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placed back in its proper location and correctly secured on its retain- ing pin. If the floor mat slips forward and interferes with the movement of the pedals during driving, it could cause an accident.
600224
The coat hook is attached to the rear left passenger’s hand grip.Never hang anything on the coat hook that might obstruct the driv- er’s view or that could cause injury in sudden stops or in a collision. And do not hang items on the coat hook that weigh more than 2.2 lbs (1
kg).A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 9 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Interior equipment 6-9
Cargo area cover The cargo area cover is provided for cov- ering the cargo area and to protect its con- tents from direct sunlight. This cover is de- tachable to make room for additional car- go.
¢ Using the cover
600225
To extend the cover, pull the end of the cover out of the housing, then insert its hooks into the catches as shown. To re- wind it, unhook it from the catches and it will rewind automatically. You should hold on to the cover and guide it back into the cover housing while it is rewinding.Do not place anything on the ex- tended cover. Putting excessive weight on the extended cover can break it and an object on the cover could tumble forward in the event of a sudden stop or collision. This could cause serious injury.
Be careful not to scratch the rear gas struts while extending and re- winding the cover. Scratches on the struts could cause leakage of gas from the struts, which may result in their inability to hold the rear liftgate open.
¢ To remove the cover 1. Rewind the cover.
600226
2. Pull either sleeve on the end of the cov- er housing to shorten the cover’s length. 3. Take it off the retainer.¢ Stowage of the cover
600227
– CONTINUED –
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 10 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
6-10 Interior equipment
The cargo area cover can be stowed un- der the cargo floor.
¢ To install the cover housing 1. Pull either sleeve on the end of the cov- er housing to shorten the cover’s length.
Cargo tie-down hooks
600228
2. Insert the projections located on the both ends of the sleeve into the recesses of the retainers.600229
The cargo area is equipped with four tie- down hooks so that cargo can be secured with a cargo net or ropes. When using the tie-down hooks, turn them down out of the storing recesses. When not in use, put the hooks up into the stor- ing recesses.The cargo tie-down hooks are de- signed only for securing light cargo. Never try to secure cargo that ex- ceeds the capacity of the hooks. The maximum load capacity is 44 lbs (20
kg) per hook.A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Starting and operating
Fuel ...................................................................... Fuel requirements .................................................. Fuel filler lid and cap ..............................................
7-2
7-2
7-3State emission testing (U.S. only)/Canadian
Provincial Emission Testing .......................... Preparing to drive .............................................. Starting the engine ............................................. Manual transmission vehicle ................................. Automatic transmission vehicle ............................ Stopping the engine ........................................... Manual transmission – 5 speeds ...................... Shifting speeds ....................................................... Driving tips ..............................................................
7-5
7-6
7-7
7-7
7-7
7-8
7-8
7-9
7-9
Automatic transmission .................................... 7-10
7-11
7-13
Limited slip differential (LSD) 3 ........................ 7-14
Power steering ................................................... 7-15
Braking ................................................................ 7-15
7-15
7-15
7-16
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) .......................... 7-16
7-16
7-17Braking tips ............................................................. Brake system .......................................................... Disc brake pad wear warning indicators ..............
ABS system self-check .......................................... ABS warning light ...................................................
Selector lever for automatic transmission ........... Shift lock release ....................................................
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Parking brake .......................................................... Parking tips .............................................................
system .............................................................. 7-18
Steps to take if EBD system fails .......................... 7-18
Parking your vehicle .......................................... 7-19
7-19
7-19
Cruise control ..................................................... 7-21
7-21
7-22
7-22
7-22To set cruise control .............................................. To temporarily cancel the cruise control ............. To turn off the cruise control ................................. To change the cruising speed ...............................
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories).
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 2 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
7-2 Starting and operating
Fuel
Starting and operating
Use of a fuel which is low in quality or use of an inappropriate fuel addi- tive may cause engine damage.
¢ Fuel requirements q 2.5-liter non-turbo models The 2.5-liter non-turbo engine is designed to operate using unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. q 2.5-liter turbo models 3 The 2.5-liter turbo engine is designed to operate using premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 AKI or higher. If premium unleaded gasoline is not avail- able, regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher may be temporarily used. For optimum engine performance and driveability, it is required that you use premium grade unleaded gasoline. NOTE Be sure to use premium unleaded gas- oline of 91 AKI or higher for a 2.5-liter turbo engine model. If other gasoline (lower than 91 AKI) is used, knocking,
reduced output and poor accelerator response will result. q Fuel octane rating This octane rating is the average of the Research Octane and Motor Octane num- bers and is commonly referred to as the Anti Knock Index (AKI). Using a gasoline with a lower octane rat- ing can cause persistent and heavy knocking, which can damage the engine. Do not be concerned if your vehicle some- times knocks lightly when you drive up a hill or when you accelerate. See your dealer or a qualified service technician if you use a fuel with the specified octane rating and your vehicle knocks heavily or persistently. q Unleaded gasoline The neck of the fuel filler pipe is designed to accept only an unleaded gasoline filler nozzle. Under no circumstances should leaded gasoline be used because it will damage the emission control system and may impair driveability and fuel economy. q Gasoline for California-certified LEV Your vehicle was certified to California’s low emission vehicle (LEV) standards as indicated on the underhood tune-up label, it is designed to optimize engine and emission performance with gasoline that
meets the clean burning low-sulfur Califor- nia gasoline specifications. If you live in any other state than California, your vehi- cle will operate on gasoline meeting Fed- eral specifications. Gasoline sold outside California is permitted to have higher sul- fur levels, which may affect the perfor- mance of your vehicle’s catalytic convert- er and may produce a sulfur exhaust odor or smell. Saab recommends that you try a different brand of unleaded gasoline hav- ing lower sulfur to determine if the prob- lem is fuel related before returning your vehicle to an authorized dealer for service. q MMT Some gasoline contains an octane-en- hancing additive called MMT (Methylcy- clopentadienyl Manganese Tricarbonyl). If you use such fuels, your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the CHECK ENGINE warning light/Mal- function indicator lamp may turn on. If this happens, return to your authorized Saab Dealer for service. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty. q Gasoline for cleaner air Your use of gasoline with detergent addi- tives will help prevent deposits from form- ing in your engine and fuel system. This
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
helps keep your engine in tune and your emission control system working properly, and is a way of doing your part for cleaner air. If you continuously use a high quality fuel with the proper detergent and other additives, you should never need to add any fuel system cleaning agents to your fuel tank. Many gasolines are now blended with ma- terials called oxygenates. Use of these fu- els can also help keep the air cleaner. Ox- ygenated blend fuels, such as MTBE (Me- thyl Tertiary Butyl ether) or ethanol (ethyl or grain alcohol) may be used in your ve- hicle, but should contain no more than 15% MTBE or 10% ethanol for the proper operation of your Saab. In addition, some gasoline suppliers are now producing reformulated gasolines, which are designed to reduce vehicle emissions. Saab approves the use of re- formulated gasoline. If you are not sure what the fuel contains, you should ask your service station oper- ators if their gasolines contain detergents and oxygenates and if they have been re- formulated to reduce vehicle emissions. As additional guidance, only use fuels suited for your vehicle as explained in the following.
Fuel should be unleaded and have an octane rating no lower than that specified in this manual. Methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) is sometimes mixed with unleaded gasoline. Methanol can be used in your vehicle ONLY if it does not exceed 5% of the fuel mixture AND if it is accompanied by suffi- cient quantities of the proper cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors required to pre- vent damage to the fuel system. Do not use fuel containing methanol EXCEPT un- der these conditions. If undesirable driveability problems are experienced and you suspect they may be fuel related, try a different brand of gaso- line before seeking service at your Saab dealer. Fuel system damage or driveability problems which result from the use of im- proper fuel are not covered under the Saab Limited Warranty.
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels con- taining alcohol may cause paint damage, which is not covered under the Saab Limited Warranty.
Starting and operating 7-3
¢ Fuel filler lid and cap q Refueling
700365
700030
1. To open the fuel filler lid, pull the lid re- lease lever. The lever is on the floor at the left of the driver’s seat.– CONTINUED –
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7-4 Starting and operating
700330
1) Open 2) Close 2. Remove the fuel filler cap by turning it slowly counterclockwise.
Gasoline vapor is highly flamma- ble. Before refueling, always first stop the engine and make sure that there are no lighted ciga- rettes, open flames or electrical sparks in the adjacent area.
When opening the cap, do not re- move the cap quickly. Fuel may be under pressure and spray out of the fuel filler neck especially in hot weather, which may cause in- jury.
3. Stop filling the tank after the fuel filler pump automatically stops. Do not add any more fuel. 4. Put the cap back on, turn it clockwise until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain not to catch the tether under the cap while tightening. 5. Close the fuel filler lid completely. If you spill any fuel on the painted surface, rinse it off immediately. Otherwise, the painted surface could be damaged. NOTE If the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks or if the tether is caught under the cap, the CHECK ENGINE warning light may come on. Refer to the “Warn- ing and indicator lights” section locat- ed in chapter 3. (Turbo model only) Promptly put fuel in the tank whenever the low fuel warning light comes on. Engine misfires as a re- sult of an empty tank could cause dam- age to the engine.
Never add any cleaning agents to the fuel tank. The addition of a cleaning agent may cause dam- age to the fuel system.
Make sure that the cap is tight- ened until it clicks to prevent fuel spillage in the event of an acci- dent.
Do not let fuel spill on the exterior
surfaces of the vehicle. Fuels may cause paint damage, which is not covered under the Saab Limited Warranty.
Always use a genuine Saab fuel filler cap. If you use the wrong cap, it may not fit or have proper venting, and your fuel tank and emission control system might be damaged.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 5 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
State emission testing (U.S. only)/Canadian Provincial Emission Testing At state inspection time, remember to tell your inspection or service station in advance not to place your Saab AWD vehicle on a two-wheel dynamometer. Otherwise, serious transmission dam- age will result. Some states/provinces have started using dynamometers in their state inspection programs in order to meet their obligation under federal law to implement stricter ve- hicle emission standards to reduce air pol- lution from vehicles. A dynamometer is a treadmill or roller-like testing device that allows your vehicle’s wheels to turn while the vehicle remains in one place. Depend- ing on the severity of a state’s air pollution problems, the states must adopt either a “basic” or “enhanced” vehicle emission in- spection test. Normally, a portion of the basic emission test consists of an emis- sion inspector inserting an analyzer probe into the exhaust pipe of an idling vehicle for a short period of time. States with more severe air pollution problems are required to adopt an enhanced vehicle emission test. This test simulates actual driving conditions on a dynamometer and permits
more accurate measurement of tailpipe emitted pollution than the basic emission test. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agen- cy (EPA) and states using two-wheel dy- namometers in their emission testing pro- grams have EXEMPTED Saab AWD vehi- cles from the portion of the testing pro- gram that involves a two-wheel dynamom- eter. There are some states that use four-wheel dynamometers in their testing programs. When properly used, that equipment will not damage an AWD Saab vehicle. Under no circumstances should the rear wheels be jacked off the ground, nor should the driveshaft be disconnected for state emission testing.
Testing of an All-Wheel Drive vehi- cle must NEVER be performed on a single two-wheel dynamometer. At- tempting to do so will result in un- controlled vehicle movement and may cause an accident or injuries to persons nearby.
Starting and operating 7-5
Resultant vehicle damage due to im- proper testing is not covered under the Saab Limited Warranty and is the responsibility of the state in- spection program or its contractors or licensees. The EPA has issued regulations for in- specting the On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) system as part of the state emissions in- spection. The OBD system is designed to detect engine and transmission problems that might cause vehicle emissions to ex- ceed allowable limits. These inspections apply to all 1996 model year and newer passenger cars and light trucks. Over 30
states plus the District of Columbia have implemented the OBD system inspection. The inspection of the OBD system con- sists of a visual operational check of the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/malfunc- tion indicator lamp (MIL) and an examina- tion of the OBD system with an electronic scan tool while the engine is running. A vehicle passes the OBD system in- spection if proper the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/MIL illumination is observed, there is no stored diagnostic trouble codes, and the OBD system readiness monitors are complete.– CONTINUED –
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 6 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
7-6 Starting and operating
A vehicle fails the OBD inspection if the “CHECK ENGINE” warning light/MIL is not properly operating or there is one or more diagnostic trouble codes stored in vehicle’s computer with the “CHECK EN- GINE” warning light/MIL illuminated. A state emission inspection may reject (not pass or fail) a vehicle if the number of OBD system readiness monitors “Not Ready” is greater than one. Under this condition, the vehicle operator should be instructed to drive his/her vehicle for a few days to set the monitors and return for an emission re-inspection. Owners of rejected or failing vehicles should contact their Saab Dealer for ser- vice.
Preparing to drive You should perform the following checks and adjustments every day before you start driving. 1. Check that all windows, mirrors, and lights are clean and unobstructed. 2. Check the appearance and condition of the tires. Also check tires for proper infla- tion. 3. Look under the vehicle for any sign of leaks. 4. Check that the hood, trunk and rear lift- gate are fully closed. 5. Check the adjustment of the seat. 6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors. 7. Fasten your seatbelt. Check that your passengers have fastened their seatbelts. 8. Check the operation of the warning and indicator lights when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. 9. Check the gauges, indicator and warn- ing lights after starting the engine. NOTE Engine oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, washer fluid and other fluid levels should be checked daily, weekly or at fuel stops.
Starting the engine
Do not operate the starter motor continuously for more than ten sec- onds. If the engine fails to start after operating the starter for five to ten seconds, wait for ten seconds or more before trying again.
¢ Manual transmission vehicle 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories. 3. Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the shift lever into neutral. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while starting the engine. The starter motor will only operate when the clutch pedal is pressed fully to the floor. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po- sition and check the operation of the warn- ing and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelera- tor pedal. Release the key immediately af- ter the engine has started.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 7 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
If the engine does not start, try the follow- ing.
1)Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position and wait for at least 10 sec- onds. After checking that the parking brake is firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while de- pressing the accelerator pedal slightly (about a quarter of the full stroke). Re- lease the accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts. 2)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” posi- tion and wait for at least 10 seconds. Then fully depress the accelerator ped- al and turn the ignition switch to the “START” position. If the engine starts, quickly release the accelerator pedal. 3)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the “OFF” posi- tion. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. 4)If the engine still refuses to start, con- tact your nearest Saab dealer for assis- tance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone off after the engine has started. The fuel injection system auto- matically lowers the idle speed as the en- gine warms up.
NOTE The engine may be difficult to start when the battery has been disconnect- ed and reconnected (for maintenance or other purposes). This difficulty is caused by the electronically controlled throttle’s self-diagnosis function. To overcome it, keep the ignition switch in the “ON” position for approximately 10
seconds before starting the engine.¢ Automatic transmission vehi-
cle
1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Turn off unnecessary lights and acces- sories. 3. Shift the selector lever to the “P” or “N” position (preferably “P” position). The starter motor will only operate when the select lever is at the “P” or “N” position. 4. Turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po- sition and check the operation of the warn- ing and indicator lights. Refer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3). 5. Turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelera- tor pedal. Release the key immediately af- ter the engine has started. If the engine does not start, try the follow- ing.
Starting and operating 7-7
1)Turn the ignition switch to the “OFF” position and wait for at least 10 sec- onds. After checking that the parking brake is firmly set, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position while de- pressing the accelerator pedal slightly (about a quarter of the full stroke). Re- lease the accelerator pedal as soon as the engine starts. 2)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch back to the “OFF” posi- tion and wait for at least 10 seconds. Then fully depress the accelerator ped- al and turn the ignition switch to the “START” position. If the engine starts, quickly release the accelerator pedal. 3)If this fails to start the engine, turn the ignition switch again to the “OFF” posi- tion. After waiting for 10 seconds or longer, turn the ignition switch to the “START” position without depressing the accelerator pedal. 4)If the engine still refuses to start, con- tact your nearest Saab dealer for assis- tance.
6. Confirm that all warning and indicator lights have gone out after the engine has started. The fuel injection system auto- matically lowers the idle speed as the en- gine warms up. While the engine is warming up, make sure that the selector lever is at the “P” or – CONTINUED –
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 8 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
7-8 Starting and operating
“N” position and that the parking brake is applied. NOTE The engine may be difficult to start when the battery has been disconnect- ed and reconnected (for maintenance or other purposes). This difficulty is caused by the electronically controlled throttle’s self-diagnosis function. To overcome it, keep the ignition switch in the “ON” position for approximately 10
seconds before starting the engine.If you restart the engine while the vehicle is moving, shift the selector lever into the “N” position. Do not attempt to place the selector lever of a moving vehicle into the “P” posi- tion.
Stopping the engine The ignition switch should be turned off only when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling.
Do not stop the engine when the ve- hicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the power steering and the brake booster, making steering and braking more difficult. It could also result in accidental activation of the “LOCK” position on the igni- tion switch, causing the steering wheel to lock.
Manual transmission – 5 speeds
700032
The manual transmission is a fully syn- chromeshed, 5-forward-speed and 1-re- verse-speed transmission. The shift pattern is shown on the shift le- ver knob. When shifting from 5th gear to reverse gear, first return the shift lever to the neutral position then shift into reverse gear. To change gears, fully depress the clutch pedal, move the shift lever, and gradually let up on the clutch pedal. If it is difficult to shift into gear, put the transmission in neutral, release the clutch pedal momentarily, and then try again.A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 9 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Do not drive the vehicle with the clutch disengaged (i.e., when the clutch pedal is depressed) or with the shift lever in the neutral posi- tion. Engine braking has no effect in either of these conditions and the risk of an accident is consequently increased.
Shift into reverse ONLY when the vehicle has completely stopped. It may cause damage to the transmis- sion to try shifting into reverse when the vehicle is moving.
¢ Shifting speeds q Recommended shifting speeds The best compromise between fuel econ- omy and vehicle performance during nor- mal driving is ensured by shifting up at the speeds listed in the following table.
Shift up
1st to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th
mph (km/h)
15 (24)
25 (40)
40 (65)
45 (73)
q Maximum allowable speeds The following table shows the maximum speeds that are possible with each differ- ent gear. Never exceed the speed limit listed in the following table for each gear position ex- cept for brief acceleration in an emergen- cy. The tachometer’s needle will enter the red area if these speeds are exceeded. Failure to observe this precaution can lead to excessive engine wear and poor fuel economy. Non-turbo models
mph (km/h)
1st
2nd
3rd
31 (50)
52 (84)
76 (120)
Starting and operating 7-9
Turbo models
mph (km/h)
1st
2nd
3rd
34 (54)
59 (95)
85 (136)
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Al- lowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to ob- serve this precaution can lead to en- gine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a conse- quence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident in- creased.
¢ Driving tips Do not drive with your foot resting on the clutch pedal and do not use the clutch to hold your vehicle at a standstill on an up-
– CONTINUED –
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 10 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
7-10 Starting and operating
grade. Either of those actions may cause clutch damage. Do not drive with your hand resting on the shift lever. This may cause wear on the transmission components. When it is necessary to reduce vehicle speed due to slow traffic, turning corners, or driving up steep hills, downshift to a lower gear before the engine starts to la- bor. On steep downgrades, downshift the transmission to 4th, 3rd or 2nd gear as necessary; this helps to maintain a safe speed and to extend brake pad life. In this way, the engine provides a braking effect. Remember, if you “ride” (over use) the brakes while descending a hill, they may overheat and not work properly. The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon is not an indication of a problem in your vehicle.
Automatic transmission The automatic transmission is electroni- cally controlled and provides 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. NOTE When the engine coolant tempera- ture is still low, your vehicle’s automat- ic transmission will up-shift at higher engine speeds than when the coolant temperature is sufficiently high in or- der to shorten the warm-up time and improve driveability. The gearshift tim- ing will automatically shift to the nor- mal timing after the engine has warmed up. Immediately after ATF (automatic transmission fluid) is replaced, you may feel that the automatic transmis- sion operation is somewhat unusual. This results from invalidation of data the on-board computer has collected and stored in memory to allow the transmission to shift at the most ap- propriate times for the current condi- tion of your vehicle. Optimized shifting will be restored as the vehicle contin- ues to be driven for a while.
Do not shift from the “P” or “N” po- sition into the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position while depressing the accelerator pedal. This may cause the vehicle to jump forward or back- ward.
Shift into the “P” or “R” position only after the vehicle is complete- ly stopped. Shifting while the ve- hicle is moving may cause damage to the transmission.
Do not race the engine for more than five seconds in any position except the “N” or “P” position when the brake is set or when chocks are used in the wheels. This may cause the automatic transmission fluid to overheat.
Avoid shifting from one of the for- ward driving positions into the “R” position or vice versa until the vehicle has completely stopped. Such shifting may cause damage to the transmission.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 11 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
When parking the vehicle, first se- curely apply the parking brake and then place the selector lever in the “P” position. Avoid parking for a long time with the selector le- ver in any other position as doing so could result in a dead battery.
¢ Selector lever for automatic
transmission
700034
Starting and operating 7-11
sure safe starting of the vehicle. To shift the selector lever from the “P” to the any other position, you have to de- press the brake pedal fully when the igni- tion switch is in the “ON” position. This prevents the vehicle from lurching when it is started. If the shift lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal de- pressed, refer to the “Shift lock release” section in this chapter. q R (Reverse) This position is for backing the vehicle. To shift from the “N” to “R” position, first stop the vehicle completely then move the lever to the “R” position. q N (Neutral) This position is for restarting a stalled en- gine. In this position the wheels and transmis- sion are not locked. In this position, the transmission is neutral; the vehicle will roll freely, even on the slightest incline unless the parking brake or foot brake is on. Avoid coasting with the transmission neu- tral. During coasting, there is no engine brak- ing effect.
– CONTINUED –
700332
: With the brake pedal depressed,
move the lever along the gate. : Move the lever along the gate.
The selector lever has seven positions. q P (Park) This position is for parking the vehicle and starting the engine. In this position, the transmission is me- chanically locked to prevent the vehicle from rolling freely. When you park the vehicle, first set the parking brake fully, then shift into the “P” position. Do not hold the vehicle with only the transmission. A shift interlock function is employed in the automatic transmission system to en-
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 12 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
7-12 Starting and operating
NOTE If you stop the engine with the selector lever in the “N” position, move the se- lector lever to the “P” position immedi- ately. Otherwise, you may find that the selector lever soon cannot be moved to the “P” position. If you find that the selector lever cannot be moved from the “N” position to the “P” position, turn the ignition switch to the “ON” po- sition and try again.
Do not drive the vehicle with the se- lector lever in the “N” (neutral) posi- tion. Engine braking has no effect in this condition and the risk of an ac- cident is consequently increased. q D (Drive) This position is for normal driving. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 4th according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 3rd, 2nd or 1st gear. When you release
the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. s While climbing a grade When driving up hill, undesired upshift to 4th gear is prevented from taking place when the accelerator pedal is released. This minimizes the chances of subse- quent downshifting to a lower gear when accelerating again. This prevents repeat- ed upshifting and downshifting resulting in a smoother operation of the vehicle. NOTE The transmission may downshift to 2nd or 1st gear, depending on the way the accelerator pedal is pressed to ac- celerate the vehicle again. s While going down a hill When descending a steep hill, depressing the brake pedal will cause the transmis- sion to downshift to 3rd gear, thus apply- ing engine braking. Reacceleration for a short time will cause the transmission to upshift normally. NOTE In some cases, depressing the brake pedal on a downhill grade does not re- sult in an automatic downshift to 3rd gear. This can happen when the auto- matic transmission fluid temperature is
very low, for example, during driving shortly after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time. When the ATF temperature has risen to a certain level, automatic downshift normally takes place. In the meantime, downshift manually for engine braking as required. q 3 (Third) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a grade. The transmission automatically shifts into a suitable gear from 1st to 3rd according to the vehicle speed and the acceleration you require. When more acceleration is required in this position, press the accelerator pedal fully to the floor and hold that position. The transmission will automatically downshift to 2nd or 1st gear. When you release the pedal, the transmission will return to the original gear position. q 2 (Second) This position is for using engine braking when going down a hill or for climbing a steep grade. In this position, the transmission holds in the 2nd gear. Use this position when starting off from a
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 13 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
standstill on slippery road surfaces such as mud or snow. It will ensure greater trac- tion. q 1 (First) This position is for driving up or down very steep grades, or driving through mud or sand, or on slippery surfaces. In this posi- tion, the transmission holds in the 1st gear. q Maximum speeds The following tables show the maximum speeds that are possible with each differ- ent gear. When shifting down a gear, it is important to confirm that the current vehicle speed is not in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed of the gear which is about to be se- lected.
mph (km/h)
Non-turbo models
Turbo models
28 (45)
62 (100)
97 (156)
28 (45)
65 (104)
104 (167)
NOTE In order to prevent over-revving during deceleration of the vehicle, the trans-
mission will remain in the current gear if the speed of the vehicle is in excess of the Maximum Allowable Speed for the gear to which the selector lever has been moved.
When shifting down a gear, ensure that the vehicle is not travelling at a speed exceeding the Maximum Al- lowable Speed for the gear which is about to be selected. Failure to ob- serve this precaution can lead to en- gine over-revving and this in turn can result in engine damage. In addition, sudden application of engine brakes when the vehicle is travelling on a slippery surface can lead to wheel locking; as a conse- quence, control of the vehicle may be lost and the risk of an accident in- creased. q Driving tips Always apply the foot or parking brake when the vehicle is stopped in the “D”, “3”, “2”, “1” or “R” position. Always set the parking brake when parking your vehicle. Do not hold the vehi- cle with only the transmission. Do not keep the vehicle in a stationary
Starting and operating 7-13
position on an uphill grade by using the “D”, “3”, “2”, or “1” position. Use the brake instead. The engine may, on rare occasions, knock when the vehicle rapidly accelerates or rapidly pulls away from a standstill. This phenomenon is not an indication of a problem in your vehicle.
¢ Shift lock release If the selector lever does not move from the “P” position with the brake pedal de- pressed and the ignition switch in the “ON” position, perform the following steps: To override the shift lock: 1. Set the parking brake and stop the en- gine. 2. Take out the screwdriver from the tool bag. 3. Remove the cover by prying on the edge with the screwdriver.
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A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 14 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
7-14 Starting and operating
6. Remove the screwdriver from the hole. Depress the brake pedal and start the en- gine. Take your vehicle to the nearest Saab dealer immediately to have the system re- paired.
700059
700060
4. Insert the screwdriver into the hole. 5. Push down on the screwdriver and move the selector lever from the “P” to the “N” position.
Limited slip differential (LSD) 3
The LSD provides optimum distribution of power according to the difference in revo- lutions between the right and left wheels that may be caused by certain driving con- ditions, thereby improving driving stability on snow-covered, muddy or other slippery roads or when high speed driving. Never start the engine while a tire on one side is jacked up, as the vehicle may move.
If one tire is spinning in mud, avoid continued spinning at high speed as this could adversely af- fect the LSD.
If you use a temporary spare tire to replace a flat tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes will adversely affect the LSD.
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Power steering The power steering system operates only when the engine is running. If you lose power steering assist because the engine stops or the system fails to function, you can steer but it will take much more effort. NOTE Right after the engine has been started and before it has warmed up, you may hear a noise coming from areas adja- cent to the power steering pump which is located at the right-front area of the engine compartment. This noise is nor- mal. It does not indicate power steering system trouble.
Do not hold the steering wheel at the fully locked position left or right for more than five seconds. This may damage the power steering pump.
Braking ¢ Braking tips
Never rest your foot on the brake pedal while driving. This can cause dangerous overheating of the brakes and needless wear on the brake pads and linings. q When the brakes get wet When driving in rain or after washing the vehicle, the brakes may get wet. As a re- sult, brake stopping distance will be long- er. To dry the brakes, drive the vehicle at a safe speed while lightly depressing the brake pedal to heat up the brakes. q Use of engine braking Remember to make use of engine braking in addition to foot braking. When descend- ing a grade, if only the foot brake is used, the brakes may start working improperly because of brake fluid overheating, caused by overheated brake pads. To help prevent this, shift into a lower gear to get stronger engine braking. q Braking when a tire is punctured Do not depress the brake pedal suddenly
Starting and operating 7-15
when a tire is punctured. This could cause a loss of control of the vehicle. Keep driv- ing straight ahead while gradually reduc- ing speed. Then slowly pull off the road to a safe place.
¢ Brake system q Two separate circuits Your vehicle has two separate circuit brake systems. Each circuit works diago- nally across the vehicle. If one circuit of the brake system should fail, the other half of the system still works. If one circuit fails, the brake pedal will go down much closer to the floor than usual and you will need to press it down much harder. And a much longer distance will be needed to stop the vehicle. q Brake booster The brake booster uses engine manifold vacuum to assist braking force. Do not turn off the engine while driving because that will turn off the brake booster, result- ing in poor braking power. The brakes will continue to work even when the brake booster completely stops functioning. If this happens, however, you will have to push the pedal much harder than normal and the braking distance will increase.
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7-16 Starting and operating
¢ Disc brake pad wear warning
indicators
700040
The disc brake pad wear warning indica- tors on the disc brakes give a warning noise when the brake pads are worn. If a squeaking or scraping noise is heard from the disc brakes while braking, imme- diately have your vehicle checked by your Saab dealer.ABS (Anti-lock Brake Sys- tem) The ABS system prevents the lock-up of wheels which may occur during sudden braking or braking on slippery road surfac- es. This helps prevent the loss of steering control and directional stability caused by wheel lock-up. When the ABS system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal when the ABS operates. The ABS system will not operate when the vehicle speed is below approximately 6
mph (10 km/h).Always use the utmost care in driv- ing – overconfidence because you are driving with an ABS equipped vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.
The ABS system does not always decrease stopping distance. You should always maintain a safe fol- lowing distance from other vehi- cles.
When driving on badly surfaced roads, gravel roads, icy roads, or over deep newly fallen snow, stopping distances may be longer for a vehicle with the ABS system than one without. When driving under these conditions, therefore, reduce your speed and leave am- ple distance from other vehicles. When you feel the ABS system operating, you should maintain constant brake pedal pressure. Do not pump the brake pedal since doing so may defeat the op- eration of the ABS system.
¢ ABS system self-check Just after the vehicle is started, you may feel on the brake pedal a vibration similar to when the ABS operates, and you may also hear the sound of the ABS working from the engine compartment. This is caused by an automatic functional test of
Starting and operating 7-17
ter the engine is started but goes out immediately, remaining off. The warning light remains on after the engine has been started, but it goes out when the vehicle speed reaches approximately 8 mph (12 km/h). The warning light comes on during driving, but it goes out immediately and remains off.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 17 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
the ABS system being carried out and does not indicate any abnormal condition.
¢ ABS warning light
700359
The ABS warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” posi- tion and goes out after approximately two seconds. This is an indication that the ABS system is working properly. When driving with an insufficient battery voltage such as when the engine is jump started, the ABS warning light may come on. This is due to the low battery voltage and does not indicate a malfunction. When the battery becomes fully charged, the light will go out.When the warning light is on, the ABS function shuts down; however, the conventional brake system con- tinues to operate normally. If the warning light behaves as follows, the ABS system may not be working properly. The warning light does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position.
The warning light comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but it does not go out even when the vehicle speed exceeds approximately 8 mph (12
km/h). The warning light comes on dur-
ing driving.
If these occur, have the ABS system repaired at the first available oppor- tunity by your Saab dealer.
NOTE If the warning light behavior is as de- scribed in the following, the ABS sys- tem may be considered normal. The warning light comes on right af-
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7-18 Starting and operating
Electronic Brake Force Dis- tribution (EBD) system The EBD system maximizes the effective- ness of the brakes by allowing the rear brakes to supply a greater proportion of the braking force. It functions by adjusting the distribution of braking force to the rear wheels in accordance with the vehicle’s loading condition and speed. The EBD system is an integral part of the ABS system and uses some of the ABS system’s components to perform its func- tion of optimizing the distribution of brak- ing force. If any of the ABS components used by the EBD function fails, the EBD system also stops working. When the EBD system is operating, you may hear a chattering noise or feel a slight vibration in the brake pedal. This is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
warning light illuminate simultaneously, take the following steps: 1. Stop the vehicle in the nearest safe, flat place. 2. Shut down the engine, then restart it. 3. Release the parking brake. If both warning lights go out, the EBD system may be faulty. Drive carefully to the near- est Saab dealer and have the system in- spected. 4. If both warning lights come on again and stay illuminated after the engine has been restarted, shut down the engine again, apply the parking brake, and check the brake fluid level. 5. If the brake fluid level is not below the “MIN” mark, the EBD system may be faulty. Drive carefully to the nearest Saab dealer and have the system inspected. 6. If the brake fluid level is below the “MIN” mark, DO NOT drive the vehicle. In- stead, have the vehicle towed to the near- est Saab dealer for repair.
¢ Steps to take if EBD system
fails
700360
If a malfunction occurs in the EBD system, the system stops working and the brake system warning light and ABS warning light come on simultaneously. The EBD system may be faulty if the brake system warning light and ABS warning light illuminate simultaneously during driv- ing. Even if the EBD system fails, the conven- tional braking system will still function. However, the rear wheels will be more prone to locking when the brakes are ap- plied harder than usual and the vehicle’s motion may therefore become somewhat harder to control. If the brake system warning light and ABSA1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 19 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Driving with the brake system warning light on is dangerous. This indicates your brake system may not be working properly. If the light remains on, have the brakes inspected by a Saab dealer immediately.
If at all in doubt about whether the brakes are operating properly, do not drive the vehicle. Have your vehicle towed to the nearest Saab dealer for repair.
Parking your vehicle ¢ Parking brake To set the parking brake, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it down while fully pulling up the parking brake lever.
700336
To release the parking brake, pull the le- ver up slightly, press the release button, then lower the lever while keeping the but- ton pressed. When the parking brake is set while the engine is running, the parking brake warn- ing light comes on. After starting the vehi- cle, be sure that the warning light has gone out before the vehicle is driven. Re- fer to the “Warning and indicator lights” section (chapter 3).Starting and operating 7-19
Never drive while the parking brake is set because this will cause unnec- essary wear on the brake linings. Before starting to drive, always make sure that the parking brake has been fully released.
¢ Parking tips When parking your vehicle, always set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in the “1” (1st) for an upgrade or “R” (Re- verse) for a downgrade for manual trans- mission vehicles, or in the “P” (Park) posi- tion for automatic transmission vehicles. Always set the parking brake firmly when parking your vehicle. Never rely on the transmission alone to hold the vehicle.
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7-20 Starting and operating
If your vehicle has a front under- spoiler and rear underspoiler (both optional), pay attention to blocks and other obstructions on the ground when parking. The under- spoilers could be damaged by con- tact with them.
Never leave unattended children or pets in the vehicle. They could accidentally injure themselves or others through inadvertent opera- tion of the vehicle. Also, on hot or sunny days, the temperature in a closed vehicle could quickly be- come high enough to cause se- vere or possibly fatal injuries to people.
Do not park the vehicle over flam- mable materials such as dry grass, waste paper or rags, as they may burn easily if they come near hot engine or exhaust sys- tem parts.
Be sure to stop the engine if you take a nap in the vehicle. If engine exhaust gas enters the passenger compartment, occupants in the vehicle could die from carbon monoxide (CO) contained in the exhaust gas.
700366
When parking on a hill, always turn the steering wheel. When the vehicle is head- ed up the hill, the front wheels should be turned away from the curb.700367
When facing downhill, the front wheels should be turned into the curb.A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 21 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Cruise control Cruise control enables you to maintain a constant vehicle speed without holding your foot on the accelerator pedal and it is operative when the vehicle speed is 25
mph (40 km/h) or more. Make sure the main switch is turned “OFF” when the cruise control is not in use to avoid unin- tentionally setting the cruise control. NOTE If you move the cruise control lever or press the main switch button while turning the ignition switch “ON”, the cruise control function is deactivated and the “CRUISE” indicator light flash- es. To reactivate the cruise control function, turn the ignition switch back to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position, and then turn it again to the “ON” position.Do not use the cruise control under any of the following conditions. This may cause loss of vehicle control: driving up or down a steep grade driving in the rain or on slippery or
winding roads
driving in heavy traffic
¢ To set cruise control
vehicle reaches the desired speed.
Starting and operating 7-21
1. Push the main switch button.
300332
300333
3. Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction and release it. Then release the accelerator pedal.700361
” indicator light on the instru-The “ ment cluster will come on. 2. Depress the accelerator pedal until the
At this time, the “ illuminated in the instrument cluster.
700362
” indicator light is– CONTINUED –
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7-22 Starting and operating
The vehicle will maintain the desired speed. Vehicle speed can be temporarily in- creased while driving with the cruise con- trol activated. Simply depress the acceler- ator pedal to accelerate the vehicle. When the accelerator pedal is released, the ve- hicle will return to and maintain the previ- ous cruising speed.
¢ To temporarily cancel the
cruise control
There are five ways to cancel the cruise control temporarily:
700161
Pull the control lever in the “CANCEL” direction. Depress the brake pedal.(automatic
Depress the clutch pedal (manual trans- mission vehicles only). Shift the selector lever into the “N” posi- tion transmission vehicles only). Shift the shift lever into neutral (manual transmission vehicles only). The “ ” indicator light in the instru- ment cluster goes off when the cruise con- trol is cancelled. To resume the cruise control after it has been temporarily canceled and with vehi- cle speed of approximately 20 mph (32
km/h) or more, push the control lever up- ward in the “RES/ACC” direction to return to the original cruising speed automatical- ly. The “ ” indicator light in the instru- ment cluster will automatically come on at this time.¢ To turn off the cruise control There are two ways to turn off the cruise control: Push the main switch again. Turn the ignition switch to the “ACC” or “LOCK” position (but only when the vehi- cle is completely stopped).
¢ To change the cruising speed q To increase the speed (by control le-
ver)
300334
Push the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehicle speed at that moment will be memorized and treated as the new set speed. When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be increased 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever upward in the “RES/ACC” direction quickly.A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 23 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Starting and operating 7-23
q To increase the speed (by accelera-
tor pedal)
1. Depress the accelerator pedal to accel- erate the vehicle to the desired speed. 2. Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the vehicle will keep running at that speed without de- pressing the accelerator pedal. NOTE If the difference between the actual ve- hicle speed when the control lever is pushed downward and the speed last time you set it is less than 4 mph (6.8
km/h), the vehicle speed will be low- ered by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). This occurs because the cruise control system unit regards this lever operation as that in- tended to decrease the vehicle speed.q To decrease the speed (by control
lever)
300333
Push the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction and hold it until the vehicle reaches the desired speed. Then, release the control lever. The vehi- cle speed at that moment will be memo- rized and treated as the new set speed. When the difference between the actual vehicle speed and the set speed is less than 4 mph (6.8 km/h), the set speed can be lowered 1 mph (1.6 km/h) each time by pressing the control lever downward in the “SET/COAST” direction quickly.q To decrease the speed (by brake
pedal)
1. Depress the brake pedal to release cruise control temporarily. 2. When the speed decreases to the de- sired speed, press the control lever down- ward in the “SET/COAST” direction once. Now the desired speed is set and the ve- hicle will keep running at that speed with- out depressing the accelerator pedal.
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A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 1 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) .............................................. Fuel economy hints ............................................ Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide) .......... Catalytic converter ............................................. Periodic inspections .......................................... Driving in foreign countries .............................. Driving tips for AWD vehicles ........................... Off road driving .................................................. Winter driving ..................................................... Operation during cold weather .............................. Driving on snowy and icy roads ............................ Corrosion protection .............................................. Snow tires ................................................................ Tire chains ............................................................... Rocking the vehicle ................................................
8-2
8-2
8-2
8-3
8-4
8-4
8-5
8-6
8-6
8-6
8-7
8-8
8-9
8-9
8-9
Loading your vehicle ......................................... 8-10
8-11Vehicle capacity weight ......................................... GVWR and GAWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating and Gross Axle Weight Rating) ........................... Roof crossbar 3 ......................................................
8-11
8-12
Trailer towing ...................................................... 8-13
8-13
8-13
8-16
8-17
8-18Warranties and maintenance ................................. Maximum load limits .............................................. Trailer hitches ......................................................... Connecting a trailer ................................................ Trailer towing tips ...................................................
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories).
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8-2 Driving tips
Driving tips
New vehicle break-in driving – the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km) The performance and long life of your ve- hicle are dependent on how you handle and care for your vehicle while it is new. Follow these instructions during the first 1,000 miles (1,600 km): Do not race the engine. And do not al- low engine speed to exceed 4,000 rpm ex- cept in an emergency. Do not drive at one constant engine or vehicle speed for a long time, either fast or slow. Avoid starting suddenly and rapid accel- eration, except in an emergency. Avoid hard braking, except in an emer- gency. The same break-in procedures should be applied to an overhauled engine, newly mounted engine or when brake pads or brake linings are replaced with new ones.
Fuel economy hints The following suggestions will help to save your fuel. Select the proper gear position for the speed and road conditions. Avoid sudden acceleration or decelera- tion. Always accelerate gently until you reach the desired speed. Then try to main- tain that speed for as long as possible. Do not pump the accelerator and avoid racing the engine. Avoid unnecessary engine idling. Keep the engine properly tuned. Keep the tires inflated to the correct pressure shown on the tire label, which is located under the door latch on the driv- er’s side. Low pressure will increase tire wear and fuel consumption. Use the air conditioner only when nec- essary. Keep the front and rear wheels in prop- er alignment. Avoid carrying unnecessary luggage or cargo.
Engine exhaust gas (Carbon monoxide)
Never inhale engine exhaust gas. Engine exhaust gas contains car- bon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled.
Always properly maintain the en- gine exhaust system to prevent engine exhaust gas from entering the vehicle.
Never run the engine in a closed space, such as a garage, except for the brief time needed to drive the vehicle in or out of it.
Avoid remaining in a parked vehi- cle for a lengthy time while the en- gine is running. If that is unavoid- able, then use the ventilation fan to force fresh air into the vehicle. Always keep the front ventilation inlet grille free from snow, leaves or other obstructions to ensure that the ventilation system always works properly.
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 3 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
If at any time you suspect that ex- haust fumes are entering the vehi- cle, have the problem checked and corrected as soon as possi- ble. If you must drive under these conditions, drive only with all win- dows fully open.
Keep the trunk lid or rear liftgate closed while driving to prevent ex- haust gas from entering the vehi- cle. NOTE Due to the expansion and contraction of the metals used in the manufacture of the exhaust system, you may hear a crackling sound coming from the ex- haust system for a short time after the engine has been shut off. This sound is normal.
Catalytic converter
Turbo models
800232
Non-turbo models
800218
Driving tips 8-3
The catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system. It serves as catalyst to reduce HC, CO and NOx in exhaust gas- es, thus providing cleaner exhaust. To avoid damage to the catalytic convert- er: Use only unleaded fuel. Even a small amount of leaded fuel will damage the cat- alytic converter. Never start the engine by pushing or pulling the vehicle. Avoid racing the engine. Never turn off the ignition switch while the vehicle is moving. Keep your engine tuned-up. If you feel the engine running rough (misfiring, back- firing or incomplete combustion), have your vehicle checked and repaired by an authorized Saab dealer. Do not apply undercoating or rust pre- vention treatment to the heat shield of cat- alytic converter and the exhaust system.
Avoid fire hazards. Do not drive or park the vehicle anywhere near flammable materials (e.g. grass, paper, rags or leaves), because the catalytic converter operates at very high temperatures.
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8-4 Driving tips
Keep everyone and flammable materials away from the exhaust pipe while the engine is running. The exhaust gas is very hot.
Periodic inspections To keep your vehicle in the best condition at all times, always have the recommend- ed maintenance services listed in the maintenance schedule in the “Saab War- ranty and Service Record Booklet” per- formed at the specified time or mileage in- tervals.
Driving in foreign countries When planning to use your vehicle in an- other country: Confirm the availability of the correct fu- el. (Refer to the “Fuel requirements” sec- tion in chapter 7.) Comply with all regulations and require- ments of each country.
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Driving tips for AWD vehicles
800004
All-Wheel Drive distributes the engine power to all four wheels. AWD vehicles provide better traction when driving on slippery, wet or snow-covered roads and when moving out of mud, dirt and sand. By shifting power between the front and rear wheels, AWD can also provide added traction during acceleration and added en- gine braking force during deceleration. Therefore, your Saab AWD vehicle may handle differently than an ordinary two wheel drive vehicle and it contains some features unique to AWD. For safety pur- poses as well as to avoid damaging the AWD system, you should keep the follow- ing tips in mind: An AWD vehicle is better able to climb steeper roads under snowy or slippery conditions than a two wheel drive vehicle. There is little difference in handling, how- ever, during extremely sharp turns or sud- den braking. Therefore, when driving down a slope or turning corners, be sure to reduce your speed and maintain an am- ple distance from other vehicles. When replacing a tire, make sure you use only the same size, construction, brand, and load range as the original tires listed on the tire label. Using other sizes, circumference or construction may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle and may affect ride, handling, braking, speedometer/odometer calibration, and clearance between the body and tires. It also may be dangerous and lead to loss of vehicle control. If you use a temporary spare tire to re- place a flat tire, be sure to use the original temporary spare tire stored in the vehicle. Using other sizes may result in severe mechanical damage to the drive train of your vehicle. Always check the cold tire pressure be- fore starting to drive. The recommended tire pressure is provided on the tire label, which is located under the door latch on
Driving tips 8-5
the driver’s side on U.S. vehicles or in the glovebox on Canadian vehicles. Tire chains should always be placed on the front wheels only. There are some precautions that you must observe when towing your vehicle. For detail information, see the “Towing” section in chapter 9.
Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions. Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All-Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.
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8-6 Driving tips
Off road driving
Always maintain a safe driving speed according to the road and weather conditions in order to avoid having an accident on a sharp turn, during sudden braking or under other similar conditions. Always use the utmost care in driving – overconfidence because you are driving an All-Wheel Drive vehicle could easily lead to a seri- ous accident.
Do not drive on rough roads or over curbs in a vehicle that has 17-inch or other ultra-low-profile tires. The wheels and tires could be damaged by shock forces, leading to abnor- mal vibration or poor straight-line tracking. Driving would then be more difficult. Your AWD vehicle is neither a convention- al off-road vehicle nor an all terrain vehi- cle. It is a passenger car designed prima- rily for on-road use. The AWD feature gives it some limited off-road capabilities
in situations in which driving surfaces are relatively level, obstruction-free and other- wise similar to on-road driving conditions. Operating it under other than those condi- tions could subject the vehicle to exces- sive stress which might result in damage not eligible for repair under warranty. If you do take your Saab 9-2X off road, you should review the common sense precau- tions in the next section for general guid- ance. Never attempt to drive through pools and puddles, or roads flooded with water. Wa- ter entering the engine air intake or the ex- haust pipe or water splashing onto electri- cal parts may damage your vehicle and may cause it to stall.
Winter driving
800271
¢ Operation during cold weath-
er
Carry some emergency equipment, such as tire chains, a window scraper, a bag of sand, flares, a small shovel, and jumper cables. Check the battery and cables. Cold tem- peratures reduce battery capacity. The battery must be in good condition to pro- vide enough power for cold winter starts. Use an engine oil of proper grade and vis- cosity for cold weather. Heavy summer oil will cause harder starting.
A1910BE-A-G08SAAB.fm Page 7 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:55 AM
Keep the door locks from freezing by squirting them with deicer or glycerin. Forcing a frozen door open may damage or separate the rubber weather strips around the door. If the door is frozen, use hot water to melt the ice, and afterwards thoroughly wipe the water away. Use a windshield washer fluid that con- tains an antifreeze solution. Do not use engine antifreeze or other substitutes be- cause they may damage the paint of the vehicle. q Before driving your vehicle Before entering the vehicle, remove any snow or ice from your shoes because that could make the pedals slippery and dan- gerous. While warming up the vehicle before driv- ing, check that the accelerator pedal, brake pedal, and all other controls operate smoothly. Clear away ice and snow that has accu- mulated under the fenders to avoid mak- ing steering difficult. During severe winter driving, stop when and where it is safe to do so and check under the fenders period- ically.
q Parking in cold weather Do not use the parking brake when park- ing for long periods in cold weather since it could freeze in that position. Instead, ob- serve the following. 1. Place the shift lever in “1” or “R” for manual transmission vehicles, and in “P” for automatic transmission vehicles. 2. Use tire stops under the tires to prevent the vehicle from moving. When the vehicle is parked in snow or when it snows, raise the wiper blades off the glass to prevent damage to them. When the vehicle has been left parked af- ter use on roads heavily covered with snow, or has been left parked during a snowstorm, icing may develop on the brake system, which could cause poor braking action. Check for snow or ice buildup on the suspension, disc brakes and brake hoses underneath the vehicle. If there is caked snow or ice, remove it, being careful not to damage the disc brakes and brake hoses and ABS har- ness.
Driving tips 8-7
Snow can trap dangerous exhaust gases under your vehicle. Keep snow clear of the exhaust pipe and from around your vehicle if you park the vehicle in snow with the engine running. q Refueling in cold weather To help prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system and the risk of its freezing, use of an antifreeze additive in the fuel tank is recommended during cold weath- er. Use only additives that are specifically de- signed for this purpose. When an anti- freeze additive is used, its effect lasts longer if the tank is refilled whenever the fuel level reaches half empty. If your Saab is not going to be used for an extended period, it is best to have the fuel tank filled to capacity.
¢ Driving on snowy and icy
roads
To prevent skidding and slipping, avoid sudden braking, abrupt acceleration, high- speed driving, and sharp turning when driving on snowy or icy roads. Always maintain ample distance between – CONTINUED –
A1910BE-A-GSAAB.book Page 8 Tuesday, September 6, 2005 8:37 AM
8-8 Driving tips
your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you to avoid the need for sudden braking. To supplement the foot brake, use the en- gine brake effectively to control the vehi- cle speed. (Shift into a lower gear when necessary.) Avoid shifting down abruptly. Such behav- ior can cause the wheels to lock, possibly leading to loss of vehicle control. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) enhanc- es your vehicle’s braking performance on snowy and icy roads. Refer to the “ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)” section in chap- ter 7 for information on braking on slippery surfaces. NOTE The following tires are summer tires. Compared with winter and all-season tires, summer tires give significantly less grip on snowy and icy road surfac- es. Avoid driving on snowy and icy road surface with summer tires. Optional 215/45R17 tires for Aero
Do not use the cruise control on slippery roads such as snowy or icy roads. This may cause loss of vehi- cle control.
Avoid prolonged continuous driving in snowstorms. Snow will enter the engine’s intake system and may hinder the air flow, which could re- sult in engine shutdown or even breakdown. q Wiper operation when snowing Before driving in cold weather, make sure the wiper blades are not frozen to the windshield or rear window. If the wiper blades are frozen to the windshield or rear window, use the defroster with the airflow control dial in the “ ” position and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth until the wiper blades are com- pletely thawed out. If your vehicle is equipped with a wiper deicer, it is helpful to thaw the windshield wiper blades. To thaw out the rear wiper blade, use the rear window defogger. When driving in snow, if frozen snow starts to stick on the surface of the wind- shield despite wiper operation, use the de- froster with the airflow control dial in “ ” and the temperature control dial set for maximum warmth. After the wind-
