2009 SAAB 9-3 traction control

122 Interior equipmentRear view mirrorsDoor mirrorsTo adjust
The door mirrors are electrically adjustable
and heated. The controls for adjusting the
mirrors are on the driver’s door:
1 Select a door mirror with the upper
button.
2 Adjust the mirror using the touch pad.
The mirror glass can also be adjusted man-
ually by gently pressing the glass in the
desired direction.
The mirror heating is turned on together with
the rear window heating.
If the car has an electrically adjustable
driver’s seat with memory, the mirror
settings are stored in the memory (see
page 20).Manual retraction
The door mirrors are designed to fold back
if knocked. The mirrors can also be
retracted manually. This can be useful when
parking in tight spaces, such as on the car
deck of a ferry. Remember to return the door
mirrors to their normal positions before
driving off.Reversing position3
On certain model variants, the passen-
ger-side mirror glass can be angled down to
facilitate reversing. Press the button
shown in the illustration. This is located
under the touch pad. Return the mirror to its
normal position by pressing the button
again. The mirror will also return to its
normal position if you drive forward approx-
imately 22 yds. (20 meters).
1 Selection of mirror
2 Touch pad for adjustment
3 Reversing position3
Retracting a door mirror
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149 Starting and driving
Ignition switch ________ 150
Steering wheel lock ____ 151
Starting the engine ____ 152
Important considerations
for driving __________ 153
Refueling ____________ 156
Engine Break-in Period _ 160
Manual transmission___ 161
Automatic
transmission3______ 162
Cruise Control ________ 169
Braking ______________ 170
All-wheel drive (XWD)3173
Traction Control System
(TCS) ______________ 173
Electronic Stability
Program ESP
®
______ 175
Parking brake_________ 177 Parking _______________ 177
Saab Parking
Assistance3________ 180
Economical driving _____ 183
Driving in cold weather__ 185
Driving in hot climates __ 187
Towing a trailer3______ 188
Driving with a roof rack
load ________________ 192
Driving with a load _____ 192
Driving with the trunk lid
open________________ 193
Driving in deep water ___ 193
Towing the car _________ 193
Jump starting _________ 197
For long trips __________ 199
Starting and driving
3Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars
(can depend on model variant, engine variant,
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173 Starting and driving
All-wheel drive (XWD)3Essentially, the system consists of a PTU
(Power Take off Unit), propeller shaft, RDM
(Rear Drive Module which contains an elec-
tronically controlled plate clutch, final drive
gear and differential) and driveshafts. This
system enhances driving characteristics
and stability. The system is always active
and cannot be deactivated. It works
together with the ESP system and the
engine and transmission control modules.
When driving at a constant speed, approx.
95% of the torque is distributed to the front
wheels and approx. 5% to the rear wheels.
The torque is distributed steplessly and
instantaneously between the front and rear
wheels, depending on the driving condi-
tions. If the car is fitted with eLSD (electron-
ically controlled plate clutch between the
rear wheels), the torque can also be distrib-
uted individually to the relevant rear wheel.For optimum system function, the car’s tires
should not have varying degrees of wear.
When the XWD system requires service,
the following message is shown on the SID:
When the service message is displayed,
the XWD system may have limited func-
tionality (or be completely disabled in
some cases, i.e. the car switches to
front-wheel drive). Contact a workshop
for information. We recommend that you
contact an authorised Saab dealer.
Traction Control
System (TCS)Anti-spin systemHow the system worksThe Traction Control System (TCS) is
designed to prevent wheelspin. This
enables the car to achieve the best possible
grip and, hence, maximum tractive effort,
together with greater stability.
The TCS system uses information from the
ABS system’s wheel speed sensors to
determine whether any wheel is spinning. If
any wheel is spinning, this is reduced on
all-wheel drive cars initially by changing the
torque distribution, secondly by reducing
the engine torque, and thirdly with the aid of
the wheel brakes. On front-wheel drive cars,
wheelspin is reduced initially by reducing
the engine torque, and secondly with the aid
of the wheel brakes. Service XWD.
WARNING
When driving normally, the TCS system
helps to improve the car’s stability, and
driveability under slippery road and
extreme driving conditions. The TCS
must not be regarded as a system to
enable the driver to maintain higher
speeds. The same precautions must be
adopted as normal for safe cornering and
driving on slippery roads.
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174 Starting and drivingThe advantages of the TCS system are
most apparent when road surface friction is
so low that a lot of wheelspin can occur rap-
idly:
 When the car is pulling away or accelerat-
ing with the front wheels on different
surfaces (e.g. one slippery and one dry),
the TCS functions like an electronic differ-
ential lock, making sure that both wheels
rotate at the same speed. The system
also functions when the car is reversing.
 When cornering, if the inside front wheel
rotates faster than the other wheels.TCS OFF
lights up if:
 The system has been switched off
manually. It cannot be switched off if the
car is travelling faster than 35 mph
(60 km/h).
 There is a fault in the ABS system
 A fault has been detected and the
system has therefore been switched
off and at the same time the following
message is shown on the SID:
TCS indicatorWhen the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the lamp is lit for about 4 seconds
while the system performs self-diagnosis.
The light comes on when the TCS is
operative, that is when one of the wheels
has lost its grip.
The fact that the TCS is operative indicates
that the limit for grip has been exceeded and
that the driver must exercise greater care.Temporarily turning the TCS offThe TCS is switched on automatically when
the engine is started.
It may be necessary to switch off the system
if the car has become bogged down, for
instance.
If a fault is detected in the ABS, the TCS will
be switched off automatically.
The cruise control system (if active) will
automatically be disengaged if the TCS is
operative.Disengage the system in Settings.
1Select Settings using the steering
wheel buttons, or .
2 Hold the SET button depressed until a
chime sounds.
3Select TCS.
4 Press the SET button.
5Select ON or OFF.
End by pressing the SET-button.
Go back/undo using the CLR-button.
Traction control failure.
Contact service.
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245
Car care
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a comparative
rating based on the wear rate of the tire
when tested under controlled conditions on
a specified government test course. For
example, a tire graded 150 would wear one
and a half (1.5) times as well on the govern-
ment course as a tire graded 100. The rela-
tive performance of tires depends upon the
actual conditions of their use, however, and
may depart significantly from the norm due
to variations in driving habits, service prac-
tices and differences in road characteristics
and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to lowest,
are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades repre-
sent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pave-
ment as measured under controlled condi-
tions on specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C
may have poor traction performance. Warn-
ing: The traction grade assigned to this tire
is based on straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics. Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing
the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temper-
ature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of performance on
the laboratory test wheel than the minimum
required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for this tire
is established for a tire that is properly
inflated and not overloaded. Excessive
speed, underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
BalanceThe wheels on your vehicle were aligned
and balanced carefully at the factory to give
you the longest tire life and best overall per-
formance.
Scheduled wheel alignment and wheel bal-
ancing are not needed. However, if you
notice unusual tire wear or your vehicle pull-
ing one way or the other, the alignment may
need to be reset. If yo u notice your vehicle
vibrating when driving on a smooth road,
your wheels may need to be rebalanced.
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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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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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301 Index
Sun visor
______________________ 132
Switches _______________________ 97
TTCS
__________________________ 173
Technical data
_________________ 284
Textile carpeting, cleaning
________ 267
Tie down eyes, SportCombi _______ 144
Tie down eyes, SportSedan _______ 139
Tightening torque, wheels
_________ 261
Tire Repais Kit
_________________ 262
Tire chains
____________________ 247
Tire date code __________________ 253
Tire inspection and rotation
_______ 241
Tire markings
__________________ 249
Tire sidewall labeling
____________ 248
Tire sizes
_____________________ 288
Tire terminology and definitions
____ 250
Tire, changing
__________________ 258
Tire, spare
_____________________ 256
Tires
_________________________ 240
Tools and spare wheel
___________ 256
Touching up paintwork ___________ 270
Towbar
_______________________ 188
Towbar load
___________________ 190
Towing
_______________________ 193
Towing a trailer
_________________ 188
Towing the car _________________ 195
Traction Control System (TCS)
_____ 173
Transmission oil, checking
________ 210
Transmission, automatic
__________ 162Transmission, manual
____________ 161
Transporting the car
_____________ 196
Treadwear indicators ____________ 243
Trip computer
___________________ 90
Trip meter
______________________ 90
Troubleshooting, A/C and ACC
_____ 273
Trunk lid, driving when open
_______ 193
Trunk lid, opening
________________ 51
Turbo gauge
____________________ 88
UUniform tire quality grading
________ 244
Upholstery care
_________________ 266
Upholstery, cleaning
_____________ 266
Useful tips on starting ____________ 153
VVanity mirror
___________________ 132
Vehicle Data Collection
___________ 282
Vehicle identification number
______ 292
Vehicle recovery
________________ 196
WWarning labels
___________________ 8
Warning lights
___________________ 82
Warning triangle ________________ 102
Warnings and messages on SID,
Convertible
____________________ 71
Washer fluid ___________________ 217
Washer jets ____________________ 217Washers
______________________ 103
Washing ______________________ 267
Washing a Convertible
___________ 268
Waxing and polishing
____________ 270
Wear indicators, tires _____________ 243
What Will You See After an Airbag
Inflates?
______________________ 43
Wheel replacement
______________ 246
Wheels and tires, sizes ___________ 288
When it is time for new tires
_______ 242
Windshield washers
_____________ 103
Windshield wipers
_______________ 103
Wing mirrors
___________________ 122
Winter driving __________________ 185
Winter tires
____________________ 253
Wiper blades ___________________ 216
Wipers
________________________ 103
XXWD, All-wheel drive
_____________ 173
Xenon cornering headlights
_________ 99
Xenon headlights
________________ 219
Xenon headlights, headlight levelling
_98
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