2001 Saab 9 3 Owners Manual

10

Horn Front fog lights Radiator fan, low speed Vacuum pump A/C-compressor Left low beam Right low beam Left high beam Right high beam 7.5 Headlight wipers –

–

– Extra lights 7.5 APC

10
15
30
50

Extra heater; water pump (Europe) Extra heater (Europe) Radiator fan, high speed ABS

Item Amp Function Low beam High beam Extra heater (Europe) Vacuum pump (Turbo aut.)

C1
C2

Fuses and relays in engine bay (left side)

–

F1 – F2
G1
G2

Radiator fan, low speed Lamp check (filament monitor, front) – – Horn Front fog lights – Radiator fan, high speed A/C-compressor

Wheels Alternative wheels and tires If you wish to fit other tires or wheels than those supplied with the car, consult your Saab dealer first as to the possibilities avail- able. Wheels/tires combinations that are not approved by Saab can negatively affect the car´s directional stability, steering and brak- ing in both wet and dry conditions. Do not assume that a wheel/tire combina- tion will function properly just because it will bolt on.

NOTE

For wide wheels and/or low-profile tires, bear in mind the following: (cid:127) Tires and wheels can be damaged in

potholes etc.

(cid:127) Springs, shock absorbers and wheel

bearings can be overloaded.

(cid:127) The wheels can come into contact with

chassis and body components.

(cid:127) The speed and load limits for the tires must not be exceeded; see page 218.

(cid:127) Wheels larger than 17” must not be fitted on the Saab 9-3. For Viggen models the wheel should not be larger than 17”. The maximum permissible offset for the 9-3 is 49 mm and for the Viggen 42 mm.

(cid:127) Wheels smaller than 16” must not be

fitted on Viggen models. Fitting a smaller size wheel on a Viggen is not possible due to the size of the brake discs.

The wheels and tires have been carefully matched to the characteristics of the car and play a key role in its outstanding roadhold- ing and handling.

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217

Tire pressure

NOTE

Check the tire pressures at least once per month. Underinflation is the main cause of: (cid:127) Tires wearing out prematurely. (cid:127) Damage to the sidewalls. (cid:127) Damage to the wheels.

Tires need to be inflated to suit the load car- ried and the maximum speed the car will be driven (see the recommended tire pres- sures on the back cover). Tire pressure label, see page 253. Note that all values apply to cold tires. For tires with an aspect ratio less than /60, increase the tire pressure by 3 psi (20 kPa) for rough roads with potholes to minimize the risk of rim damage. Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the tires are hot when you check them, only increase the pressure, if necessary. Soft tires will cause faster wear than over-pressurized tires. They also increase fuel consumption. If a valve is leaking, simply unscrew it and fit a new one. Important! Remember to adjust the tire pressures if you change the load in the car or intend to cruise at a substantially higher or lower speed than normal.

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Car care

Rotating the tires

WARNING

When fitting just one new pair of tires, these should be fitted to the rear wheels, as these are more critical to the direc- tional stability of the car (e.g. on braking or in a skid). The existing rear tires should therefore be moved to the front. Always move left rear to left front and right rear to right front, so that the direction of rotation remains the same.

Because of front wheel drive, the front tires tend to wear faster than the rear ones. New tires should always be fitted in pairs, so that tires on the same axle have the same amount of tread. If swapping the complete set, e.g. winter tires for summer tires, mark the tires removed to ensure that they go back in the same position (e.g. FL for front left, RL rear left, etc.). Store wheels lying flat or hanging – never standing upright.

Tire markings An example of the meaning of the different markings in a tire size is given below for a tire size of 195/60 R15 88V:

195 Tire section width, mm 60 Aspect ratio, i.e. the section height

is 60 % of the section width

R Radial ply 15 Wheel rim diameter 15 in. at bead

seats

88 Tire load code V Speed marking

Speed ratings

S Tire approved for speeds up to

112 mph (180 km/h)

T Tire approved for speeds up to

118 mph (190 km/h)

H Tire approved for speeds up to

130 mph (210 km/h)

V Tire approved for speeds up to

150 mph (240 km/h)

W Tire approved for speeds up to

167 mph (270 km/h)

Y Tire approved for speeds up to

186 mph (300 km/h)

Winter tires Winter (snow) tires are recommended for winter climates where the majority of your driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter tires should be fitted to all four wheels to maintain a proper balance. Your Saab dealer can advise you of to the correct size tire for your car (if different from the original size) and also supply Saab approved winter tires pre-mounted on steel or alloy rims. Tire quality grading (cars sold in U.S.) New tires must be graded and labeled in accordance with new Federal regulations. Standard tests are conducted to measure performance in the areas of traction and temperature resistance. Refer to the tire sidewall for the specific quality grades of the tires provided on your new Saab. Compact spare tires are exempt. DOT QUALITY GRADES (cid:127) Treadwear. (cid:127) Traction AA, A, B, C. (cid:127) Temperature A, B, C. All passenger car tires must conform to Fed- eral safety requirements in addition to these grades.

Uniform Tire Quality Grading (US) Quality grades can be found where applica- ble on the tire sidewall between tread shoul- der and maximum section width. For exam- ple: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1 1/2) times as well on the gov- ernment course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road character- istics and climate.

Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B and C. These grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

WARNING

The traction grade assigned to a tire is based on straight-ahead braking, traction test and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning or peak traction characteristics.

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Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dis- sipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life. Excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

WARNING

The temperature grade for a tire is estab- lished for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire fail- ure.

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Car care

Date code

Wear indicators

Date code Tires should be regarded as perishable goods. As the tires age, the rubber becomes progressively harder, and the roadholding ability of the tires diminishes. This is partic- ularly true on winter tires. Tires now have a date-code marking for the year of manufacture. The first two digits denote the week number and the last two digits the year. The ”<” symbol points to the year. Accordingly, a date code of 0200 signifies that the tire was manufactured in week 02, 2000.

Wear indicators The tires incorporate wear indicators in the form of smooth, treadless strips across the width, which become visible when only 2/32" (1.6 mm) of tread remains. As soon as the indicators become visible, new tires should be fitted without delay. Make sure you are familiar with the legal limit for minimum tread depth in your country and also any regulations gov- erning the use of winter tires.

Spare wheel (under the carpet in the trunk)

Compact spare wheel The compact spare is light and easy to handle when changing the wheel. Its use is only permitted when a standard wheel has sustained a puncture. The maximum life of the wheel is only 2000 miles (3,500 km). Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with the compact spare fitted. The compact spare should be inflated to 60 psi (420 kPa). Carry the punctured tire in the spare-wheel well under the trunk floor. Have the standard wheel repaired and refit- ted as soon as possible Driving considerations with compact spare wheel/tire fitted, see page 190. The spare wheel, the tools and the jack with its crank are carried under a panel in the trunk.

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(cid:127) Stow the jack in the place provided for

it under the panel in the floor of the trunk. Secure it properly to avoid injury to passengers in the event of an acci- dent.

(cid:127) Do not use the jack for any purpose

other than for jacking up the car.

If light-alloy wheels have been fitted to the car for several years and a change is made to steel wheels, the threads for the wheel bolts in the brake discs should be cleaned before the thinner steel wheels are fitted. The innermost threads in the holes may be clogged with sand, salt and rust so that the correct tightening torque cannot be achieved.

Changing a wheel

WARNING

(cid:127) The car jack is designed solely for use

in changing a wheel or fitting snow chains. It must not be used to support the car during repair work or servicing.

(cid:127) Never crawl under a car that is

supported only by a jack.

(cid:127) Special care must be taken if the car is

on a slope – use wheel chocks!

(cid:127) Position chocks, one ahead and one behind, the wheel that is diagonally opposite to the one to be changed.

(cid:127) Switch on the hazard warning lights if

the car is on a road.

(cid:127) Apply the parking brake and leave the car in gear (1st or reverse). Automatic transmission: move selector to the P position.

(cid:127) Ensure that everybody is out of the car

before jacking it up.

(cid:127) Never start the engine while the car is

jacked up.

(cid:127) The jack must stand on a firm, level

surface.

Spare wheel (under the carpet in the trunk), Saab 9-3 Viggen

When changing a wheel, take the tool kit out first, then the spare wheel.

NOTE

To avoid damaging a punctured alloy wheel this can be placed outside up in the spare-wheel well but only while driving to the closest workshop. A general rule is that all heavy loads must be well secured in the luggage compart- ment, see page 148.

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Position for jack

When it is time to raise the car, apply the jack to one of the four jacking points (front or rear) located beneath the sills. If a floor jack is used it can be applied to the standard jacking points used by the dealer or centrally under the front of the engine subframe. If the car is equipped with a trailer hitch, the jack can also be placed under the hitch.

NOTE

Do not position the jack under the rear axle or under the rear floor.

Positioning the jack

1 Put the car in 1st gear (automatic trans- mission: move selector to the P position) and apply the parking brake. Saab 9-3 Viggen: The front and rear jacking points are located behind covers that must be removed.

2 Wind the jack up to a suitable height

before placing it under the recess in the sill.

3 Make sure that the jack fully engages

the recess in the sill and that the base of the jack is steady and flat on the ground.

4 Turn the jack handle clockwise until it

just begins to lift the car.

5 Remove the wheel cover (where appli- cable). Loosen the wheel bolts by half a turn.

6 Turn the jack handle to raise the wheel clear of the ground. Remove the wheel bolts and lift off the wheel.

7 Fit the wheel and screw in the bolts in the

sequence shown (opposite pairs). Tighten the studs enough for the studs and wheel to be seated correctly. See page 224 for sequence.

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223

Position for jack, Saab 9-3 Viggen

Jacking points for a floor jack.

9 Recheck the wheel bolts after a few

miles. Tightening torque: Light-alloy wheels: 80 ft.lbs (110 Nm) Steel wheels: 80 ft.lbs (110 Nm)

We advise against using wheels with open wheel covers in winter, as the brake compo- nents are then more exposed both to slush and to road salt and grit. Tire chains; see page 178.

NOTE

Saab 9-3 Viggen: The minimum permis- sible wheel diameter is 16”, due to the size of the brake discs.

8 Lower the car and tighten the wheel

bolts to the correct torque in the sequence shown (opposite pairs). Tightening torque: Light-alloy wheels: 80 ft.lbs (110 Nm). Steel wheels: 80 ft.lbs (110 Nm). Do not overtighten the bolts using an impact wrench: not only can this damage the wheels but it can also make it impossible to undo the bolts using the wheel wrench in the car’s toolkit.

NOTE

When refitting wheel covers (where applicable), make sure that the valve protrudes through the hole in the wheel cover.

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Car care

Removing the wheel cover

Tightening sequence, wheel bolts

Flat spotting All tires get hot, especially on long journeys or when the car is driven hard. After the car has been parked with hot tires and the tires have cooled down, a flat spot can form in the tire, where it is in contact with the ground. The same can occur if the car has not been moved for a long time. Flat spots can cause vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel, similar to that experienced when the wheels need bal- ancing. Flat spots of this type disappear once the tires get hot again, usually after 10–15 miles (20–25 km) of driving at cruis- ing speed.

Safety belts

WARNING

Safety belts and belt pretensioners that were in use in a serious collision must be replaced even if they are not visibly damaged. No attempt must be made to repair, or modify the function of, safety belts.

A check should be made periodically to ensure that the safety belts are working properly. (cid:127) Hold the diagonal strap and pull it sharply. The safety belt should lock and it should not be possible to withdraw it further.

A sharp tug on the belt should cause the inertia reel to lock. Check the floor anchor- age points for corrosion damage. If a belt is worn or has any fraying edges, it should be replaced. Safety belts must not come into contact with substances such as polishes, oil or chemi- cals. If the belts get dirty, wash them with warm water and a detergent or have them replaced.

Upholstery and trim To remove fluff or hairs from the seat uphol- stery or headlining, use a moist, lint-free cloth or a special lint remover (brush or roller). Remove any dirty marks using a cloth moistened with lukewarm soapy water. When using a stain remover, always work from the outside towards the center to avoid leaving a ring. If a soiled ring or spot should remain, it can usually be removed using lukewarm soapy water or water alone. Wet patches left by spilled soft drinks or thin oil must be wiped off immediately using an absorbent material, such as paper toweling, and treated with stain remover. Isopropyl alcohol is recommended for removing grease or oil stains, and a semi-stiff brush may also be used.

Cleaning and caring for leather upholstery The principal reason for treating leather upholstery is to maintain its elegant appear- ance and to provide it with a protective film. Discoloration caused by dust and wear mainly affects the lighter shades, although this is not detrimental to the leather – indeed, the patina resulting from use is often considered desirable in leather. But if the leather is allowed to become too grubby, it can start to look shabby. It is a good idea to clean and recondition the leather twice a year – in conjunction with a general spring-cleaning of the car – after the winter and in the autumn, for instance. In hot, dry climates, the leather will need to be treated more frequently. Moisten a soft cloth in a mild soap solution. Carefully apply this damp (not wet) cloth to the leather, working in light, circular move- ments until the leather is clean. Repeat the procedure using clean water and then leave the leather to dry thoroughly. Finally, treat the leather with a conditioner.

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225

Apply the leather conditioner using a soft cloth and the same circular movements as described above. After it has dried, polish the leather with a soft, dry cloth. Follow the directions given above. Do not use hot water, unknown abrasive polishes, sol- vents, sprays or soaps that might scratch the leather. Look after the leather as described and it will stay clean and attrac- tive for many years. Textile carpeting Vacuum clean the carpeting regularly. Car- pets can also be cleaned using a brush, or carpet shampoo applied with a sponge. Do not use vacuum cleaners outdoors unless they are properly grounded.

226
Car care Engine bay Clean the engine compartment using an engine detergent and rinse with hot water. Cover the headlights. If using a high-pres- sure washer do not aim the spray nozzle on the: (cid:127) Radiator (cid:127) Throttle cable (cid:127) Throttle housing (cid:127) Other engine controls (cid:127) The alternator

Ignition system and other electrical com- ponents

Avoid spraying the hood liner, as this can become heavy and hang down and touch the engine when the hood is closed. Additional care should be taken if using a high-pressure washer. Hold the nozzle at right angles to the area to be cleaned. This is particularly important when spraying labels. 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.

Washing The bodywork must be washed frequently. When the car is new, the body should be washed by hand using plain cold water and a clean, soft brush, or in a brushless car- wash that uses mild detergent. Automatic carwashes with brushes should be avoided when the car is new. Do not use automatic car washes for the first five or six months, before the paintwork has hardened prop- erly. Thereafter, use a high quality car wash soap added to lukewarm water. 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.

NOTE

Avoid using any alcohol-based cleaners on the front and rear light clusters, as these can cause cracking of the lenses.

The underside of the car also needs wash- ing regularly, and this should be done very thoroughly at the end of winter. Clean the underside of the car by hand if the car is usu- ally washed in an automatic car wash with- out 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.

(cid:127) NOTE

(cid:127) Try your brakes on leaving a car wash. Wet brake discs reduce the braking effect.

(cid:127) Turn off the radio before entering an

automatic car wash so the power antenna mast does not get damaged.

(cid:127) Clean the rod of the electrically pow-

ered antenna about once a month with a clean, dry rag. IMPORTANT! Use no oil, nor any sili- cone-based cleaning product.

(cid:127) Fixed antennas must be removed

when going through an automatic car wash.

(cid:127) Saab 9-3 Viggen, Coupé and

5-door: If you wash the car in an auto- matic car wash, you must first remove the roof-mounted antenna, otherwise it will be damaged.

(cid:127) On Covertible models with OnStar,

fold down the cellular antenna mounted on the windshield before entering a car wash to avoid damage to the antenna or convertible top.

Removing the roof-mounted antenna, Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupé and 5-door

Waxing and polishing Do not wax a new car during the first three or four months. In fact, there is no need to polish the car before the paintwork has started to go dull through oxidation. Other than in exceptional cases, do not use abra- sive polishes containing a cutting agent on a new car. Always wash the car thoroughly before waxing or polishing.

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227

Touching up the paint Damaged 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 collision 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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Car care

Two-coat enamel As the name implies, two-coat enamel is applied in two operations. The first coat, the base color, contains the pigment, metal flakes and binder. The second coat consists of a clear enamel, which provides the final gloss for the paintwork and protects the base from moisture and environmental con- taminants. Touch-up stone-chip damage as follows: 1 Thoroughly clean the damaged area. 2 Then apply the primer, base color, and finally, the enamel. To achieve the best finish, apply two or three coats of primer.

Anti-corrosion treatment The entire car is corrosion-protected at the factory in different stages by an electrolytic immersion coating and a polyester-based protective coating to protect against corro- sion 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.

Surface-treatment composition 1 Body panel 2 Zinc (certain parts) 7.5 µm 3 Phosphate coating 4 Cathodic ED 28 µm 5 Intermediate coat 35 µm 6 Metallic base/solid base15 µm 7 Clear enamel 40 µm

Preventive maintenance The following procedures are necessary to help protect against rusting. Refer also to the terms and conditions of the Performa- tion Limited Warranty described in the war- ranty booklet. 1 Wash the car frequently, and wax at least twice a year. Under adverse con- ditions, where there is a rapid buildup of dirt, sand or road salt, wash your car at least once a week. After extreme expo- sure to salted snow or slush, evidenced by a white film on the car, wash the car immediately. Frequent washing will pre- vent paint damage from acid rain and other airborne contaminants such as tree sap and bird droppings. If any of these contaminants are noticed on the car the finish should be washed immedi- ately. (cid:127) Begin washing by rinsing the entire car with water to loosen and flush off heavy concentrations of dirt (include the underbody).

(cid:127) Sponge the car with a solution of either a good quality car soap or mild general purpose (dish washing) detergent and water.

(cid:127) Rinse car thoroughly with clean water. (cid:127) After washing, check and clear all drains in doors and body panels.

(cid:127) Wipe the car dry, preferably using a

chamois.

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229

2 Clean 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.

3 Inspect 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 underneath 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.

Drainage holes in doors

What causes rust? Steel body panels of automobiles are sub- ject to rusting whenever air and moisture manage to penetrate the protective finish. Body panels may rust through if the process is unchecked. Rusting can occur wherever water is trapped or where the car’s panels are continuously damp. Damage to paint and undercoating by stones, gravel and minor accidents immedi- ately 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 country with high humidity have a greater potential for rust problems, espe- cially where salt is used on roads or there is moist sea air. Industrial pollution (fallout) may also damage paint and promote rust- ing.

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Car care

Inspect the undercoating and touch up if necessary. Pay particular attention 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 thoroughly 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, otherwise it may run off or fall off when dry.

Approximately 90% of the materials in the car can be recycled or recovered, where facilities exist. Before the car is scrapped, all the oils and other fluids that could pollute the environ- ment should be recovered from the car. It may be of interest in this context to learn that the refrigerant used in the Saab 9-3’s A/C and ACC systems (R134a) contains neither CFCs nor any other chlorine compounds

Recovery and/or recycling of automotive materials A typical car consists of metals (65–75%), plastics (10–15%), rubber (5%) and small quantities of glass, wood, paper and tex- tiles. Some of these materials can be recycled, while others can be recovered in chemical processes for reuse in new products or as a source of energy. While the Saab 9-3 was still at the draw- ing-board stage, Saab engineers were giving serious consideration to how the maximum quantity of materials could be reclaimed from the car on its eventual scrapping. To facilitate sorting, plastic parts, for instance, have been marked to identify the precise nature of the plastic.

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231

10

11

12

Polyamide (plastic) Polycarbonate (plastic) Polyethylene

ABS Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ASA Acrylonitrile-styrene (acrylic plastic) EPDM Ethylene-propylene rubber PA PC PE PMMA Polymethyl methacrylate POM Acetal plastic PPO Polyphenylene oxide (plastic) PP Polypropylene PUR Polyurethane PVC Polyvinyl chloride

24

23

22

21

20

19

16

13

18

17

15

14

1 A-pillar trim: PC/ABS. 2 Windshield trim: PP, PP/EPDM. 3 Seals: EPDM. 4 Rear-window casing PUR. 5 Trim panel ABS. 6 C/D-pillar trim PP. 7 Rear light cluster: PMMA. 8 Corner filler panel PPO/PA. 9 Rear bumper

Expanded PP core PP/EPDM sheathing.

10 Fuel tank PE. 11 Side-window casing:

PP/EPDM.

12 Side trim PVC. 13 A-pillar upholstery textile trim: polyester. 14 Rearview mirror: ABS. 15 Sill scuff plate: PP/EPDM. 16 Wheel-arch liner: PP. 17 Wheel cover: PA. 18 Direction-indicator lamp lens: PMMA. 19 Front spoiler: PP/EPDM. 20 Front bumper,

cellular core, expanded PP, sheathing: PP/EPDM.

21 Fan shroud: PP. 22 Radiator grille: ABS. 23 Washer-fluid reservoir: PE. 24 Cowl trim: PC/ASA.

Fault diagnosis If 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 an authorized Saab dealer. Important! When the A/C system is in operation, mois- ture from the air will condense on the evap- orator. When the car is then parked, this condensation will drip off the evaporator and form a small pool of water on the ground. This is normal. The warmer the ambient air and the higher the humidity, the greater the amount of condensation formed.

Inadequate cooling: a Make sure that the temperature and

air-distribution controls are in the appropriate settings, see page 81.

b Check that the condenser (forward of the radiator) has not become clogged with dirt and insects.

c Make sure that the drive belt for the com-

pressor is not slipping, see page 203.

d Check the fuses for the ventilation fans

and compressor, see page 214.

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Air conditioning (A/C system)

NOTE

(cid:127) The A/C system is designed for use

with R134a refrigerant.

(cid:127) Refrigerant handling requires special equipment and special procedures for charging and draining the system.

(cid:127) All repairs and adjustments on the A/C system must be carried out by a Saab dealer authorized for this kind of work.

(cid:127) Never mix R134a and R12 refriger-

ants.

WARNING

(cid:127) The A/C system is pressurized. Do not break any connections or undo A/C system components.

(cid:127) Escaping refrigerant gas can cause

blindness or other injury.

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(cid:127) Place the vehicle on a level pad or surface (cid:127) The vehicle should be unladen and fuel

tank full, and one person or 160 lbs. (75 kg) on the drivers seat

(cid:127) The vehicle should not have any snow, ice

or mud attached to it

(cid:127) Tires should be inflated to the prescribed

pressure

(cid:127) Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspen-

sion

Maintenance (cid:127) The drive belt for the compressor should be inspected under the regular service program.

(cid:127) Clean dirt and insects away from the con- denser and radiator to prevent clogging. 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 pres- sure washer. Caution: Do not use the hose when the engine is hot.

Other than in extremely cold weather, do not cover the radiator, e.g. with screen netting, as this will greatly diminish its cooling capac- ity. Note: The A/C system will only operate when the outdoor temperature is above the freezing point (0°C, 32°F). Switch on the A/C system when the car stands in a warm place.

Headlight aiming

WARNING

Before checking/adjusting the headlight aiming, switch off the engine to avoid danger of fingers and hands being injured by moving parts. The radiator fan can start up even when the engine is switched off.

The vehicle is equipped with vertical and horizontal aim indicators. The aim has been preset at the factory and should normally not need further adjustments. This is true even though your vertical and horizontal aim indi- cators may not fall exactly on the "0" (zero) marks on their scales. If your headlight is damaged in an accident, the headlight aim may be affected. If you believe your headlights need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take it to your Saab dealer for service. However, it is possible for you to re-aim your headlights as described in the following procedure. To check the aim, the vehicle should be properly prepared as follows:

A

Vertical adjustment A Vertical aiming device B Vertical aim level

Horizontal adjustment 1 Horizontal aim 2 Horizontal aiming device

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Open the hood and locate the vertical aim level (B) that you can see through the top of the headlight lens. If you find that the headlight needs adjust- ment follow these steps: 1 Locate the vertical aiming device (A) located behind and below the outer headlight assembly.

2 Turn the vertical aiming screw with a

0.24 in. (6 mm) Hexagonal Allen wrench until the bubble inside the level is cen- tered between the two red lines (zero). 3 Check the horizontal aim (1) and adjust

as necessary. The horizontal aiming device (2) is located behind the inner headlight assembly. Turn the horizontal aiming knob until the zero (0) line on the knob aligns with the zero mark on the graduation scale.

4 Recheck the vertical aim to make sure it

is still correct after the horizontal aim adjustment. Readjust as necessary.

NOTE

To make sure that your headlights are aimed properly read all instructions before beginning. Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to headlight parts or a not correctly aimed headlight.

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Maintenance and owner assistance Maintenance schedule..... 236 Owner assistance ............ 237 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.) ............................ 238 Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian govern- ment ................................ 238 Saab Original Service Program M2001 USA, Canada, (9-3 Models) ..... 239

Maintenance and owner assistance

236
Maintenance schedule The Maintenance Schedule prescribes a service program to the purchaser/operator of a Saab that is reasonable and necessary to ensure the proper emission control sys- tems function, safety and reliability of the Saab automobile in normal use. Additional maintenance is recommended for specific components when the car is operated under certain severe conditions. Proper mainte- nance is always a good practice! Authorized Saab dealers are equipped and trained to meet your Saab’s service needs. They regularly receive up-to-date Saab ser- vice manuals and parts and technical ser- vice bulletins from Saab and are able, through their franchise agreement, to attend Saab service schools, obtain Saab special tools and technical assistance and pur- chase original equipment service and replacement parts. Today’s complex automobiles should only be entrusted to the most knowledgeable service professionals. A Saab dealer is your best choice.

Service intervals The maintenance schedule is comprised of a Check -up 30 days after retail delivery, fol- lowed by services at every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) thereafter (10,000, 20,000, 30,000 miles/16,000 32,000, 48,000 km etc.).

NOTE

The Check-up will be done by your Saab dealer at no charge and should be done as close as possible to the scheduled 30 days.

Engine oil and filter changes Changing the engine oil and filter is required at every service point. Use only a Saab approved long-life oil filter and engine oils meeting the SAE viscosity ratings and API service classifications stated in the “Techni- cal data” section of this Owner’s Manual. The use of extra additives in the oil is not necessary and is not recommended, and may be harmful to turbochargers. More frequent oil changes are recom- mended if your vehicle is operated under any of the following conditions: (cid:127) Most trips are less than 5-10 miles (8-16 km). This is particularly important when outside temperatures are below freezing.

(cid:127) Most trips include extensive idling (fre-

quent stop-and-go traffic).

(cid:127) Most trips are through dusty areas (such

as construction zones). If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi or other commercial applica- tions.

If your driving habits match this description, have the engine oil and filter changed in- between normal services at 5,000 mile (8,000 km) intervals. These conditions cause the engine oil to break down faster. The Warranties and Service Record Book- let has provisions to record extra oil changes.

(cid:127) Service record retention Service instruction coupons and record stubs are provided in the Saab Warranties and Service Record Booklet which accom- panies this Owner’s Manual. The coupons are arranged in the order that normal ser- vice should be performed. The edge of each coupon is shaded to correspond to the type of service point: (cid:127) Striped - "Check-up". (cid:127) Blue - Oil change/inspection service. (cid:127) Black - Major service. Note that in Canada a combined service and warranty book is used, but not service coupons. When scheduled services are performed, your dealer will tear out the applicable coupon and use it to check off the opera- tions performed and enter it into the service file at the dealership. The servicing dealer’s stamp, along with the date and mileage at which the service was done, should be entered on the corresponding stub which remains in your booklet. The booklet is your permanent record of the services per- formed. It also includes a log sheet for unscheduled repairs. It is advisable to retain receipts and, if pos- sible, copies of shop work orders for all ser- vice and repair work, wherever performed.

Service costs Dealer pricing practices and labor for ser- vice work vary. Saab’s recommended ser- vice times for each service point do not include the labor required to replace wear items, such as wiper blades, brake pads or tires. Nor is labor to perform other service or repairs found to be necessary as a result of the inspections included in these times. Additional labor and parts will be charged for such work when necessary, except as covered under an applicable Saab warranty or any optional extended service contract. Transmission fluid changes or suspension alignment, when necessary, are also addi- tional. Dealer charges for general shop material, regulated hazardous waste removal, recy- cling expenses or other operation costs may also be applied to service and repair invoices and are apt to vary by dealer and location.

237

Maintenance and owner assistance Owner assistance Warranties and service problem assistance For complete information about all applica- ble warranties, including the New Car War- ranty, Perforation Warranty, Vehicle Emis- sion Warranty and Emission Perforation Warranty, consult the Warranties and Ser- vice Record Booklet which accompanies this Owner’s Manual. It also contains owner assistance information including Saab Roadside Assistance. If the booklet is lost or misplaced, a new one may be ordered through a Saab dealer or by contacting Saab. In the U.S. there is a national Customer Assistance Center at Saab Cars USA, Inc. The toll-free number to call from all 50 states is 1-800-955-9007. In Canada, please call the Saab Customer Assistance Centre at 1-800-263-1999. A list of authorized Saab sales and service dealers is available for those planning to travel in the United States and Canada. Canadian or U.S. travelers may call the Customer Assistance Center in the country in which they are traveling.

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Change of Address Notification (U.S. and Canada) Two change of address cards are provided at the end of the Warranties 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 information Factory Service Manuals for the Saab 9-3 and 9-5 car lines can be ordered through the dealer. These are comprehensive 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 Cars USA, Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424- 9393 (or 202/366-0123 in Washington D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian government If 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 Centre at 1-800-263- 1999. Or write: General Motors of Canada Limited Customer Assistance Centre, 1908 Colonel Sam Drive, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 8P7.

Saab Original Service Program M2001 USA, Canada, (9-3 Models)

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239

Service Intervals ** Miles = U.S. Cars

Kilometers = Canadian Cars

Service # 1

Engine and engine compartment E Engine oil and filter (a.) R Engine coolant freezing point and level R Engine coolant flush and replace (max. 3-year intervals) R Engine cooling system, hoses and cap R Drive belt; condition E Spark plugs E Crankcase ventilation and vacuum lines

!*

!*

10

11

!*

* These are the minimum required Emission Control System maintenance steps. Saab urges that all recommended maintenance procedures be performed according to this program. (a.) Engine oil and filter should be changed at least once a year. Intermediate oil and filter changes (halfway between indicated intervals) suggested for cars primarily used for driving in dense city traffic or for repeated short trip operation without sufficient warm up. ** Service intervals: Refer to the Warranties & Service Record Book for service intervals beyond 100,000 miles (160,000 km).

Application/type of service (col. 1) E = R =

emission service regular maintenance

Service Procedure " = Check - top up, adjust or replace if necessary ! = Replace # = Lubricate

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Service Intervals ** Miles = U.S. Cars

Kilometers = Canadian Cars

Service # 1

10

11

Engine and engine compartment (cont.) E Evaporative emission system including filler cap, vapor

lines, EVAP canister and canister purge valve

R Fuel system; leaks and damages E Fuel filter E Engine air cleaner element R Exhaust system and mountings; leaks and condition Electrical R Battery; state of charge and electrolyte level; clean termi-

nals if necessary

R Headlamp and fog lamp alignment R Head, fog, brake, tail, turn signal, warning lights instru-

ment panel, backup and marker lamps

Transmission R Automatic transmission change fluid (b.) R Automatic transmission; oil level and condition R Manual transmission; oil level R Outer and inner driver joint boots

!*