2009 SAAB 9-7X stop start

Theft-Deterrent Systems
Vehicle theft is big business, especially in some cities.
This vehicle has theft-deterrent features, however,
they do not make it impossible to steal.
Content Theft-Deterrent
Your vehicle is
equipped with a
content theft-deterrent
alarm system.
Here is how to operate the system:
1. Open the door.
2. Lock the door with the power door lock switch or
the remote keyless entry transmitter. The security
light should ash.
3. Close all doors. The security light should turn off
after approximately 30 seconds. The alarm is not
armed until the security light turns off.If a locked door is opened without the key or the
remote keyless entry transmitter, the alarm will go off.
The headlamps and parking lamps will ash for
two minutes, and the horn will sound for 30 seconds,
then will turn off to save the battery power.
Remember, the theft-deterrent system will not activate
if you lock the doors with a key or use the manual door
lock. It activates only if you use a power door lock switch
with the door open, or with the remote keyless entry
transmitter. You should also remember that you can start
your vehicle with the correct ignition key if the alarm has
been set off.
Here is how to avoid setting off the alarm by accident:
If you do not want to activate the theft-deterrent
system, the vehicle should be locked with the
door keyafterthe doors are closed.
Always unlock a door with a key, or use the remote
keyless entry transmitter. Unlocking a door any
other way will set off the alarm.
If you set off the alarm by accident, unlock any door
with the key. You can also turn off the alarm by pressing
unlock on the remote keyless entry transmitter. The alarm
will not stop if you try to unlock a door any other way.
2-16
ProCarManuals.com

PASS-Key®III Electronic
Immobilizer Operation
Your vehicle is equipped with the PASS-Key III
(Personalized Automotive Security System)
theft-deterrent system. PASS-Key III is a
passive theft-deterrent system.
The system is automatically armed when the key is
removed from the ignition.
You do not have to manually arm or disarm the system.
The security light will come on if there is a problem
with arming or disarming the theft-deterrent system.
When the PASS-Key III system senses that someone
is using the wrong key, it shuts down the vehicle’s starter
and fuel systems. The starter will not work and fuel will
stop being delivered to the engine. Anyone using a
trial-and-error method to start the vehicle will be
discouraged because of the high number of electrical
key codes.When trying to start the vehicle, if the engine does
not start and the SECURITY light comes on, there
may be a problem with your theft-deterrent system.
Turn the ignition off and try again.
If the engine still does not start, and the key appears to
be undamaged, try another ignition key. At this time, you
may also want to check the fuse. SeeFuses and Circuit
Breakers on page 5-107. If the engine still does not start
with the other key, your vehicle needs service. If your
vehicle does start, the rst key may be faulty. See your
dealer/retailer who can service the PASS-Key III to have
a new key made.
It is possible for the PASS-Key III decoder to learn the
transponder value of a new or replacement key. Up to
10 keys may be programmed for the vehicle. This
procedure is for programming additional keys only.
Canadian Owners:If you lose or damage your keys,
only a dealer/retailer can service PASS-Key III to
have new keys made. To program additional keys you
will require two current driver’s keys. You must add
a step to the following procedure. After Step 2 repeat
Steps 1 and 2 with the second current driver’s key.
Then continue with Step 3.
2-18
ProCarManuals.com

To program the new key:
1. Verify that the new key has PK3 stamped on it.
2. Insert the current driver’s key in the ignition
and start the engine. If the engine will not start,
see your dealer/retailer for service.
3. After the engine has started, turn the key to
LOCK/OFF, and remove the key.
4. Insert the key to be programmed and turn it to
ON/RUN within 10 seconds of removing the
previous key.
5. The SECURITY light will turn off once the key has
been programmed. It may not be apparent that the
SECURITY light went on due to how quickly the
key is programmed.
6. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 if additional keys are to
be programmed.
If you are ever driving and the SECURITY light comes
on and stays on, you will be able to restart your engine if
you turn it off. Your PASS-Key III system, however, is not
working properly and must be serviced by your dealer/
retailer. Your vehicle is not protected by the PASS-Key III
system at this time.
If you lose or damage a PASS-Key III key, see your
dealer/retailer to have a new key made.
Do not leave the key or device that disarms or
deactivates the theft deterrent system in the vehicle.Starting and Operating
Your Vehicle
New Vehicle Break-In
Notice:The vehicle does not need an elaborate
break-in. But it will perform better in the long run if
you follow these guidelines:
Keep your speed at 55 mph (88 km/h) or less for
the rst 500 miles (805 km).
Do not drive at any one constant speed, fast or
slow, for the rst 500 miles (805 km). Do not
make full-throttle starts. Avoid downshifting
to brake or slow the vehicle.
Avoid making hard stops for the rst 200 miles
(322 km) or so. During this time the new brake
linings are not yet broken in. Hard stops
with new linings can mean premature wear and
earlier replacement. Follow this breaking-in
guideline every time you get new brake linings.
Do not tow a trailer during break-in. SeeTowing
a Trailer on page 4-29for the trailer towing
capabilities of the vehicle and more information.
Following break-in, engine speed and load can
be gradually increased.
2-19
ProCarManuals.com

Retained Accessory Power (RAP)
These vehicle accessories may be used for up to
10 minutes after the engine is turned off:
Audio System
DVD Player
Power Windows
Overhead console
Sunroof (if equipped)
These features work when the key is in ON/RUN or
ACC/ACCESSORY. Once the key is turned from
ON/RUN to LOCK/OFF, these features will continue
to work up to 10 minutes or until a door is opened.
Starting the Engine
Move the shift lever to P (Park) or N (Neutral).
The engine will not start in any other position.
To restart the engine when the vehicle is already
moving, use N (Neutral) only.
Notice:Do not try to shift to P (Park) if the
vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage
the transmission. Shift to P (Park) only when the
vehicle is stopped.
Starting Procedure
1. With your foot off the accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition to START. When the engine starts, let go of
the key. The idle speed will slow down as the engine
warms. Do not race the engine immediately after
starting it. Operate the engine and transmission
gently to allow the oil to warm up and lubricate all
moving parts.
The vehicle has a Computer-Controlled Cranking
System. This feature assists in starting the engine
and protects components. If the ignition key is turned
to the START position, and then released when the
engine begins cranking, the engine will continue
cranking for a few seconds or until the vehicle starts.
If the engine does not start and the key is held in
START, cranking will be stopped after 15 seconds
to prevent cranking motor damage. To prevent gear
damage, this system also prevents cranking if the
engine is already running. Engine cranking can
be stopped by turning the ignition switch to the
ACC/ACCESSORY or LOCK/OFF position.
Notice:Cranking the engine for long periods of
time, by returning the key to the START position
immediately after cranking has ended, can overheat
and damage the cranking motor, and drain the
battery. Wait at least 15 seconds between each try,
to let the cranking motor cool down.
2-21
ProCarManuals.com

2. If the engine does not start after 5-10 seconds,
especially in very cold weather (below 0°F or−18°C),
it could be ooded with too much gasoline.
Try pushing the accelerator pedal all the way to
the oor and holding it there as you hold the key in
START for up to a maximum of 15 seconds. Wait
at least 15 seconds between each try, to allow the
cranking motor to cool down. When the engine starts,
let go of the key and accelerator. If the vehicle starts
briey but then stops again, repeat these steps.
This clears the extra gasoline from the engine.
Do not race the engine immediately after starting it.
Operate the engine and transmission gently until the
oil warms up and lubricates all moving parts.
Notice:The engine is designed to work with the
electronics in the vehicle. If you add electrical parts
or accessories, you could change the way the
engine operates. Before adding electrical equipment,
check with your dealer/retailer. If you do not, the
engine might not perform properly. Any resulting
damage would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal
If the vehicle has this feature, you can change the
position of the throttle and brake pedals.
The vehicle must be in P (Park) for this feature to
operate.
The switch used to adjust
the pedals is located on
the steering column.
Press the switch forward or backward to move the
pedals closer or farther away from you.
2-22
ProCarManuals.com

Active Fuel Management™
If the vehicle has a 5.3L V8 engine, it has Active Fuel
Management™. This system allows the engine to operate
on either all or half of its cylinders, depending on driving
conditions.
When less power is required, such as cruising at a
constant vehicle speed, the system will operate in the
half cylinder mode, allowing the vehicle to achieve better
fuel economy. When greater power is required, such
as accelerating from a stop, passing, or merging onto a
freeway, the system will maintain full-cylinder operation.
Automatic Transmission Operation
There are several different
positions for the gear shift
lever.P (Park):This position locks the rear wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine because
the vehicle cannot move easily.
{CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift
lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake
rmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure the
vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly
level ground, always set the parking brake and
move the shift lever to P (Park). SeeShifting Into
Park on page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-29.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have
to apply the brake pedal then press the shift
lever button before you can shift from P (Park)
when the ignition key is in ON/RUN.
2-24
ProCarManuals.com

If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way
into P (Park) as you maintain brake application.
Then press the shift lever button and move the shift
lever into another gear. SeeShifting Out of Park
on page 2-29.
R (Reverse):Use this gear to back up.
Notice:Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is
moving forward could damage the transmission.
The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle
is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice, or sand without damaging the transmission,
seeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice,
or Snow on page 4-20.
N (Neutral):In this position, the engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when
the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only.
{CAUTION:
Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is
running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your
foot is rmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could
move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit
people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear
while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with
the engine running at high speed may damage the
transmission. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive):This position is for normal driving. It provides
the best fuel economy. If you need more power for
passing, and you are:
Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push the
accelerator pedal about halfway down.
Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the
accelerator all the way down.
The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and have
more power.
2-25
ProCarManuals.com

Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions
could result in skidding, see “Skidding” underLoss of
Control on page 4-12.
D (Drive) can be used when towing a trailer, carrying a
heavy load, driving on steep hills, or for off-road driving.
You may want to shift the transmission to 3 (Third) or,
if necessary, a lower gear selection if the transmission
shifts too often.
3 (Third):This position is also used for normal driving.
It reduces vehicle speed more than D (Drive) without
using the brakes. You might choose 3 (Third) instead of
D (Drive) when driving on hilly, winding roads, when
towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears
and when going down a steep hill.
To shift to the 3 (Third) position, you must rst press
the large button on the shift handle. While the button
is pressed, move the shifter to the 3 (Third) position.
2 (Second):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 3 (Third) without using the brakes. You can
use 2 (Second) on hills. It can help you control vehicle
speed as you go down steep mountain roads, while
using the brakes off and on.To shift to the 2 (Second) position, you must rst press
the large button on the shift handle. While the button
is pressed, move the shifter to the 2 (Second) position.
You can also use 2 (Second) for starting the vehicle
from a stop on slippery road surfaces.
1 (First):This position reduces vehicle speed even
more than 2 (Second) without using the brakes.
You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or
mud. If the shift lever is put in 1 (First) while the vehicle
is moving forward, the transmission will not shift into
rst gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
To shift to the 1 (First) position, you must rst press
the large button on the shift handle. While the button
is pressed, move the shifter to the 1 (First) position.
Notice:Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in
one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal
may damage the transmission. The repair will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do
not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the
brakes to hold the vehicle in place.
2-26
ProCarManuals.com