2009 SAAB 9-3 transmission fluid

6Engine bay, 4-cylColor code______________ 292
Engine number __________ 292
Gearbox number _________ 292
Warning labels __________ 8
Vehicle identification number 292Ignition system __________ 287
Alternator_______________ 215
Drive belt _______________ 215
Exhaust emission control __ 154
Simple troubleshooting (ACC) 273
Spark plugs _____________ 287
Turbo gauge ____________ 88Engine oil: checking level __ 208Automatic transmission _________ 162
Manual transmission ___________ 161
Battery ______________________ 214
Jump starting _________________ 197
Battery charge ________________ 214
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 286
Engine: description ____________ 203
Engine: technical data __________ 286
Important considerations for driving 153
Wash/wipe stalk switch____ 103
Washer fluid ____________ 217
Washer jets ____________ 217
Topping-up fluid _________ 217
Power steering ________________ 213
Fluid: checking/topping up _______ 213
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 210
Driving in hot climates __________ 187
Radiator _____________________ 286
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
Fuse table _____________ 238
Changing a fuse _________ 233
Fuses _________________ 233
Relays ________________ 238ABS brakes_____________ 170
Brake pads _____________ 212
Brake system ___________ 287
Brake fluid______________ 212
93_US_MY09.book Page 6 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
ProCarManuals.com

7
Engine bay, 2.8 V6Power steering___________ 213
Fluid: checking/topping up__ 213Vehicle identification
number ________________ 292
Color code ______________ 292
Engine number __________ 292
Warning labels___________ 8
Gearbox number _________ 292Ignition system __________ 287
Exhaust emission control __ 154
Drive belt _______________ 215
Simple troubleshooting (ACC) 273
Alternator_______________ 215
Turbo gauge ____________ 88
Spark plugs _____________ 287Automatic transmission _________ 162
Manual transmission ___________ 161
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 286
Engine: description ____________ 203
Engine oil: topping up __________ 208
Engine: technical data __________ 286
Important considerations
for driving ___________________ 153Engine oil: checking level________ 208
Battery ______________________ 214
Jump starting _________________ 197
Battery charge ________________ 214
Wash/wipe stalk switch ____ 103
Topping-up fluid _________ 217
Washer jets_____________ 217
Washer fluid ____________ 217Fuse table ______________ 235
Changing a fuse _________ 235
Fuses _________________ 233
Relays ________________ 238ABS brakes_____________ 171
Brake pads _____________ 287
Brake system ___________ 170
Brake fluid______________ 212
Cooling system, coolant capacity__ 286
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 210
Driving in hot climates __________ 187
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
93_US_MY09.book Page 7 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
ProCarManuals.com

164 Starting and drivingThermal transmission protectionThe transmission has built-in protection
against overheating. If the temperature of
the transmission fluid exceeds 302 °F
(150 °C), engine torque will be limited to
147 ft.lbs. (200 Nm).
The following message is shown on the SID:
If this message appears, stop the car as
soon as it is safe to do so and allow the
engine to idle until the message has gone
out. The selector lever should be in
position P.
Lock-upThe transmission’s torque converter has a
lock-up function. This can lock the torque
converter, thus reducing the engine speed
and fuel consumption.Kick-downWhen the accelerator is pressed down fully,
a down change is made to optimize acceler-
ation, e.g. for overtaking.
Following this, the next higher gear will be
selected at the optimum engine speed,
unless you ease off the accelerator before
reaching this.
Driving in hilly country with a
heavy loadThe transmission fluid can overheat when
the gearbox is strained, for example, when
driving with a trailer on hilly roads. To avoid
the transmission fluid overheating, always
drive with the selector lever in the D posi-
tion. The adaptive gear change patterns are
then active.
High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler
can also cause the transmission fluid to
overheat. Overheating reduces the service
life of the fluid. Gearbox too hot. Make a
safe stop. Open hood.
WARNING
Remember to use the braking effect of the
engine (1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you
are descending long or steep hills to
spare the brakes.
Overheating can cause the brakes to
fade!
93_US_MY09.book Page 164 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
ProCarManuals.com

189 Starting and driving
 Contact your Saab dealer for advice on
which trailer hitch is designed for your car.
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmissionThe following driving time limits are based
on the capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (+30°C).
The following driving time limits are based
on the capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (+40°C).When negotiating long hills, bear the follow-
ing important considerations in mind.
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following steps are taken in order as the
temperature of the transmission increases:
 Gear change pattern is altered
 A/C compressor is switched off
 Max. engine torque is reduced.
The following message will be displayed on
the SID if the transmission fluid becomes
too hot:
If this message appears, stop the car as
soon as it is safe to do so and allow the
engine to idle until the message has gone
out. The selector lever should be in
position P.
NOTICE Only use a towbar that has been
approved for your car. We recom-
mend that you entrust towbar installa-
tion to an authorized Saab dealer,
which can also provide important
information such as trailer weight.
Your authorized Saab dealer has
information on how the towbar is to be
installed and whether other measures
must be undertaken that could affect
the cooling system or other equipment
 We recommend that you contact a
Saab dealer for guidance on how to
connect a trailer hitch.
 Exercise care when driving on uneven
roads or against the curb if the car is
heavily laden. This particularly applies
to cars with 17" and 18" wheels.
Gradient of
hill, %Max. trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Time limit,
minutes
6-8 3330 (1500) unlimited
9-11 3080 (1400) max 15
12-14 2645 (1200) max 15
max 15 2200 (1000) max 15
Gradient of
hill, %Max. trailer
weight, lbs.
(kg)Time limit,
minutes
6-8 2200 (1000) unlimited
9-11 1760 (800) max 15
12-14 1100 (500) max 15
max 15 880 (400) max 15
Gearbox too hot. Make a
safe stop. Open hood.
93_US_MY09.book Page 189 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
ProCarManuals.com

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.
93_US_MY09.book Page 199 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
ProCarManuals.com

201
Car care
Hood ________________ 202
Engine ______________ 203
Engine bay, 4-cyl engine 206
Engine bay, V6 engine _ 207
Engine oil ____________ 208
Air filter______________ 209
Transmission fluid ____ 210
Coolant ______________ 210
Brake/clutch fluid and
brake pads__________ 212
Power steering________ 213
Battery ______________ 214
Drive belt ____________ 215
Wipers and washers ___ 216
Wiper blades _________ 216
Changing bulbs _______ 218
Fuses _______________ 233 Tires _________________ 240
Automatic tire pressure
monitoring system ____ 253
Compact spare ________ 256
Changing a tire ________ 258
Safety belts ___________ 266
Upholstery and trim ____ 266
Textile carpeting _______ 267
Engine bay ____________ 267
Washing ______________ 267
Waxing and polishing ___ 270
Touching up the paint___ 270
Anti-corrosion treatment 271
Recovery and/or recycling of automotive
materials ____________ 272
Air conditioning (A/C) ___ 273
Car care
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars
(can depend on model variant, engine variant,
market specification, options or accessories).93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm Page 201 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com

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

238 Car careFuse panel in engine bayNo. Amp. Function1--
2 10 Engine control module; au
tomatic transmission con-
trol module 3
320Horn
4 10 Engine control module; ba ttery disconnect switch3
5--
6 10 Selector lever, automatic transmission
3; clutch pedal
switch
7 10 Xenon Cornering Headlights, left 3
8 5 Relay for vacuum pump (brake system) 3
9--
10 - -
11 - -
12 10 Washer fluid pump, rear window 3
13 - -
14 - -
15 30 Washer fluid pump, headlights3
16 30 Front right parking light; fr
ont right turn signal; left and
right side turn signal; right high beam; left low beam;
front left fog light 3
17 30 Windshield wiper motor, low speed
18 30 Windshield wiper motor, high speed
19 20 Parking heater; auxiliary heater 3
20 10 Headlight levelling
3 xenon cornering headlights,
right 3
21 - -
22 30 Washer fluid pump, windshield
23 - -
24 20 Flash-to-pass; high beam, right and left (cars with
Daytime Running Lights only)
25 20 Amplifier, sound system II 3
26 30 Front left turn signal; front left parking light; front right
fog light 3; right low beam; left high beam
27
–37 MAXI
93_US_7carcare_MY09.fm
Page 238 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:26 AM
ProCarManuals.com