
243
Car care
Treadwear indicatorsThe tires incorporate wear indicators in the
form of smooth, treadless strips across the
width, which become visible when only
2/32" (1.6 mm) of tread remains. As soon as
the indicators become visible, new tires
should be fitted without delay.
Make sure you are fa miliar with the legal
limit for minimum tread depth in your
country and also any regulations gov-
erning the use of winter (snow) tires.
Buying New TiresTo find out what kind and size of tires you
need, look at the Tire-Loading Information
label.
Before changing to wheels/tires of another
size, we recommend that you contact an
authorized Saab workshop regarding
acceptable options. See also page 288
Wheels/tires combinations that are not
approved by Saab can negatively affect the
car’s directional stability, steering and brak-
ing in both wet and dry conditions. The wheels and tires have been carefully
matched to the characteristics of the car and
play a key role in its outstanding road hold-
ing and handling.
Do not take it for granted that a wheel/tire
combination will work in the best possible
way, just because it can be fitted to the car.
To ensure that the speedometer is as accu-
rate as possible it should be reprogrammed
if wheels of a different
dimension are fitted.
Contact a Saab dealer.
Because of front wheel drive, the front tires
tend to wear faster than the rear ones. New
tires should always be fitted in pairs, so that
tires on the same axle have the same
amount of tread.
Store wheels lying flat or hanging – never
standing upright.
Treadwear indicator93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 243 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
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247
Car care
Tire Chains
Notice: If your vehicle does not have
235/45R17 size tires, use tire chains only
where legal and only when you must.
Contact your Saab d ealer regarding suit-
able snow chains. Install them on the
front tires and tighten them as tightly as
possible with the ends securely
fastened. Drive slowly and follow the
chain manufacturer’s instructions. If you
can hear the chains contacting your
vehicle, stop and reti ghten them. If the
contact continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too f ast or spinning the
wheels with chains on will damage your
vehicle.
If a Tire Goes FlatIt’s unusual for a tire to “blowout” while
you’re driving, especially if you maintain
your tires properly. If air goes out of a tire,
it’s much more likely to leak out slowly. But
if you should ever have a “blowout”, here are
a few tips about what to expect and what to
do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a
drag that pulls the vehicle toward that side.
Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and
grip the steering wheel firmly. Steer to main-
tain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts
much like a skid and may require the same
correction you’d use in a skid. In any rear
blowout, remove your foot from the acceler-
ator pedal. Get the vehi cle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go.
It may be very bumpy and noisy, but you can
still steer. Gently brake to a stop – well off
the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part shows how to
use your jacking equipment to change a flat
tire safely.
WARNING
If your vehicle has 235/45 R17 size tires,
don’t use tire chains, there’s not enough
clearance.
Tire chains used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can cause
damage to the brakes, suspension or
other vehicle parts. The area damaged by
the tire chains could cause you to lose
control of your vehicle and you or others
may be injured in a crash.
Use another type of traction device only if
its manufacturer recommends it for use
on your vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that manu-
facturer’s instructions. To help avoid
damage to your vehicle, drive slowly,
readjust or remove the device if it’s con-
tacting your vehicle, and don’t spin your
wheels.
If you do find traction devices that will fit,
install them on the front tires.93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 247 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
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254 Car careThe system does not warn if the tire pres-
sure is too high.
If the system has warned or triggered an
alarm due to inadequate pressure then
the pressure must be reset to the recom-
mended pressure so that the warning/alarm
is cleared.If the tire pressure decreasesIf the tire pressure decreases to 6 psi
(40 kPa) below the recommended pressure
then a warning is shown on the SID as to
which tires are affected.
Adjust the pressure as soon as possible. If the tire pressure continues to decrease
then an alarm is shown on the SID when the
pressure has decreased to 23 psi (160 kPa)
which is the lowest permitted pressure for
the tire.
An alarm is also received when leakage is
greater than 3 psi/min. (20 kPa/min.).
Reduce speed (avoid heavy braking and
significant steering wheel movement) and
stop the car as soon as possible at a suita-
ble location. Replace the defective wheel.
The fault message can remain for up to
10 minutes after restarting the car. Then it
disappears if the tire pressure is correct.Check/adjust the pressure in the other tires
when a fault message is shown.
Note that the tire pressure can decrease
without a puncture. The pressure could
decrease around 3 psi (20 kPa) during a
three month period.
The outside temperature could also affect
tire pressure.
The temperature in the
tire also affects the
tire pressure. The spec ified tyre pressures
are valid for cold tyres. The increased tyre
pressure resulting from extensive driving
must not be reduced. For further informa-
tion on tire air pressure , see page 240.
Allow 10 minutes for the system to recog-
nize the wheel/sensors positions after fitting
a new set of tires. During this period no low
pressure warning or alarm can be triggered.
Tire pressure low,
front right. Check tires.
Low tire pressure rear
left. Make a safe stop.
Valve with sensor
Valve without sensor
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282 Customer Assistance and InformationVehicle Data Collection and
Event Data RecordersYour vehicle, like other modern motor vehi-
cles, has a number of sophisticated com-
puter systems that monitor and control sev-
eral aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle comput-
ers to monitor emission control components
to optimize fuel economy, to monitor condi-
tions for air bag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and
to help the driver control the vehicle in diffi-
cult driving situations. Some information
may be stored during regular operations to
facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash
event by computer systems commonly
called event data recorders (EDR).
In a crash event, computer systems, such
as the Air Bag Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM) in your vehicle may record
information about the condition of the vehi-
cle and how it was operated, such as data
related to engine speed, brake application,
throttle position, vehicle speed, steering
wheel angle, lateral acceleration, safety belt
usage, air bag readiness, air bag perfor-
mance, and the severity of a collision. This
information has been used to improve vehi-
cle crash performance and may be used to
improve crash performance of future vehi-
cles and driving safety. Unlike the data
recorders on many airplanes, these
on-board systems do not record sounds,
such as conversation of vehicle occupants.To read this information, special equipment
is needed and access to the vehicle or the
SDM is required.
Saab will not access information about a
crash event or share it with others other than
With the consent of the vehicle owner or,
if the vehicle is leased, with the consent of
the lessee,
In response to an official request of police
or similar government office,
As part of Saab’s defense of litigation
through the discovery process, or
As required by law.
In addition, once Saab collects or receives
data, Saab may
Use the data for Saab research needs,
Make it available for research where
appropriate confidentiality is to be main-
tained and need is shown, or
Share summary data which is not tied to
a specific vehicle with non-Saab organi-
zations for research purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have
access to the special equipment that can
read the information if they have access to
the vehicle or SDM.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar
®,
please check the OnStar
® subscription ser-
vice agreement or manual for information
on its operations and data collection.
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294 Technical dataWarning and indications that can
be shown on the SIDWhich warnings and indications that can be
shown depends on engine variant and car
specification.
The warnings/indications that contain an
exclamation mark are shown together with
a warning or check light in the main instru-
ment panel.
Symbol Text
Antilock brake malfunc.
Contact service.
Brake malfunction.
Make a safe stop.
Brake fluid level low.
Make a safe stop.
Release park brake.
Oil pressure low.
Make a safe stop.
Low engine oil level.
Fill oil now.
Reduced engine power.
Contact service.
Tighten fuel filler cap.
Limited performance.
Coolant level low.
Refill.
Hot engine. Make a
safe stop. Idle engine.
Airbag malfunction.
Contact service.
Gearbox too hot. Make a
safe stop. Open hood.
Battery not charging.
Make a safe stop.
Headlight levelling
malfunction.
Cornering headlights
malfunction
Tap brakes lightly
before using cruise ctrl.
Traction control failure.
Contact service.
Stability control failure.
Contact service.
Turn on the lights.
Washer fluid level low.
Refill.
Rain sensor malfunc.
Contact service.
Key not accepted.
Contact service.
Remote control battery
low. Replace battery.
Number of keys:
Active key number:
Steering lock malfunc.
Make a safe stop.
Pull out key, turn
steering wheel. Restart.
Theft protection failure.
Contact service.
Alarm tripped during
last arming period.
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297 Index
IndexAABS brakes
____________________ 171
ACC
_________________________ 107
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 118
Air filter
_______________________ 209
Airbag
_________________________ 32
All-wheel drive (XWD)
____________ 173
Anchorage eyes, SportSedan
______ 139
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 271
Antilock braking system __________ 171
Anti-spin
______________________ 173
Ashtrays ______________________ 134
Autochecking of lights, warning and
indicator lights
__________________ 87
Autodimming
___________________ 123
Automatic climate control (ACC)
____ 107
Automatic closing of moonroof
_____ 129
Automatic closing of windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi _____ 120
Automatic transmission
___________ 162
Automatic transmission, Sport mode
163
BBattery
_______________________ 214
Bedding-in of new brake pads
_____ 160
Before towing a trailer
____________ 191
Belt height, SportSedan and
SportCombi
____________________ 14Brake fluid, grade
_______________ 287
Brakes
________________________ 170
Braking _______________________ 170
Bulb changing
__________________ 218
Bulb table
_____________________ 232
Buying new tires
________________ 243
CCabin lighting, Convertible
_________ 79
Cabin lighting, SportSedan and
SportCombi
___________________ 131
Calibrating front electric windows with
pinch protection
________________ 78
Calibration of windows, SportSedan
and SportCombi _______________ 121
Car alarm
______________________ 56
Car transport ___________________ 196
Care of air conditioning
___________ 273
Cargo guard
___________________ 148
Cargo guard, SportWagon
________ 148
Cargo net, SportCombi
___________ 145
CHECK ENGINE light _____________ 83
Change of address notification
_____ 280
Changing a tire
_________________ 258
Changing bulbs _________________ 218
Changing the battery, remote control
_54
Changing wiper blades
___________ 216
Checking the number of remote
controls
_______________________ 53
Checks before towing a trailer
_____ 191
Child safety
_____________________ 24Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 52
Child seats
______________________ 24
Cigarette lighter
_________________ 134
Cleaning the engine bay
__________ 267
Cleaning upholstery
______________ 266
Closing the soft top manually,
Convertible
____________________ 68
Closing the soft top, Convertible
_____ 64
Clutch interlock
_________________ 161
Comfort opening of moonroof
______ 129
Comfort opening of windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi _____ 119
Compact spare
_________________ 256
Compact spare wheel fitted, driving
with
_________________________ 258
Compass
______________________ 127
Convertible _____________________ 61
Convertible, washing
_____________ 268
Coolant
_______________________ 210
Cornering headlights
______________ 99
Crash memory, see EDR
_________ 282
Cruise control
__________________ 169
Cup holder
_____________________ 133
DDate codes, tires
________________ 253
Deactivating rear windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi
_____ 121
Deactivating the passenger door
window button, Convertible
________ 78
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298 IndexDeactivating the rear window
switches
_____________________ 121
Deep water, driving through
_______ 193
Definitions and terminology, tire ____ 250
Determining correct load, tires
_____ 252
Direction indicator stalk switch _____ 101
Direction indicators
______________ 101
Dome light, Convertible
__________ 228
Dome light, SportSedan __________ 228
Donor battery, boost starting
______ 197
Door handles
___________________ 48
Door mirrors
___________________ 122
Drive belt
______________________ 215
Driver’s seat with memory
_________ 21
Driving in cold climates
___________ 185
Driving in deep water
____________ 193
Driving in hot climates ____________ 187
Driving techniques
______________ 183
Driving with a compact wheel fitted
_258
Driving with a heavy load on hilly
roads
________________________ 164
Driving with a load
______________ 192
Driving with a roof load ___________ 192
Driving with the trunk lid open
______ 193
EEDR (Event Data Recorders)
______ 282
ESP®
________________________ 175
Easy entry, Convertible
____________ 73
Economical motoring
____________ 183
Electrical system, technical data
____ 287Electrically adjustable seats
________ 20
Electric engine heater
____________ 184
Electric heating, front seats
________ 114
Electric windows
________________ 119
Electric windows, Convertible
_______ 77
Electronic Stability Program
_______ 175
Electronic steering wheel lock ______ 151
Emergency opening of the narrow
backrest, SportSedan
___________ 140
Emergency operation of the moonroof
130
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 267
Engine heater
__________________ 184
Engine immobilizer
_______________ 55
Engine management system
______ 204
Engine number
_________________ 292
Engine oil, checking
_____________ 208
Engine oil, grade
________________ 286
Engine temperature gauge
_________ 88
Engine, description
______________ 203
Engine, technical data ____________ 286
Engines
_______________________ 287
Event Data Recorders (EDR)
______ 282
Extra electrical socket
____________ 134
FFacilitating entry to rear seat,
Convertible
____________________ 73
Factors affecting fuel consumption
__ 183
Filler cap
______________________ 157
Filling a portable fuel container
_____ 158
Filling up
______________________ 156Flat spots, tires
_________________ 242
Floor jack
______________________ 259
Folding down the rear seat backrest,
SportCombi
___________________ 141
Folding down the rear seat,
SportSedan ___________________ 136
Front fog lights __________________ 100
Front towing eye ________________ 194
Fuel cap
_______________________ 157
Fuel container
__________________ 158
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 89
Fuel grade _____________________ 287
Fuel information
_________________ 158
Functions, car alarm
______________ 58
Fuse panel in luggage compartment
_236
Fuse table
_____________________ 235
Fuses
_________________________ 233
GGDO, garage door opener
_________ 123
Gearbox number
________________ 292
General safety instructions,
Convertible
____________________ 62
Glove box
_____________________ 134
Glovebox lighting
________________ 229
HHandbrake
_____________________ 177
Hazard warning lights
____________ 102
Head restraint, Convertible
_________ 74
Head restraints
__________________ 23
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300 IndexPPanic function, car alarm
__________ 58
Park Brake Shift Lock
____________ 163
Park Brake Shift Lock, temporary
override
______________________ 166
Parking
_______________________ 177
Parking aid ____________________ 180
Parking brake __________________ 177
Parking on a hill ________________ 178
Pinch protection, electric windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi
_____ 120
Pinch protection, moonroof
________ 130
Plates and labels, location ________ 292
Polishing and waxing
____________ 270
Poly-V-belt
____________________ 215
Portable fuel container
___________ 158
Position lights
___________________ 98
Power steering fluid, checking
_____ 213
Pressure gauge
_________________ 88
Pressure, tires
__________________ 240
Profiles, customized settings
_______ 94
QQuality grading, tires
_____________ 244
Quick guide, remote control
________ 49
RRain sensor
____________________ 103
Raising the soft top manually,
Convertible ____________________ 68Reading lights, Convertible
_________ 79
Rear fog light
___________________ 101
Rear seat, folding down, SportCombi
141
Rear seat, safety belts
____________ 17
Rear seats, folding down, SportSedan
136
Rear towing eye
________________ 194
Rear windows, deactivating,
SportSedan and SportCombi
_____ 121
Rearview mirrors
________________ 122
Recommendations for automatic
transmission, towing a trailer
_____ 189
Recommendations for manual gearbox,
towing a trailer
________________ 190
Recommended snow chains
_______ 288
Refueling
______________________ 156
Reinstalling the fuel cap
__________ 157
Remote control
__________________ 48
Remote locking malfunction
________ 50
Replacement, wheel
_____________ 246
Reporting safety defects __________ 281
Rev counter
_____________________ 87
Reversing lights
________________ 102
Rollover Pop-up Bars, Convertible
___ 76
Roof lighting, SportSedan and
SportCombi
___________________ 131
Roof lighting, changing
___________ 228
Running-in
_____________________ 160
SSaab Information Display
__________ 89
Saab Parking Assistance _________ 180Safety belts
_____________________ 12
Safety belts, rear seat, SportSedan
and SportCombi
________________ 17
SAHR, head restraint _____________ 23
SDM
_________________________ 282
SID
___________________________ 89
SPA __________________________ 180
Seat belts
______________________ 12
Seat belts in rear seat, Convertible
___ 75
Seat belts, care
_________________ 266
Seat belts, checking
_____________ 266
Seats
__________________________ 18
Securing a load
_________________ 139
Sentronic, manual gear selection
___ 168
Service Engine Lamp
_____________ 83
Service costs
___________________ 279
Service information
______________ 280
Service intervals
________________ 278
Service record retention
__________ 279
Signalling, horn
_________________ 118
Ski hatch, SportCombi
____________ 143
Ski hatch, SportSedan ____________ 138
Spare wheel
___________________ 256
Speed ratings, tires
______________ 249
Speedometer
____________________ 87
Sport mode, automatic transmission
_163
Starting the engine
______________ 152
Steering wheel adjustment
________ 118
Steering wheel lock
______________ 151
Steps for determining correct load
limit
_________________________ 252
Storage compartments
___________ 134
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