2007 Saab 9 5 Owners Manual

Lock-up function The automatic transmission has a lock-up function, which can render the torque con- verter inoperative in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears, thus reducing the engine speed and fuel consumption. When the lock-up function comes into oper- ation, it may give the impression of an over- drive being engaged. Kick-down When the accelerator is pressed down hard, a change-down to the next gear will be effected to provide maximum acceleration, e.g. for overtaking. Following this, the next higher gear will be selected at the optimum engine speed for acceleration or, if you ease off the acceler- ator, before reaching this.

Park Brake Shift Lock The transmission has a security function known as Park Brake Shift Lock. To move the gear selector out of the P position, the brake pedal must be depressed at the same time as the gear selector catch (detent) is pressed in.

Shift Lock override

NOTICE

Due to electrical problems it may not be possible to move the selector out of the park position, even if the ignition is ON. If for some reason the selector has to be moved out of the park position (i.e. to tow the car a short distance) do as described below. Check fuse No. 1 (see page 218). If the problem was cured by changing the fuse or battery, you do not have to contact a work- shop. If the fuse blows again as soon as the Shift Lock feature is activated you should contact a workshop. We recommend that you con- tact an authorized Saab dealer.

Starting and driving

153

If the fuse is OK, check the battery regarding the voltage. 1 Apply the parking brake 2 Make sure the key is in position ON 3 Use a small tool such as a screwdriver and push the lever (see picture) down- wards so that the detent button can be pressed approx. 10 mm

4 Move the selector out of position P to N 5 Remove the tool 6 Release the parking brake if the car is to be moved immediately; otherwise keep it applied.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 154 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

154

Starting and driving

Automatic transmission 3, fault indicator

If ”Automatic transmission 3, fault indicator” light appears on the main instrument panel, the system has detected a fault in the auto- matic transmission or its control module (see page 62). This also means that the Limp-home mode has been selected, to guard against further damage being done to the transmission. In this mode, the automatic transmission starts in 5th gear, and gear changes (if nec- essary) will have to be made manually. Stop the car in a safe place. Switch off then restart the engine. If the fault is intermittent, the transmission will operate as normal despite the fault indicator being on. Have the car checked at a workshop. We recom- mend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. It is not possible to select the SPORT or Sentronic mode when the Limp-home mode is active. Gear changes must be made manually. The following gears will be engaged in the respective selector positions when the auto- matic transmission is in Limp-home mode:

Position R

Gear

Reverse

5th

5th

2nd

NOTICE

If the control module has actuated the Limp-home function for the automatic transmission, the car will remain in 5th gear when D is selected, making it very sluggish. Select position L to prevent unnecessary wear on the transmission. The transmis- sion then starts in 2nd gear. Once the car is moving you can select position D. When the indicator light is on, the car must not be driven with a caravan or trailer attached.

Overheated transmission fluid If the automatic-transmission fluid should overheat, the following message will appear on the SID: ”Gearbox too hot. Make a safe stop.” In this event, stop the car in a suitable place, switch off the engine and open the hood. Wait for several minutes then turn on the ignition to check that the message has gone out. When driving subsequent to the trans- mission fluid overheating, select a gear in which the engine speed is about 3,000 rpm. Overheating of the automatic-transmission fluid can occur when the car is towing a heavy load, such as a camping trailer in hilly country. High ambient temperatures can also increase the temperature of the trans- mission fluid or the oil cooler may be faulty. Contact a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer (see also page 174).

95_U S_M 07.book Page 155 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Driving on hilly roads with a heavy load The transmission fluid can overheat when the gearbox is strained, for example, when driving with a trailer on hilly roads. To avoid the transmission fluid overheating, always drive in Normal mode. The adaptive gear change patterns are then active. High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler can also cause the transmission fluid to overheat. Overheating reduces the service life of the fluid. Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see also page 174).

Towing Towing of cars with automatic transmission, see page 183.

Starting and driving

155

Descending hills

WARNING

Remember to use engine-braking (selec- tor position D or L) to spare the brakes when you are driving on a long or steep downhill slope. Brake failure can result from overheated brakes!

If the speed of the car increases while descending a steep hill, despite the acceler- ator being released, the control module will change down a gear when you brake. If you desire more powerful engine braking, man- ually select a lower gear.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 156 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

156

Starting and driving

on the steering

Sentronic, manual mode 3
Move the selector lever to the M position. Select a higher gear by pushing the right-hand paddle wheel. Select a lower gear by pushing the left-hand paddle on the steering wheel. An example of when you may wish to make manual gear changes is when overtaking, to enable you to remain in a low gear for an extended period of time. Changes from 3rd to 4th and from 4th to 5th can be made when the engine speed is above roughly 2,000 rpm. If you select a gear that is judged too high by the system, the selected gear position will be shown briefly on the main instrument panel and then the gear that is actually engaged.

When the selector lever is in the M position, as opposed to the D position, engines are much more responsive to changes in accel- erator position. The accelerator has a differ- ent feel. When in manual mode, kick-down operates for 4th and 5th gears (below 2,000 rpm). Kick-down cannot be activated in 1st, 2nd or 3rd gears. For optimum performance, gear changes should be made before reaching 6,000 rpm. To avoid damaging the engine and trans- mission, the transmission will shift up a gear if the engine is in danger of overrevving. You may feel a slight jolt before this gear change is effected.

Paddles on the steering wheel for changing gear manually

If the road surface is slippery, you may wish to pull off in 2nd or 3rd to reduce the risk of wheel spin. When descending hills you should select a low gear to increase the braking effect of the engine and thus spare the brakes. Manual gear selections are shown on the main instrument panel. The selector posi- tion and the current gear are displayed.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 157 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Selector positions

To shift out of the P position you must depress the brake pedal and the ignition must be ON. The parking position (P) must only be selected when the car is at a complete standstill. The selector lever is locked and the transmission is mechanically immobilized. Always apply the parking brake after parking the car. The engine can be started. The key can be removed. The reverse (R) position must only be selected when the car is at a complete standstill. The detent-release button must be pressed before the selector lever can be moved to R. Wait until reverse gear has engaged (car starts to creep) before touching the accelerator.

In the Neutral position (N), the transmission is disengaged from the engine. The engine can be started, but first ensure that the parking brake is on, to prevent the car from moving off unexpect- edly. To prevent the engine and transmission from becoming hotter than necessary, select N for stops other than brief ones, e.g. if stuck in a traf- fic jam. The normal drive position (D) is recommended for waiting at traffic lights.

Starting and driving

157

The Drive position (D) is the position for normal motoring. Gear changes between 1st and 5th will take place automatically, the timing of which is determined by the throttle (accelerator) posi- tion and the speed of the car. After moving the selector lever to D, pause to give the gear time to engage (car starts to pull).

Move the selector lever from position D to M to allow you to change gear manually. Refer to page 156.

Select position L if you wish to drive in 1st gear. No upchanges will be made if you pull off in posi- tion L. If you move the selector lever from posi- tion D or M to L at a high vehicle speed, the transmission will automatically shift down through 4th, 3rd and 2nd gears to 1st gear, depending on the car’s speed. Use this position for descending steep hills if the car is heavily loaded to spare the brakes.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 158 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

158

Starting and driving

If you move the selector lever from D to L, down shifts will follow a set pattern to avoid damaging the engine or transmission. Manual gear-changing is not recommended on slippery roads. If one of the drive wheels spins excessively, the engine torque will be reduced to avoid damaging the transmission. Adaptive gear-change patterns Adaptive gear-change patterns are selected automatically depend- ing on the engine load and the present temperature of the transmis- sion. The function is available in Normal and Sport modes. The changes occur at a higher engine speed and the car remains in the same gear for longer, if the transmission control module senses that the load has not decreased. These gear-change patterns pre- vent unnecessary changing up and down, when for example driving up or down long slopes with a trailer or caravan, and to prevent over- heating the transmission oil. The adaptive gear-change function is also selected automatically when the transmission oil becomes too hot, to protect the transmission itself from damage and to lower the oil temperature. The adaptive gear-change pattern function is deselected when: (cid:129) The engine is switched off. (cid:129) The load is reduced so much that the function is no longer

required.

(cid:129) ”Automatic transmission 3, fault indicator”

instrument panel, see page 154.

appears on main

SPORT modes

To select Sport mode, press the ”S” button on the selector lever when the selector lever is in position N or D. In this mode, gear changes will take place at higher engine speeds than in Normal mode, in other words, the transmission will change up later and change down earlier for the same throt- tle (accelerator) position. The Sport mode will be deselected if: (cid:129) The SPORT button is pressed. (cid:129) The selector lever is moved to position P,R, M

or L.

(cid:129) The engine is switched off. (cid:129) ”Automatic transmission 3, fault indicator”

appears on main instrument panel, see

page 154.

Starting and driving

159

When you release the accelerator, the system will revert to the preset speed. To cancel temporarily Move the control stalk to CANCEL (spring-loaded position before OFF posi- tion). This will disengage the system but the preset speed will be retained in the system memory. (The memory is deleted when the engine is switched off.) To re-engage the system To revert to the preset speed, slide the switch to RESUME/–. This will only operate when the car’s speed is above 25 mph (40 km/h).

95_U S_M 07.book Page 159 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Cruise control

WARNING

(cid:129) Do not use the Cruise control system on wet or icy roads, in dense traffic or on winding roads.

(cid:129) Set the control to OFF when you do

not want to use the system, to prevent the system being activated inadvert- ently.

For safety reasons (brake system func- tion) the brakes must be applied once, when the engine has started, before the cruise control system can be activated. The system is operated by means of the controls on the stalk switch: (cid:129) ON/OFF (switch on/off). (cid:129) RESUME/– (Resume preset speed). (cid:129) SET/+ (to set the desired speed). (cid:129) CANCEL (Cancel operation of system,

e.g. to reduce speed temporarily).

When the system is ON, the CRUISE indi- cator light will appear on the main instru- ment panel and will be extinguished when the system is switched OFF. If CANCEL is selected, CRUISE will flash once.

Cruise-control switches

To set the desired speed Move the switch to ON. Accelerate to the desired speed (minimum speed: 25 mph (40 km/h))and press SET/+. To increase the preset speed Accelerate to the desired speed and press SET/+. You can also increase the speed of the car using the SET/+ button. Press it once to increase the speed by 1 mph (1.6 km/h) or hold it in and release when the desired speed is reached. Temporary increase in speed Press the accelerator to override the preset speed, e.g. for overtaking.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 160 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

160

Starting and driving

To reduce the preset speed The cruise control system will always disen- gage automatically the moment that either the brake pedal or the clutch pedal is depressed. It is also possible to reduce the speed by means of the RESUME/– button. Sliding the button to RESUME/– once will reduce the speed by 1 mph (1.6 km/h). Holding the button in the RESUME/– posi- tion will effect a gradual reduction in speed until the button is released.

Disengaging the system The system will be disengaged: (cid:129) When the brake or clutch pedal is

depressed.

(cid:129) When the switch is moved to CANCEL. (cid:129) When the switch is moved to OFF. (cid:129) When the engine is switched off. (cid:129) When the selector lever is moved to posi- tion N (cars with automatic transmission). (cid:129) When the ESP® system is operative for

more than 1 second.

Braking To avoid the brakes becoming overheated, (e.g. when negotiating long descents with a drop of several hundred feet), select a low gear to use the braking effect of the engine. If the car has automatic transmission, move the selector lever to position D or L. When driving fast, you can help to prolong the life of the brakes by thinking ahead and braking harder for short periods, rather than braking more moderately over long stretches. Brake pad wear indicators The outboard brake pads on the front wheels incorporate pad-wear indicators. When the lining is down to 3 mm, the pad will produce a screeching, squealing or scraping noise when the brakes are applied. New pads should be fitted without delay. Brake pads should only be replaced by a workshop. We recommend that you con- tact an authorized Saab dealer.

ABS brakes

WARNING

(cid:129) The additional safety afforded by the ABS system is not designed to allow drivers to drive faster but to make normal driving safer.

(cid:129) To stop as quickly as possible, without

loss of directional stability, whether the road surface is dry, wet or slippery, press the brake pedal down hard- without letting up (do not pump the pedal), declutching simulta- neously, and steer the car to safety.

Starting and driving

161

ABS (antilock braking system) modulates the brake pressure to the respective wheels. Wheel sensors detect if a wheel is about to lock, and the control module reduces the pressure to that wheel and then increases it once more until the tendency is detected again. The brake system is equipped with an Elec- tronic Brake-force Distribution device (EBD), which distributes the brake pressure between the front and rear wheels, in such a way as to achieve optimum braking perfor- mance irrespective of the car’s speed and load.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 161 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

WARNING

(cid:129) It is prudent to try your brakes from

time to time, especially when driving in heavy rain, through water collected on the road, in snow, on a wet road sur- face or in salty slush. In such condi- tions, the brakes may take longer than normal to take effect. To rectify this, touch the brake pedal periodically to dry the brakes out.

(cid:129) The same applies after the car has

been washed or when the weather is very humid.

(cid:129) Avoid parking the car with wet brakes. Before parking, and if the traffic condi- tions allow, brake quite heavily so that the brake discs and pads warm up and dry.

(cid:129) The brakes are power assisted and it should be kept in mind that the servo unit only provides the power assis- tance when the engine is running.

(cid:129) The brake pressure required when the

engine is off,(e.g. when the car is being towed) is roughly four times the normal pedal force required. The pedal also feels hard and unre- sponsive.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 162 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

162

Starting and driving

The ABS system has a built-in diagnostic function which will switch on the Anti-lock brake warning light if a fault is detected in the system (see page 60). The ABS system will not reduce the braking distance on loose gravel or on snow or ice but, because the wheels cannot lock up, some steering control is retained. When the ABS system is working, i.e. mod- ulation of the brake pressure is in progress, the brake pedal will pulsate and a ticking noise will be heard. All this is perfectly nor- mal. Press the pedal down hard (you cannot press too hard) and steer the car to safety.

Braking with ABS – evasive steering

Braking with ABS brakes. When the system is operating, the brake pedal will pulsate gently and the system will make a ticking noise.

Do not release the brake pedal before the car has come to a halt or the danger has passed! If the road is slippery, the ABS system will operate even when only light pressure is applied to the pedal. This means that you can brake gently to test the condition of the road and adapt your driving accordingly. It is well worth practicing the use of ABS brakes on a skid pad or other suitable facility.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 163 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Electronic Stability Program (ESP®)

WARNING

When driving normally, the ESP® system will help to improve the stability of the car. This does not mean that car can be driven faster. The same care and prudence as normally applied should be displayed on cornering and when driving on slippery roads.

The system employs both the antilock brak- ing system (ABS) and the traction control system (TCS). It is a system that helps the driver to stabilize the car in unusual circum- stances that would otherwise be more diffi- cult to handle.

How the ESP® system works The system can help to prevent the car from skidding by braking one or several wheels independently of the driver. The engine output is then also reduced to prevent the driving wheels from spinning. The car has sensors that measure wheel speed, yaw acceleration, lateral acceleration, steering wheel position and braking pressure. The values provided by these sensors are used to calculate the actual direction of the car. If this direction does not agree with that intended by the driver, calculated from the steering wheel position, the ESP® is engaged. The ESP® system improves the driver’s chances of retaining control over the car in critical situations. To ensure that the system works as designed, the dimensions of all four tires must be the same.

Starting and driving

163

Increased stability with ESP®. The system applies the brakes to the wheels as shown in order to reduce the likelihood of the car skidding

95_U S_M 07.book Page 164 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

164

Starting and driving

The ESP® indicator light The indicator light on the main instru- ment comes on for a short period of time when the ESP® system is operative. Operation of the ESP® system indicates reduced cohesion between the tires and the road, and that extra care should be taken by the driver. The ESP® OFF-indicator light The on if: (cid:129) A fault has been detected and the system

light on the main instrument comes

has therefore been switched off.

(cid:129) The system has been switched off manu-

ally.

(cid:129) When the ignition key is turned to the ON position, the lamp is lit for about four sec- onds while the system undergoes a self-test.

Turning the ESP® system off The system can be turned off manually with the ESP® button, whereupon the light on the main instrument panel will come on. The ESP® system cannot be switched off if the car is travelling faster than 35 mph (60 km/h). The ESP® system is always operative during braking, even if it has been switched off manually.

NOTICE

Suspension modifications, such as changing the type of wheels, dampers or springs, can affect the function of the ESP® system. Always consult a workshop before chang- ing any suspension components. We rec- ommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

ESP® button

95_U S_M 07.book Page 165 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Parking brake

WARNING

(cid:129) Always apply the parking brake when

you park the car.

(cid:129) Always apply the parking brake before removing the ignition key.

(cid:129) Do not use the parking brake while

driving.

The parking brake is situated between the front seats and acts on the rear wheels. When the parking brake is on, the indicator light on the main instrument panel will be on. To release the parking brake, lift the lever slightly, press the release button and release the lever by pushing down on it.

Starting and driving

165

Parking

WARNING

(cid:129) Do not leave children or pets unat- tended in the car. In warm, sunny weather, the temperature inside the car can reach 160–180°F (70–80°C). (cid:129) Park where the vehicle will not create

an obstruction or a hazard to other road users.

(cid:129) Do not park on dry grass or other com-

bustible material. The catalytic con- verter gets very hot and could start a fire.

(cid:129) Apply the parking brake. (cid:129) Shift to Reverse for manual transmis- sion (automatic transmission: move selector lever to P (Park)), and remove the ignition key. Lock the car.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 166 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

166

Starting and driving

NOTICE

Empty the car yourself and bear in mind: (cid:129) Never leave a mobile phone, camera,

computer or similar object visible in your car.

(cid:129) Clothing, packages and bags attract

thieves.

(cid:129) Do not leave small objects such as CDs, sunglasses and coins visible.

(cid:129) If possible, park in a well-lit, conspicuous parking space.

(cid:129) Thieves strike whenever and wher- ever they are given the opportunity.

Parking on a hill When parking on a steep hill, turn the front wheels so that they will be blocked by the curb if the car should move.

1 Pointing downhill and

against the curb – Turn the wheels into the curb and edge the car forward until the wheels touch the curb.

2 Pointing uphill and

against the curb – Turn the wheels away from the curb and edge the car back until the wheels touch the curb.

3 Pointing uphill or downhill – no curb – Turn the wheels towards the edge of the road. If the car should start rolling, it will not run into the road.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 167 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Long-term parking If the car is not going to be used for some time, e.g. 3–4 months, the following steps are recommended: (cid:129) Run the engine to normal temperature

before long-term parking.

(cid:129) Drain the washer-fluid reservoir and

hoses.

(cid:129) Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber seals on the hood, luggage compartment lid and doors, and lubricate them with glycerol (glycerin).

(cid:129) After washing the car, dry the brake discs

by taking the car out on the road and applying the brakes a few times.

(cid:129) Fill the fuel tank with fuel to prevent con-

densation forming in it.

Starting and driving

167

(cid:129) Top up the coolant and check the anti-

freeze before the onset of winter. (cid:129) Park the car in a dry, covered and

well-ventilated building. Leave the park- ing brake OFF!

(cid:129) Disconnect the negative (–) battery lead.

If frost is likely to occur during the long-term parking, remove the battery and store it away from the frost.

(cid:129) Ideally, the car should be put up on

blocks, with the wheels off the ground. If this is not possible, inflate the tires to about 43 psi (300 kPa).

(cid:129) Leave all the windows open a crack and cover the car with a fabric tarpaulin – not one made of plastic.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 168 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Starting and driving

168
Saab Parking Assistance 3

WARNING

Responsibility always lies with the driver when reversing. (cid:129) Saab Parking Assistance can facilitate reversing at low speeds, such as when reverse parking.

(cid:129) Bear in mind that small and/or narrow objects cannot always be detected by the system.

The parking aid system facilitates parking and reversing. There are four sensors in the rear bumper that detect objects up to 6 feet (1.8 metres) behind the car.

Area monitored by the sensors seen from the side

Area monitored by the sensors seen from above

The system uses four sensors in the rear bumper. These emit ultrasound signals that bounce back to the sensors off any objects behind the car. The system, however, cannot always detect small or narrow objects or objects that do not reflect ultra- sound back towards the car, such as pipes, or the corner of a house or rectangular post.

The system is activated automatically when reverse is engaged or selected. When the sensors detect an object within the moni- tored area, the SID will display the text "PARK ASSIST" and pulses of sound (- - - - -) will be heard. The frequency of the pulses increases as the car comes closer to the object. When the distance to the object is less than 12 in. (30 cm), a continuous tone will be heard.

Starting and driving

169

95_U S_M 07.book Page 169 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

NOTICE

Reverse slowly so that you have time to stop the car when the continuous tone is heard at approx. 12 in. (30 cm).

When an object is approximately 3 feet (90 cm) from the car, the sound pulses change character markedly. A distance of about 3 feet (90 cm) is suitable if you wish to load or unload the luggage compartment. If the distance between an object and the corner sensors does not change for three seconds, e.g. if you are reversing alongside a wall, the system will switch to monitoring straight back. The system indicates if the distance to the wall decreases again. The system can be disengaged for when driving with a trailer. Press and hold the CLR button on the steering wheel when the dis- play shows "PARK ASSIST", until the dis- play shows "PARK ASSIST OFF". The system is re-engaged in the same way. The system is also always activated when the ignition key is turned to ON.

Pressing a steering wheel button briefly will not disengage the system, the display will simply show the previously selected func- tion.

NOTICE

To function well, the sensors must be kept clean. Ice snow and dirt can affect their sensitivity. Do not spray the sensors or closer than 8 in. (20 cm) to the sensors with a pres- sure washer, as this could damage them.

Ice, snow and dirt can affect the sensitivity of the sensors. In such cases a continuous tone will sound warning the driver that the system cannot measure the distance to an object. You can turn the system off by press- ing and holding the CLR button for 1.5 seconds. If the text "PARK ASSIST FAILURE" is dis- played on the SID, have the system checked by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 170 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Starting and driving

170
Economical motoring Factors affecting fuel consumption Fuel consumption is greatly affected by the general driving conditions, the way in which the car is driven and at what speeds, the weather, the state of the road, the condition of the car, etc. Breaking-in Fuel consumption may be somewhat higher during the break-in period (the first 3,000– 4,000 miles (5,000–7,000 km) than stated. Weather conditions Fuel consumption can be as much as 10 % lower in summer than in winter. The higher consumption in cold weather is explained by the longer time it takes for the engine to reach normal operating temperature, and for the transmission and wheel bearings to warm up. Fuel economy is also affected by the distance driven: short journeys of 3–5 miles (5–8 km) do not give the engine enough time to reach normal temperature. Strong winds can also affect fuel con- sumption.

How to read the graph above: If fuel consumption with the engine at normal temperature is 28 mpg (10l/100 km), the actual fuel consumption 3 miles (5 km) after the engine has started from cold will be: – 23.5 mpg (12l/100 km) at outside temp.

of 68°F (20°C) (increase of 20 %).

– 17.7 mpg (16l/100 km) at outside temp.

of 32°F (0°C) (increase of 60 %).

– 14 mpg (20l/100 km)) at outside temp. of

–4°F (–20°C) (increase of 100 %).

As can be seen, both the distance travelled by the car and the outside temperature have a major impact on fuel consumption after the engine has started from cold. Thus, if the car is mainly used for short journeys of 3–5 miles (5–8 km), the fuel consumption will be 60–80 % higher than normal.

Percentage increase in fuel consumption of engine starting from cold compared to engine at normal temperature

95_U S_M 07.book Page 171 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Driving technique (cid:129) To obtain the best running economy, not only regarding fuel consumption but gen- eral wear also, regular service is required. (cid:129) High speed, unnecessary acceleration,

heavy braking and much low gear work all gives rise to higher fuel consumption.

(cid:129) Frequent gear changing in traffic, starting in cold weather, the use of studded tires and roof racks, and towing a trailer all increase fuel consumption.

(cid:129) Do not run the engine when the car is sta-

tionary. If idling, it will take much longer before the engine becomes hot. Engine wear is greatest during this warming-up phase. Therefore drive away as soon as possible after the engine is started and avoid high revving.

(cid:129) Driving in a low gear results in higher fuel consumption than in a high gear because of the higher engine speed for a given road speed. Always change up to a higher gear as soon as traffic conditions allow and use the highest gear as much as pos- sible.

(cid:129) Check the air pressure in the tires once a month. Incorrect pressures increase tire wear. It is better to have slightly higher pressure than lower.

(cid:129) Check fuel consumption regularly.

Increased consumption can indicate that something is wrong and that the car needs to be checked by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an autho- rized Saab dealer.

Practical trials on the roads have demon- strated that substantial savings in fuel con- sumption can be made if the above advice is heeded.

Starting and driving

171

Road conditions Wet roads increase fuel consumption, as do unpaved roads and driving in hilly country (the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is less than the additional amount required to climb the hill).

WARNING

Never switch the engine off while driving as the effect of the brakes and power steering will be greatly reduced.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 172 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

172

Starting and driving

Engine block heater 3
The following are just some of the benefits to the car and the environment of using an engine block heater: (cid:129) Lower fuel consumption. (cid:129) Exhaust emissions substantially reduced

over short runs.

(cid:129) Reduced wear on the engine. (cid:129) Inside of car warms up faster. The engine heater is effective at outside temperatures up to 58–68°F (+15–20°C). The warmer it is outside, the shorter the time the engine heater needs to be connected. Longer than 1.5 hours is unnecessary. If the car is equipped with a removable, electrical cabin heater that is not in use, this should be stored in the luggage compart- ment.

(cid:129) Check the anti-freeze in the engine cool-

ant, see page 195.

The car´s trip computer will warn you when there is a risk of slippery conditions. For fur- ther information on this function, see page 68. The car is equipped with tires designed to provide optimum grip on both wet and dry roads, although this has been achieved at the expense of somewhat reduced grip on snow and ice. For regular driving on snow and ice, we therefore recommend that winter (snow) tires be fitted. Winter (snow) tires, particularly studded tires (where use is legally permitted), gener- ally make driving safer on snow and ice. Acquaint yourself with the legal provi- sions governing the use of different types of winter tires and snow chains. Studded tires are not allowed in some countries.

Driving in cold weather Before starting a journey in cold weather you should check the following: (cid:129) That the wiper blades have not become

frozen to the windshield/glass.

(cid:129) Brush any snow away from the air intake for the heater system (opening between hood and windshield).

(cid:129) It may be advisable to lubricate the

door-lock cylinder (use molybdenum disulphide, MoS2) to prevent its freezing. If the lock has frozen, take care not to break the key (or use the remote control) – heat it first or spray it with de-icer.

(cid:129) Periodically during the winter, add gaso- line anti-freeze to the fuel to dispel any condensation in the fuel tank which could freeze and cause problems in the system. Keep the tank well filled to reduce the risk of condensation forming. If the car is parked outside in freezing weather, fuel additives (gasoline anti-freeze) will not do any good as it cannot remove water that has already fro- zen. Park the car in a warm place so that any ice that may have built up melts, then add gasoline anti-freeze when filling up the tank. Condensation is caused by changes in the outdoor temperature or by the car being parked alternately in a garage and outside.

(cid:129) It is particularly important when the roads are slippery that the brakes and tires be in good condition.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 173 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

If winter tires are fitted, the same type must be fitted on all wheels. Your Saab dealer will be pleased to advise you on the best tires for your car. Remember that tires age. It may therefore be necessary to change them before they reach the legal wear limit, as they gradually lose their friction properties. The best response if the car gets into a front-wheel skid is to freewheel (manual gearbox only), i.e. disengage the clutch (so that the wheels are neither driven or retarded by the engine. If the car has automatic transmission, ease up on the accelerator and steer carefully in the desired direction. In a rear-wheel skid, steer in the same direc- tion that the rear of the car is moving.

Tire chains 3
If you want to fit tire chains (where legally permitted) they should only be fitted to the tires recommended under ”Specifications” (see page 266). Consult your Saab dealer for details of approved tire chains.

WARNING

(cid:129) Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h)

when tire chains are fitted.

(cid:129) Tire chains can reduce the directional

stability of the car.

(cid:129) Tire chains must not be used on the

rear wheels.

Starting and driving

173

Driving in hot weather Always check the coolant level before start- ing a journey. When the engine is cold, the coolant shall lie on or just above the KALT/COLD mark on the expansion tank.. At the end of a journey, if the engine has worked hard, allow it to idle for two or three minutes before switching it off. If the needle on the temperature gauge enters the red zone: 1 Bring the car to a standstill but leave the engine running. Do not remove the cap on the expansion tank even if the tank is empty. If the needle on the temperature gauge continues to rise while the engine is idling, switch off the engine.

NOTICE

(cid:129) Check the links frequently for wear. (cid:129) Check that the chains do not contact

the wheel-arch liner at full lock.

(cid:129) See section ”Specifications”,

page 266, for information on allowable wheel dimensions for the fitting of tire chains.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 174 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

174

Starting and driving

2 Wait until the needle has dropped back to indicate normal temperature (roughly midway, in the white zone) before stop- ping the engine. If the coolant needs top- ping up, unscrew the cap on expansion tank carefully. Top up, as necessary, ideally with a 50/50 mixture of Saab-approved coolant and water. If only water is available, use that, but remember to have the coolant mixture checked as soon as possible.

WARNING

(cid:129) Exercise care when opening the hood

if the engine is overheated. Never remove the expansion tank cap com- pletely when the engine is hot.

(cid:129) The cooling system is pressurized - hot coolant and vapor can escape. These can cause injury to your eyes and burns. Open the cap slowly to release the pressure before removing it.

3 As soon as possible, have the cooling system checked by a workshop. We rec- ommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

If the car has a 13-pin genuine Saab electri- cal socket, the trailer/caravan can be equip- ped with rear fog lamp and reversing lamps. The caravan can also have interior and exterior lighting when the car’s ignition is off. Do not put a load on the battery for so long that it becomes discharged and the car cannot be started. There is also access to power in the caravan during a journey, the caravan battery can be charged for example.

NOTICE

Only use a towbar that has been appro- ved for your car. We recommend that you entrust towbar installation to an authori- zed Saab workshop, which can also pro- vide important information such as trailer weight. Your authorized Saab workshop has information on how the towbar is to be installed and whether other measures must be undertaken that could affect the cooling system or other equipment. We recommend that you consult an authorized Saab dealer for guidance on how to connect the trailer hitch electrical system.

Towing a trailer 3

WARNING

(cid:129) When towing a trailer, do not attempt to negotiate a hill having a gradient in excess of 15 %. The weight distribu- tion over the front wheels of the car will be insufficient to prevent wheelspin, making further progress impossible. (cid:129) In addition, the parking brake may not

always be able to hold the car and trailer securely, with the result that the wheels can start to slide downhill. (cid:129) Always apply the trailer’s parking-

brake when unhitching it. There is oth- erwise a risk of personal injury or damage to the bumper should the trailer start to roll.

Trailer hitch attachment 3
Trailer hitch attachments are available as accessories. These are designed for a max- imum trailer weight of 3500 lbs. (1588 kg), see also page 259. Use only the electrical trailer hitch socket provided in the trailer hitch kit. 3
Saab recommends: (cid:129) Use a Saab original hitch kit attachment

which is designed and tested by Saab.

(cid:129) Consult your Saab dealer regarding the

appropriate hitch kit for your car.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 175 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Trailer weight Maximum recommended trailer weights for different gradients, with a view to comfort and drivability for manual and automatic cars, are shown on the drawing. Make sure you are familiar with the law regarding speed limits for towing, maxi- mum trailer weights, trailer-braking requirements, and also any special driving-license provisions (see also page 259). The specified trailer weights and gradients assume that the journey starts at the hill and therefore apply only to short periods.

Maximum recommended trailer weights for different gradients

Starting and driving

175

Recommendations for driving in hilly terrain The following time limits are based on the capacity of the cooling system in warm weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (30°C).

Gradient of hill, %

6–7
8–9
10–15

Maximum dura- tion, minutes

Maximum trailer weight, lbs. (kg) 3300 (1500) unlimited 3300 (1500) 15 max 15 max 1870 (850)

The following time limits are based on the capacity of the cooling system in hot weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (40°C).

Gradient of hill, %

6–7
8–9
10–15

Maximum trailer weight, lbs. (kg) 2000 (900) 2000 (900) 1000 (450)

Maximum dura- tion, minutes

unlimited 15 max 15 max.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 176 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

176

Starting and driving

When negotiating long hills, bear the follow- ing important considerations in mind: (cid:129) Use Normal mode when driving with a

caravan or trailer on hilly roads. The adaptive gear change pattern function will prevent the transmission overheating. (cid:129) Rises in coolant temperature are indi- cated by the temperature gauge in the main instrument panel.

When continuing your journey, select manual mode and a gear in which the engine speed is about 3,000 rpm until the incline eases (see page 157).

WARNING

Remember to use the braking effect of the engine (position D or L) when you are descending long or steep hills to spare the brakes. Brake failure can result from overheated brakes!

Recommendations for cars with automatic transmission Rises in coolant temperature are indicated by the temperature gauge in the main instru- ment panel. The following steps are taken in order as the temperature of the engine increases: (cid:129) Gear change pattern is altered. (cid:129) A/C compressor is switched off. (cid:129) Engine torque is reduced. The following message will be displayed on the SID if the transmission fluid becomes too hot: “Gearbox too hot. Make a safe stop. If this message appears, stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and allow the engine to idle until the message has gone out. The selector lever should be in position P.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 177 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Recommendations for cars with manual gearbox Rises in coolant temperature are indicated by the temperature gauge in the main instru- ment panel. The following steps are taken in order as the temperature of the engine increases: (cid:129) A/C compressor is switched off. (cid:129) engine torque is reduced. When continuing your journey, select a gear in which the engine speed is about 3,000 rpm until the incline eases.

WARNING

Utilize the braking effect of the engine (1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you are descending long or steep hills to spare the brakes. Brake failure can result from overheated brakes!

Driving considerations Always take extra care when towing a trailer, as the car’s handling will be different and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s braking system and suspension also have a considerable effect on these characteris- tics, see also ”Driving with a load” page 181. If the car has automatic transmission, select position D when ascending steep hills. This ensures that the adaptive gear change pat- terns are operational, see page 158. Use position D or L for steep descents.

NOTICE

If the ”Automatic transmission 3, fault indicator” indicator towing until the problem has been recti- fied.

comes on, cease

Starting and driving

177

Checks before driving Make sure that the car and camper or trailer are in good working order. This is essential since towing a camper or trailer increases the strain on the car. (cid:129) Check and if necessary adjust the tire

pressure of the car and camper or trailer.

(cid:129) Make sure all wheel bolts are properly

tightened.

(cid:129) Make sure that the equipment joining the

car and camper or trailer is properly secured and adjusted.

(cid:129) Make sure the camper or trailer’s electri- cal cable is properly connected and is not so long that it drags along the ground. Also, make sure the cable is not too short and risks breaking when turning a corner.

(cid:129) Check all bulbs. (cid:129) Check the car and camper or trailer

brakes.

(cid:129) Make sure that all items on or in the cara-

van or trailer are properly secured.

(cid:129) Make sure that the camper or trailer’s

jockey wheel is raised and locked.

(cid:129) Check the distribution of the load so that the car and camper or trailer are well bal- anced.

(cid:129) Check that the rearview mirrors provide

the best possible rearward vision.

(cid:129) Make sure the camper or trailer’s safety

cable is correctly attached.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 178 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

178

Starting and driving

Trailer hitch load The weight distribution on the trailer makes a lot of difference to the handling properties of the car and trailer combination. As regards single-axle trailers, whenever pos- sible, concentrate the load over the wheels and keep it as low as possible. The trailer should be loaded so that the maximum load on the towbar ball is 5 % to 7 % of the trailer weight with a maximum permissible tongue weight of 110–165 lbs. (50–75 kg). Note that this load must be added to the total load for the car. If this now exceeds the specified load capacity, the load in the lug- gage compartment will have to be reduced by a corresponding amount.

WARNING

When you connect the trailer be sure to attach its safety chains to the holes as illustrated.

Distribution of load in trailer a Light b Moderate c Heavy

Attach the safety chains to the holes as illustrated

95_U S_M 07.book Page 179 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Driving with a roof rack load

WARNING

(cid:129) A roof load will affect the car’s center

of gravity and aerodynamics. Be aware of this when cornering and driv- ing in crosswinds.

(cid:129) Suit your speed to the prevailing con-

ditions.

(cid:129) Due to higher aerodynamic drag, fuel economy may suffer when driving with a roof rack.

The maximum permissible roof load is 220 lbs. (100 kg). Note that the roof load is included in the car’s maximum permissible load (see page 258). Strong, sturdy roof carriers 3 designed spe- cially for the car are available from your Saab dealer. Always secure the roof load safely.

Starting and driving

179

Fitting the roof carriers 3, 9-5 Sedan and 9-5 SportCombi without roof rails The carrier feet are marked with a top view of the car and arrow indicating their posi- tions. 1 Slip the plastic cover onto the adjustable

foot of the carrier (foot with knob for tightening) to protect the paintwork during assembly.

2 Open all the doors.

Fold back the rubber strip and find the fixing holes.

3 Start on the left-hand side of the car.

Rest the carrier carefully across the roof, with the rigid foot towards you. Hold the foot clear of the roof to avoid damaging the paintwork. Fold back the rubber strip and insert the pins on the foot into the fixing holes. Make sure that the rubber strip comes inside the plastic cover on the carrier. Repeat the procedure with the other carrier.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 180 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

180

Starting and driving

4 Close the doors on the left-hand side of the car gently, to hold the carrier feet in place.

5 Now go around to the other side of the car and remove the plastic cover from the carrier’s adjustable foot. Fold back the rubber strip and insert the pins on the foot into the fixing holes. Do the same with the other carrier and close the doors gently.

6 Tighten each carrier by turning the knob

clockwise (by hand). Tighten just enough to bring the foot up against the edges of the fixing holes.

Remove the carriers when not in use, as they increase fuel consumption. The instructions that accompany the carri- ers also include advice on driving with a roof load – we strongly recommend that you read them carefully.

Fitting the roof carriers 3, 9-5 SportCombi with roof rails 1 Clean the car’s roof rails. 2 Check the markings on the cross mem- bers to see which is the front and which is the rear roof carrier.

3 Place the cross members on the roof rails, on their respective sides of the center supports. The cross members must not be placed beyond the front or rear joint on the rail. Ensure that the dis- tance between the cross members is at least 28 inches (700 mm). If a roof box is to be fitted, the cross members must be positioned so that the tailgate can be opened fully without hit- ting the roof box.

4 Using your thumb, press the bracket so that it lies snugly against the outside of the roof rail. Make sure that the roof car- riers are seated centrally on the rubber spacers and that these sit correctly on the roof rail. Pull the spacers down slightly on the inside of the roof rail.

5 Center the roof carriers so that they pro-

trude equally on both sides.

6 Tighten the roof carriers by hand.

Ensure that the tightening knobs are upright once the roof carriers have been tightened.

7 Make sure the roof carriers are securely

in place.

Starting and driving

181

95_U S_M 07.book Page 181 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Driving at night Bear in mind the following points when driving at night: (cid:129) Nighttime driving requires your full con-

centration.

Driving with a load The driving characteristics of the car are affected by the way it is loaded. (cid:129) Place heavy loads as far forward and as

low as possible in the trunk.

(cid:129) Do not rush. Count on your journey taking

slightly longer.

(cid:129) Secure the load to the tie downs, see

page 131.

(cid:129) The number of drivers under the influence of drugs is likely to be greater at night than during the day.

(cid:129) The load should be such that the car´s

total weight or axle weight are not exceeded, see page 258.

(cid:129) Do not stare at the headlights of oncom-

ing vehicles.

(cid:129) Avoid driving at night if you have poor eyesight. Night vision deteriorates with age.

(cid:129) Keep your car's headlights, windows and mirrors clean. Also, if you wear glasses, make sure they are clean.

(cid:129) Make sure you are well rested before starting a long journey. Take a break every other hour.

(cid:129) Only eat light meals. Heavy meals have a

tendency to induce tiredness.

(cid:129) Heavy loads mean that the car’s center of gravity is further back. As a result, the car will sway more during evasive steering.

(cid:129) Never exceed the permissible load in the roof box 3, even if there is room for more. (cid:129) Ensure that the tire pressure is correct – slight overinflation is preferable to under- inflation.

(cid:129) The braking distance of a loaded car is

always greater. Keep your distance from the vehicle in front.

(cid:129) Roof loads can negatively affect tele-

communication.

Tire pressure, see page 268 and back cover.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 182 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

182

Starting and driving

Tires

WARNING

Check the tire pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. Under- inflation can result in: (cid:129) Punctures (cid:129) Separation of the tire and tread (cid:129) Damage to the sidewalls (cid:129) Damage to the rims on poor roads (cid:129) Poor handling characteristics (cid:129) Premature tire wear (cid:129) Increased fuel consumption.

The tire pressure should match the current load and speed of the car; for cars sold in U.S. see page 231; for cars sold in Canada see page 267. The tire pressures given apply to cold tires, that is tires that are the same temperature as the outside air temperature. The tire pressure increases as the tires become warm (e.g. during highway driving) with approximately 0.3 bar (4 psi). When the temperature of the tires changes by 50° (10°C), the tire pressure will change 0.1 bar (2 psi).

Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the tires are hot when you check them, only increase the pressure, if necessary. Underinflated tires wear more quickly than slightly overinflated tires. 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 drive at substantially lower or higher speeds than normal.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 183 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Driving with a spare wheel fitted See page 235. Driving with the trunk lid/tailgate open Avoid driving with the trunk lid/tailgate partly or fully open, since exhaust fumes can be drawn into the cabin. If you must drive with the trunk lid/tailgate open, all windows and the moonroof 3 must be closed and the cabin fan on at its highest speed setting.

Driving in deep water

Towing the car

Starting and driving

183

NOTICE

Do not drive in water deeper than 12 inches (30 cm) and do not drive faster than 3–4 mph. Water can otherwise be sucked into the engine. The engine will be seriously damaged if water enters the intake system.

WARNING

(cid:129) Remember that the brake servo does

not operate when the engine is off. Much greater pressure than normal will therefore be required to operate the brake pedal.

(cid:129) Nor does the steering servo operate when the engine is off. The steering will therefore be much heavier than usual.

(cid:129) The towing vehicle should always be

heavier than the vehicle on tow.

(cid:129) Never allow passengers to ride in the

car being towed.

(cid:129) Always seek professional help if the

car needs to be towed.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 184 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

184

Starting and driving

Front towing eye

WARNING

(cid:129) Make sure that the towing eye at the

front is screwed in tightly.

(cid:129) The towing eye is only designed for

use when the car is being towed on the road. It must not be used to pull the car out of a ditch, for example.

(cid:129) Make sure that all bystanders keep a suitable distance, in case the towing eye or tow rope should break. The towing eye or tow rope could catapult off and cause serious injury.

NOTICE

(cid:129) Do not drive the car with the front

towing eye in position. If it catches the curb, for example, the engine sub- frame could be damaged.

(cid:129) Refit the plastic plug in the hole when the towing eye has been removed, to keep dirt and moisture out of the threads.

Front towing eye

Rear towing eye

The front towing eye is stored with the spare wheel. The attachment point (tapped hole) for the towing eye is midway along the engine sub- frame at the front of the car. Remove the plastic plug and screw in the towing eye securely. To ensure that the towing eye is in far enough, insert the handle of the wheel wrench through the eye for additional leverage.

Rear towing eye The car has a permanently mounted towing eye at the back. If the car is equipped with a trailer hitch, this can be used instead of the towing eye.

Starting and driving

185

Transporting the car

NOTICE

If a car with a sport (lowered) chassis is transported, for example on a flat bed truck, take extra care not to damage the spoiler and/or underbody.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 185 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Towing the car

NOTICE

(cid:129) Never use the towing eyes to pull the

car unstuck.

Gear lever in neutral (in cars with automatic transmission: selector lever at N (neutral)) Turn on the parking lights. Drive carefully and do not exceed the speed limit for vehicles being towed. Always try to keep the towrope taut by gently applying the brake, as necessary. This will avoid the towrope being jerked violently. The local regulations on towing speeds must be followed. The highest permissible towing speed is 30 mph (50 km/h), unless the legal limit is lower. The longest permissible towing dis- tance is 30 miles (50 km). If the car has to be transported farther than that, summon a tow truck. A flat bed tow truck is the pre- ferred method to tow. Failure to follow these guidelines can result in damage.

Never use the towing eyes to pull the car unstuck

Cars with automatic transmission

NOTICE

(cid:129) The car must be towed front first. (cid:129) If the car is to be towed with the front wheels off the ground, make sure the parking brake is off, as this acts on the rear wheels.

The car cannot be push started. In an emer- gency, it is possible to start the engine using jump leads (see the section, ”Jump starting” on page 186).

95_U S_M 07.book Page 186 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

Starting and driving

186
Jump starting

WARNING

(cid:129) When working on the battery, highly explosive gas can build up. A spark could ignite this gas that collects around the battery. Therefore, always avoid sparks and open flames in the vicinity of the bat- tery.

(cid:129) The battery contains corrosive sulfuric acid. Always wear a face mask or gog- gles when working on the battery.

(cid:129) If battery acid gets into the eyes or

splashes onto skin or clothing, wash the affected area liberally with water. If acid gets into the eyes or a large quantity makes contact with the skin, seek medical help.

(cid:129) Battery posts, terminals and related

accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.

If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Saab. Follow the steps below to do it safely.

NOTICE

Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that would not be covered by your warranty. Trying to start your car by pushing or pull- ing it could damage your vehicle, even if you have a manual transmission. If you have an automatic transmission, your vehicle cannot be started by pushing or pulling it.

To jump start your vehicle: 1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a 12-volt battery with a negative ground system.

NOTICE

If the other system is not a 12-volt system with a negative ground, both vehicles can be damaged.

2 Get the vehicles close enough so the

jumper cables can reach, but be sure the vehicles are not touching each other. If a poor connection on the negative jumper cable should exist, it is possible for damage to be caused to electrical sys- tems/components of either vehicle should inadvertent contact be made. You would not be able to start your car and bad grounding could damage elec- trical systems.

WARNING

You could be injured if the vehicles roll. Set the parking brake firmly on each vehi- cle. Put an automatic transmission in P (Park) or a manual transmission in Neutral.

3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. Turn off all lights that are not needed, and radios. This will avoid sparks and help save both batteries and it could save your radio.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 187 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

NOTICE

WARNING

If you leave your radio on, it could be badly damaged. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty.

4 Open the hood and locate the battery. Find the positive (+) and negative (–) termi- nals on the battery.

WARNING

An electric fan can start up even when the engine is not running and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing and tools away from any underhood electric fan.

Using a match or flame of any kind near a battery can cause battery gas to explode. You can suffer burns or be blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light.

Be sure the battery has enough water. The battery installed in your new Saab has filler caps. Be sure the right amount of water is there. Add distilled or boiled water if the level is too low. If you don’t, explosive gas could be present.

Be sure the electrolyte in the battery is not frozen. Discharged batteries will freeze. When connecting jumper cables to a frozen battery, gas from the chemical reaction inside the battery can build up under the ice and cause an explosion.

Battery fluid contains acid that can burn you. Do not get it on you. If you acciden- tally get it in your eyes or on your skin, flush the area with water and get medical help immediately.

Starting and driving

187

5 Check that the jumper cables do not

have loose or missing insulation. If they do, you could get a shock and also the vehicles could be damaged. Before you connect the cables, here are some basic things you should know. Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and negative (–) will go to a major metal engine part with a good ground. Do not connect (+) to (–) or you will get a short that could injure you or would damage the battery and maybe other parts as well.

6 Connect the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with the discharged battery.

7 Do not let the other end touch metal.

Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of the good battery. Use a remote positive (+) terminal if the vehicle has one.

8 Now connect the black negative (–) cable to the good battery’s negative terminal.

95_U S_M 07.book Page 188 Friday, June 9, 2006 8:58 A M

188

Starting and driving

WARNING

Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a major metal part with a good ground on the engine of the vehi- cle with the discharged battery.

9 Attach the cable at least 18 inches

(45 cm) away from the discharged bat- tery, but not near engine parts that move. To avoid an arc which could deto- nate the hydrogen gas around the bat- tery, the final connection must be at least 18” from the battery.

10 Start the vehicle with the good battery

and run the engine for a while.

11 Try to start the vehicle with the dis-

charged battery. If it does not start after a few tries, it probably needs service.

12 Remove the cables in reverse order to prevent electrical shorting. Take care that they do not touch each other or any other metal.

Charging the battery/Jump starting To avoid damaging the car’s electrical system and electronics, the following rules must be followed when charging the battery or jump starting the car.