2009 SAAB 9-5 wash

242 Car care and technical informationWashing the carWash your car frequently. To facilitate
cleaning, a suitable detergent can be added
to the water, which should be lukewarm.
Saab offers a full line of car care products,
including car wash, for the care of your vehi-
cle. See your dealer for available products
or visit www.saabcatalog.com (U.S. resi-
dents only).
Do not use a pressure washer at close
range on stone chip damage, scratches or
other damage to the paintwork. The paint
can otherwise start to flake.
Remove any bird droppings without delay,
as these can discolor the paintwork and
prove difficult to polish out.
Use a soft cloth moistened with methyl alco-
hol to remove splashes of tar or asphalt. Do
not use strong cleaners, as these can dry
out the paintwork.
The underside of the car also needs wash-
ing regularly, and this should be done extra
thoroughly at the end of winter. Clean the
underside of the car by hand if the car is
usually washed in an automatic car wash
without special facilities for underbody
cleaning.
Never wash or leave the car to dry in the
sun, but wipe it dry with a chamois leather
immediately after washing to avoid smears
and streaks.
Clean the window glass inside and out using
a high quality window cleaner. This is partic-
ularly important when the car is new, as
upholstery and trim have a tendency to
sweat a little at first.
Keep the glass well cleaned, as this helps to
prevent misting.

NOTICEOnly use liquid detergent when cleaning
the plastic lenses of the front and rear
lights. Do not use mechanical cleaning.
Rinse off the detergent immediately, oth-
erwise cracks may form in the plastic
lenses.
NOTICE The door mirrors must be fully
retracted before the car enters an
automatic car wash.
 Remove fixed antennas, e.g. for
mobile phone, before putting car
through an automatic car wash.
 Try your brakes on leaving a car wash.
Wet brake discs may reduce the per-
formance of the brakes.
 Cars with Saab Parking Assistance:
Do not spray the sensors or closer
than 8 in. (20 cm) to the sensors with
a pressure washer, as this can
damage them.
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243 Car care and technical information
Waxing and polishingOther than in exceptional cases, do not use
abrasive polishes containing a cutting agent
on a new car. Always wash the car thor-
oughly before waxing or polishing.Engine compartmentClean the engine compartment using an
engine detergent and rinse with hot water.
Cover the headlights. Do not use high-pres-
sure washer. Avoid spraying the hood liner,
as this can become heavy and hang down
and touch the engine when the hood is
closed.
Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent or
solvent when carrying out repairs or mainte-
nance. Saab recommends the use of envi-
ronmentally safe degreasing agents.
Touching up the paintDamaged paintwork should be treated as
soon as it is discovered: the longer it is left,
the greater the risk of corrosion. The
anti-perforation warranty does not cover
corrosion resulting from untreated defects.
Paintwork damage sustained in a crash is
usually extensive and can only be properly
restored by professionals.
However, you can repair small scratches
and stone-chip damage yourself. The nec-
essary tools and materials, such as primer,
touch-up paint and brushes, are available
from your Saab dealer.
In the case of minor flaws in the paintwork,
where the metal has not been exposed and
an undamaged layer of paint remains,
touch-up paint can usually be applied
directly, after any dirt has been scraped
away using a pointed knife.If corrosion has already set in, e.g. as a
result of stone-chip damage, use a pointed
knife to scrape off all surface rust. If possi-
ble, the damaged area should be taken
back to the bare metal. The metal should
then be primed with two thin coats of primer
applied by brush.
After the primer has dried, apply several thin
layers of topcoat enamel until the surface of
the repaired area is flush with the surround-
ing paintwork.
Stir both primer and touch-up enamel thor-
oughly before use and allow each coat to
dry before applying the next.
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245 Car care and technical information
Fault diagnosisIf a fault occurs in the A/C system, there are
a number of checks you can perform your-
self. If the fault persists, however, have the
system checked by a workshop. We recom-
mend that you contact an authorized Saab
dealer.
Important!
When the A/C system is running, the intake
air is dehumidified, and the resultant con-
densation is drained off through two outlets
underneath the floor of the car in the vicinity
of the front doors. It is therefore perfectly
normal for water to be seen dripping from
these outlets when the car is parked. The
warmer the ambient air and the higher the
humidity, the greater will be the amount of
condensation formed.Inadequate cooling:
a Check that the condenser (forward of
the radiator) has not become clogged
with dirt and insects.
b Make sure that the drive belt for the com-
pressor is not slipping.
c Check the fuses for the ventilation fans
and compressor.
Maintenance The drive belt for the compressor should
be inspected under the regular service
program.
 Clean dirt and insects away from the
condenser and radiator to prevent clog-
ging. When washing the car, use the hose
to spray the radiator and condenser
(located forward of the radiator) from both
sides (both from the front of the car and
from inside the engine bay). Do not use a
pressure washer.
Caution: Do not use the hose when the
engine is hot.
Other than in extremely cold weather, do not
screen the radiator, e.g. with netting, as this
will greatly diminish its cooling capacity.
Note: The A/C system will only operate
when the outdoor temperature is above the
freezing point (0°C, 32°F).
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246 Car care and technical informationAnti-corrosion
treatmentThe entire car is corrosion-protected at the
factory in different stages by an electrolytic
immersion coating and a PVC-based pro-
tective coating to protect against corrosion
caused by stones flung up by the wheels. A
thin penetrating anti-rust oil is also applied
in cavities and body members.
In addition to conventional anti-corrosion
treatment like painting, underbody treat-
ment and cavity treatment, most of the body
panel surfaces are galvanized. These
include the hood, the doors and the under-
body.
The anti-corrosion treatment on the under-
side of the car and inside the wheel arches
is particularly exposed to constant wear and
possible damage, the degree of which will
obviously depend on driving conditions.
What causes rust?Steel body panels of automobiles are sub-
ject to rusting whenever air and moisture
manage to penetrate the protective finish,
and body panels may rust through if the pro-
cess is unchecked. Rusting can occur wher-
ever water is trapped or where the car’s
panels are continuously damp. Damage to
paint and undercoating by stones, gravel
and minor crashes immediately exposes
metal to air and moisture. Road salts used
for de-icing will collect on the bottom of the
car and promote rusting. Areas of the coun-
try with high humidity have great potential
for rust problems, especially where salt is
used on roads or there is moist sea air.
Industrial pollution (fallout) may also
damage paint and promote rusting.
Preventive maintenanceThe following procedures are necessary to
help protect against rusting. Refer also to
the terms and conditions of the Sheet Metal
Coverage described in the warranty book-
let.
1Wash the car frequently, and wax at
least twice a year. Under adverse
conditions, where there is a rapid
buildup of dirt, sand or road salt, wash
your car at least once a week. After
extreme exposure to salted snow or
slush, evidenced by a white film on the
car, wash the car immediately. Frequent
washing will prevent paint damage from
acid rain and other airborne contami-
nants such as tree sap and bird drop-
pings. If any of these contaminants are
noticed on the car the finish should be
washed immediately.
 Begin washing by rinsing the entire car
with water to loosen and flush off heavy
concentrations of dirt (include the
underbody).
 Sponge the car with a solution of either
a good quality car soap or mild general
purpose (dish washing) detergent and
water.
 Rinse car thoroughly with clean water.
 After washing, check and clear all
drains in doors and body panels.
 Wipe the car dry, preferably using a
chamois.
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247 Car care and technical information
2Clean the underside of the car during
the winter. Use high pressure water to
clean the car’s underside (floor panels,
wheel wells) at least at mid- winter and
in the spring.
3Inspect the car frequently for leaks or
damage, and arrange for needed
repairs promptly. After washing or after
heavy rain, check for leaks. When wash-
ing the car inspect body surfaces for
paint damage. While checking for leaks,
lift the floor mats and check beneath
them. Water can collect in these areas
and remain for prolonged periods. Dry
any wet areas including the floor mats.
Have leaks repaired as soon as possi-
ble.
Use touch-up paint to repair small
scratches or minor finish damage. Areas
where metal is exposed will rust quickly
and MUST be repaired immediately by
touch-up or professional repainting.
Rust must be removed, the bare metal
primed and painted. Major body
damage should be repaired immediately
and new panels or exposed areas
should be undercoated with anti- corro-
sion material.
Repairs of this type are the owner’s
responsibility and are not covered under
warranty.4Inspect the undercoating and touch
up if necessary. Pay particular atten-
tion to the fenders and wheel housings,
which are exposed to abrasion by flying
gravel, etc. If the composition has worn
or flaked off, the steel must be thor-
oughly cleaned and dried before a fresh
coat is applied. The cleaning is best
done with a scraper and a steel wire
brush, followed by washing with solvent.
Apply the new coating thinly, as other-
wise it may run off or fall off when dry.
For long tripsBefore setting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car checked over by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-V-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
 Make sure that the engine is in good
condition.
 Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of
the engine or gearbox/transmission.
 Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
 Inspect the Poly-V-belt and replace it if it
shows any signs of hard wear.
 Check the battery charge.
 Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
 Check the brakes.
 Check all bulbs.
 Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
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254 Customer Assistance and InformationChange of Address Notification
(U.S. and Canada)Two change of address cards are provided
at the end of the Warranty and Service
Record Booklet. Knowing your current
address allows Saab to contact you in the
event of a recall or service campaign.
Please help us keep our records up to date
for your own peace of mind.Service informationFactory Service Manuals for the Saab 9-5
car line can be ordered through your Saab
dealer or by visiting
www.saabtechinfo.com. These are com-
prehensive manuals on CD rom, geared to
use by professional technicians.
Consult your Saab dealer for prices and for
a listing for your model.
Reporting Safety
Defects (U.S.A.)If you believe that your vehicle has a defect
which could cause a crash or could cause
injury or death, you should immediately
inform the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to noti-
fying Saab Cars USA, Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it finds that
a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles,
it may order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become involved
in individual problems between you, your
dealer, or Saab Automobile USA, Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may call the
toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at
1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153; go
to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to:
Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street,
SW., Washington D.C. 20590. You can also
obtain other information about motor vehi-
cle safety from http:// www safercar.gov.
Reporting Safety
Defects to the Canadian
governmentIf you live in Canada, and believe that your
vehicle has a safety defect, you should
immediately notify Transport Canada, in
addition to notifying General Motors of
Canada Limited.
You may write to Transport Canada at
Box 8880, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3J2.
In addition to notifying Transport Canada
in a situation like this, we certainly hope
you will notify us. In Canada, please call
our Saab Customer Assistance Center at
1-800-263- 1999.
Or write:
General Motors of Canada Limited
Customer Assistance Center,
1908 Colonel Sam Drive,
Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 8P7.
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258 SpecificationsGeneral Overall length, including bumpers:
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 190.4 in (4836 mm)
9-5 SportCombi __________________ 190.6 in (4841 mm)
Overall width, including door mirrors ____ 80.4 in (2042 mm)
Maximum height:
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 57.3 in (1454 mm)
9-5 SportCombi __________________ 57.7 in (1465 mm)
Wheelbase _______________________ 106.4 in (2703 mm)
Ground clearance at gross vehicle weight approx. 4.6 in
(116 mm)
Tr a c k :
Front __________________________ 59.9 in (1522 mm) *)
Rear ___________________________ 60.2 in (1528 mm) *)
Turning circle (curb to curb) ___________ 37.1 ft (11.3 m)
Turning circle (measured at vehicle extremi-
ties) _____________________________ 39.0 ft (11.9 m)
Number of seats (incl. driver) _________ 5
*) Specified track applies to wheel sizes: 6.5 x 16

VIN on cars sold in
USAVIN on cars sold in CanadaPermissible load (in addition to driver) = GVW minus curb weight
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded.
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded. Chassis number in engine bay
Weight ready for driving (i.e. with full fuel
tank, washer-fluid reservoir, standard tools
and spare wheel) ____________________ 3450–3760 lbs.
(1565–1705 kg)
Gross vehicle weight (GVW) ___________ 4390–4700 lbs.
(1990–2130 kg)
Maximum axle load:
Front ___________________________ 2590 lbs. (1175 kg)
Rear, 9-5 Sedan ___________________ 2310 lbs. (1050 kg)
Rear, 9-5 SportCombi ______________ 2480 lbs. (1125 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight, front/rear ______________ 60/40 %
GVW, front/rear ___________________ 50/50 %
Maximum roof load __________________ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
Maximum luggage compartment load§ ___ 176 lbs. (80 kg)
Maximum combined load, luggage
compartment and roof ________________ 264 lbs. (120 kg)
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265 Specifications
Adjustable systemsSeveral of the systems in your Saab car can
be adjusted to better fit your individual
needs
Some functions are governed by legal
requirements and cannot therefore be
reprogrammed.
We recommend that you contact an autho-
rized Saab dealer for further information.
Car alarm/central locking system:
 The number of blinks when locking/
unlocking.
 Automatic locking of the trunk when the
car (SportCombi) is driven, 1 to 8 mph
(2–14 km/h), YES or NO.
 Automatic locking of the trunk (Sport-
Combi) when it is closed, YES or NO.
 Automatic locking of all doors when the
car is driven above 7.5 mph (12 km/h),
YES or NO.Saab Information Display:
 Outdoor temperature display can be
adjusted.
Miscellaneous:
 Select the on-time for heated rear seat3.
 Additional sweep of the wipers after wind-
shield washer function (ON or OFF).
 Courtesy Headlight Feature on-time can
vary from 20 to 50 seconds.
 Night panel illumination deactivation
speed for the speedometer can be
adjusted.
Following adjustments can be
done by the driver:Automatic Climate Control (ACC):
You can choose whether front seat and rear
window heating is to be activated manually
or automatically; see "Adaptation of ACC"
on page 85.
Saab 9-5 Audio System (see page 106):
 Speed dependent volume.
Daytime Running Lights:
To disable, turn off the ignition and pull out
fuse 35, see page 217.
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