–4 °F (–20 °C) (increase of 100 %).
It is clear from the diagram that both dis-
tance driven and outside temperature have
a significant impact on fuel consumption,
after a cold start.
If the car is normally driven on short jour-
neys, 3–5 miles (5–8 km), for example to
and from work, the average consumption
will be 60–80% above the normal level.
Driving techniques To obtain the best running economy, with
regard to fuel consumption and general
wear, the car must be serviced regularly.
 High speed, unnecessary acceleration,
frequent braking and much changing
down all give higher fuel consumption.
 Frequent gear changing in traffic, starting
in cold weather, the use of studded tires
and roof racks, and towing a camper all
increase fuel consumption.
 Do not warm up the engine while the car
is stationary.
If idling, the engine will take much longer Percentage increase in fuel consumption
of engine starting from cold compared to
engine at normal temperature.
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184 Starting and drivingto reach its optimum temperature, and
engine wear is at its greatest during this
period. Drive off as soon as possible after
starting the engine and avoid high engine
speeds.
 Drive as smoothly and thoughtfully as
possible. Match your driving to the prevail-
ing traffic conditions.
 Driving in a low gear gives rise to higher
fuel consumption than driving in a high
gear because of the higher engine speed
for any given road speed. Always shift up
as soon as traffic conditions allow and
drive in the highest gear as much as
possible.
 Check the tire pressure once a month.
Incorrect tire pressure increases tire
wear. It is preferable for the tire pressure
to be slightly high than too low. Under-
pressure increases fuel consumption.
 Check the fuel consumption regularly.
Increased fuel consumption can indicate
that something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked. We recommend
that you contact a Saab dealer.
Practical road tests have demonstrated that
substantial savings in fuel consumption can
be made if the above advice is followed.
Road conditionsWet roads increase fuel consumption, as do
unpaved roads and driving in hilly country
(the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is
less than the additional amount required to
climb the hill).Engine block heater3If block heater is installed the cord can be
found coiled in the engine compartment.
The following are just some of the benefits
to the car and the environment of using an
engine block heater:
 Lower fuel consumption
 Reduced wear on the engine
 Inside of car warms up faster
 Exhaust emissions substantially reduced
over short runs.
The engine heater is effective at outside
temperatures up to 60–70 °F (+15 –
+20 °C). The warmer it is outside, the
shorter the time the engine heater needs to
be connected.
 If the outside temperature is -22 °F
(-30 °C) the heater needs to be
connected at least 3 h.
 If the outside temperature is -14 °F
(-10 °C) the heater needs to be
connected at least 2 h. If the outside temperature is 32 °F (-0 °C)
the heater needs to be connected at least
1.5 h.
To have the heater connected less than
0.5 h is no use but can lead to driveabilitiy
problems.
If the car is equipped with a removable,
electric cabin heater that is not in use, store
this in the trunk.
WARNING
Never switch off the engine while driving
as the effect of the brakes and power
steering will be greatly reduced.93_US_MY09.book Page 184 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
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185 Starting and driving
Driving in cold weatherIn cold weather, special attention should be
paid to the following:
 Before driving off, make sure that the
wiper blades have not frozen to the wind-
shield.
 Remove any snow from the heating
system air intakes between the hood and
the windshield.
 If necessary, inject oil into the locks to
prevent them from freezing. Use molyb-
denum-sulfide oil (MoS
2). If the locks
freeze, exercise care when unlocking the
car (manual unlocking) to avoid breaking
the key. Warm up the key or use a de-icer.
 It is particularly important when the roads
are slippery that the brakes and tires are
in good condition.
 For how to check the level of antifreeze in
the engine coolant, see page 210. Add gasoline anti-freeze when refueling
several times before the onset of winter.
This will prevent condensation water in
the fuel tank from freezing and causing
interruptions in the fuel supply. The likeli-
hood of condensation is lowest when the
fuel tank is full.
If the car is parked outside and the
temperature is below zero, gasoline anti-
freeze is of little use as it cannot remove
water that has already frozen. Park the
car in a warm place so that any ice that
may have built up melts, then add gaso-
line anti-freeze when refueling.
Condensation is caused by temperature
fluctuations, either in the outside temper-
ature alone or when the car is alternately
parked outdoors and in a garage.
Convertible: Avoid operating the soft top
at temperatures below 23 °F (–5 °C). The car is equipped with tires designed to
provide optimum grip on both wet and dry
roads, although this has been achieved at
the expense of somewhat reduced grip on
snow and ice. For regular driving on snow
and ice, we therefore recommend that
winter tires be fitted. However, winter tires
achieve this extra grip at the expense of
grip on bare road surfaces.
Winter tires, particularly studded tires, gen-
erally make driving safer on snow and ice.
Acquaint yourself with the legal provi-
sions governing the use of different
types of winter tires and snow chains.
Studded tires are not allowed in some
countries. If winter tires are fitted, the same
type must be fitted to all four wheels. Your
Saab dealer will be pleased to advise you on
the best tires for your car.
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192 Starting and drivingDriving with a roof rack
loadThe maximum permissible roof load is
220 lbs. (100 kg). Note that the roof load
must be included in the car’s maximum per-
missible payload and axle load.
Strong, sturdy roof carriers designed spe-
cially for your car are available from your
Saab dealer. Always secure roof loads
securely.
Driving with a loadThe handling characteristics are affected by
how the car is loaded.
WARNING
 A roof load will affect the car’s center
of gravity and aerodynamics. Be
aware of this when cornering and driv-
ing in crosswinds.
 Adjust your speed to the prevailing
conditions.
 Due to higher aerodynamics drag, fuel
economy may suffer when driving with
a roof rack.
NOTICE Place the heaviest load as far forward
and as low as possible in the trunk.
 Secure the load to the lashing eyes
(see page 139).
 Heavy loads mean that the car’s
center of gravity is further back. As a
result, the car will sway more during
evasive steering.
 Never exceed the permissible load of
the roof box, even if there is room for
more.
 Ensure that the tire pressure is correct
– slight overinflation is preferable to
underinflation.
 The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance
from the vehicle in front.
 Do not exceed the car’s permissible
gross vehicle weight or axle load (see
page 284).
 Roof loads can negatively affect tele-
communication.
For further information on tires see
page 240.
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199 Starting and driving
Using 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 (6 V/12 V/18 V/24 V),
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:
 16 V continuous
 18 V for 60 minutes.
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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203
Car care
EngineTurbo 4-cylinder engineThe engine is a transverse four-cylinder
in-line engine with twin overhead camshafts
and 16 valves.
The engine is equipped with two balance-
shafts that reduce engine vibrations to a
minimum.
The balance shafts are chain-driven and
rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft.
They produce forces and torques that are
opposed to those generated by the pistons
and connecting rods. The effect occurs
twice in each revolution of the engine, coun-
teracting the vibration from its moving parts,
and at the same time reducing unwanted
engine noise.
The gearbox, located on the right (viewed
from the front), is integrated with the engine.
Turbo V6 engineThe V6 engine is a turbocharged V6 engine
produced completely of aluminium with 60°
between the cylinder banks, 4 valves per
cylinder, 2 camshafts per bank.
The camshafts are driven via a chain trans-
mission. The engine is equipped with a
turbo whose turbine collects exhaust pres-
sure from both banks of cylinders.
To obtain optimum performance, fuel con-
sumption and low emission levels the
engine is equipped with CVCP (Continuous
Variable Cam Phasing). This means that
the engine’s intake camshafts can be
adjusted to achieve optimum functionality.
The switches are hydraulic.
Engine familiesSaab cars imported into the United States
and Canada meet all applicable emission
control standards. The engine family and
appropriate tune-up specifications are iden-
tified on a label in the engine bay.
These engine families meet applicable EPA
Federal Standards, Ca lifornia State Stan-
dards and Canadian Federal Standards and
are equipped with the following systems:
 Sequential multiport fuel injection system
 Three way catalytic converter
 Crankcase emissi ons control system
 Evaporative emission system.
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204 Car careEmission control
systemsThe systems for controlling emissions to the
atmosphere require regular checking and
adjustment at the intervals specified in the
service program.
In addition to meeting the exhaust emission
regulations and thereby helping to keep the
environment clean, a correctly tuned engine
will also give maximum fuel economy.
Saab Trionic engine
management system, 4-cyl
engineThe Saab Trionic engine management
system is a unique Saab development that
combines sequential mult iport fuel injection,
electronic distributorless ignition and turbo-
charger boost pressure control into one sys-
tem.
The Trionic engine control module (ECM)
monitors many different engine parameters
such as:
 Intake manifold pressure
 Intake air temperature
 Crankshaft position
 Engine coolant temperature
 Throttle position
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
The ECM receives information regarding
engine knocking from a sophisticated feed-
back function in the ignition discharge unit.
By processing all of this information, the Tri-
onic system can control fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing and turbo-
charger boost pressure to provide excellent
engine performance while maintaining low
emissions and fuel consumption.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents,
and certain vehicle components contain
or emit chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects and reproductive harm. In addi-
tion, certain fluids contained in vehicles
and certain products of component wear
contain or emit chemicals known to the
State of California to cause cancer and
birth defects or other reproductive harm.
NOTICEThe Trionic engine management system
continuously monitors the operation of
these systems and has on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). If the Service
Engine Light also known as CHECK
ENGINE light in the main instrument illu-
minates, the Trionic ECM has detected a
problem. The car will continue to operate,
but performance may be diminished. You
should have your car checked by a work-
shop as soon as possible. We recom-
mend that you contact a Saab dealer.
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205
Car care
Bosch ME9 engine management
system, V6 engineThe Bosch ME9 engine management
system is a system that combines sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection, electronic distrib-
utorless ignition and turbocharger boost
pressure control into one system and intake
camshaft phasing control.
The ME9 engine control module (ECM)
monitors many different engine parameters
such as:
 Charge air pressure
 Intake air temperature
 Crankshaft position
 Engine coolant temperature
 Throttle position
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
By processing all of this information, the
ME9 system can contro l fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing, intake camshaft
phasing and turbocharger boost pressure to
provide excellent engine performance while
maintaining low emissions and fuel con-
sumption.
ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery)All hydrocarbons formed when refueling will
be recovered by the car and not released
into the atmosphere. The hydrocarbons are
absorbed in an evaporative emission canis-
ter. When the engine is subsequently
started, the evaporative emission canister is
gradually purged as air is sucked into it
through a shut-off va lve. The hydrocar-
bon/air mixture passes through the evap
canister purge valve and into the engine
where it is burned. “ Refueling”, see
page 156.
When refueling, make sure you screw the
filler cap on and keep turning until it has
clicked 3 times.
NOTICEThe ME9 engine management system
continuously monitors the operation of
these systems and has on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). If the Service
Engine Light also known as CHECK
ENGINE light in the main instrument illu-
minates, the ME9 ECM has detected a
problem. The car will continue to operate,
but performance may be diminished. You
should have your car checked by a work-
shop as soon as possible. We recom-
mend that you contact a Saab dealer.
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