2009 SAAB 9-5 dimensions

163 Starting and driving
Electronic Stability
Program (ESP
®)
The system employs both the antilock brak-
ing system (ABS) and the traction control
system (TCS). It is a system that helps the
driver to stabilize the car in unusual circum-
stances that would otherwise be more diffi-
cult to handle.
How the ESP
® system works
The system can help to prevent the car from
skidding by braking one or several wheels
independently of the driver. The engine
output is then also reduced to prevent the
driving wheels from spinning. The car has
sensors that measure wheel speed, yaw
acceleration, lateral acceleration, steering
wheel position and braking pressure. The
values provided by these sensors are used
to calculate the actual direction of the car. If
this direction does not agree with that
intended by the driver, calculated from the
steering wheel position, the ESP
® is
engaged.
The ESP
® system improves the driver’s
chances of retaining control over the car in
critical situations.
To ensure that the system works as
designed, the dimensions of all four tires
must be the same.
WARNING
When driving normally, the ESP
® system
will help to improve the stability of the car.
This does not mean that car can be driven
faster. The same care and prudence as
normally applied should be displayed on
cornering and when driving on slippery
roads.
The illustration shows how the system
brakes one or more wheels (and with var-
ying braking force for each wheel) in order
to increase the car’s chances of following
the direction in which the driver wants to
drive.
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173 Starting and driving
If winter tires are fitted, the same type must
be fitted on all wheels. Your Saab dealer will
be pleased to advise you on the best tires for
your car.
Remember that tires age. It may therefore
be necessary to change them before they
reach the legal wear limit, as they gradually
lose their friction properties.
The best response if the car gets into a
front-wheel skid is to freewheel (manual
gearbox only), i.e. disengage the clutch (so
that the wheels are neither driven or
retarded by the engine.
If the car has automatic transmission, ease
up on the accelerator and steer carefully in
the desired direction.
In a rear-wheel skid, steer in the same direc-
tion that the rear of the car is moving.
Tire chains3If you want to fit tire chains (where legally
permitted) they should only be fitted to the
tires recommended under ”Specifications”
(see page 261).
Consult your Saab dealer for details of
approved tire chains.
Driving in hot weatherAlways check the coolant level before start-
ing a journey. When the engine is cold, the
coolant shall lie on or just above the
KALT/COLD mark on the expansion tank..
At the end of a journey, if the engine has
worked hard, allow it to idle for two or three
minutes before switching it off.
If the needle on the temperature gauge
enters the red zone:
1 Bring the car to a standstill but leave the
engine running. Do not remove the cap
on the expansion tank even if the tank is
empty. If the needle on the temperature
gauge continues to rise while the engine
is idling, switch off the engine.
WARNING
 Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h)
when tire chains are fitted.
 Tire chains can reduce the directional
stability of the car.
 Tire chains must not be used on the
rear wheels. NOTICE Check the links frequently for wear.
 Check that the chains do not contact
the wheel-arch liner at full lock.
 See section ”Specifications”,
page 261, for information on allowable
wheel dimensions for the fitting of tire
chains.
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197 Car care and technical information
Battery
The battery is provided with a cover to
protect it from radiated heat. If the battery is
exposed to high temperatures, its life will be
shortened. To remove the cover, release
the two clips along its long sides.
The cover fits the standard battery installed
in the car. If a new battery is to be fitted,
make sure that its dimensions are the same
as the standard one.
The battery is maintenance free.
If frequent short journeys are made, the bat-
tery may need to be given a booster charge.
This can be done either using a battery
charger or by taking the car for a long run.
A car with a standard equipment specifica-
tion and a fully charged battery can be left
for up to 40 days and still have a sufficient
charge for starting. If extra equipment is fit-
ted, such as a car phone, the charge may
only be sufficient for about 15 days.
Charging/replacing the battery Connect the positive lead to the positive (+)
battery terminal (red), and the negative lead
to a good ground point, e.g. the lifting lug at
the front of the engine.
To remove the battery, always disconnect
the negative (black) lead first and reconnect
it last when fitting the new battery.
The battery size must comply with DIN
53735 MFI 230/2.16.
WARNING
 Work on the battery may entail an
explosion hazard, since the battery
gives off hydrogen which forms an
explosive mixture with the oxygen in
the air.
For this reason, always avoid sparks
or open flames when working near the
battery.
 The battery contains corrosive sulfuric
acid. Always wear a face mask or
goggles when working on the battery.
 If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes the skin or clothing, wash the
affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large
quantity makes contact with the skin,
seek medical help.
 Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after
handling.
NOTICEA discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from frost.
NOTICETo avert the danger of short-circuiting
between the positive (+) terminal on the
battery and the inlet manifold on the
engine, always disconnect the negative
(–) battery lead first and reconnect it last.
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261 Specifications
Wheels and tires(recommended dimensions)

2.3 Turbo
All season tires
215/55 R16 93 H X
235/45 R17 94 V X
Winter tires
215/55 R16 93 Q X
225/45 R17 94 Q XL/RF X
235/45 R17 94 Q X
Wheel sizes
6.5 x 16” X
7 x 17” X
7.5 x 17” X
Before changing to wheels/tires of another size, we recommend
that you contact an authorized Saab dealer regarding acceptable
options.
Speed ratings and load indexes, see page 228.
Compact spare:
Wheel ___________________________ 4 x 16”
Tire _____________________________ T115/70 R16
Pressure_________________________ 60 psi (420 kPa)
Maximum life _____________________ 2,200 miles
(3500 km)
Maximum speed __________________ 50 mph (80 km/h)
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