2009 Saab 9 5 Owners Manual

150 150 159 160

163 165 165

168

3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories).

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Starting and driving

O FF

CK

LOCK position Engage reverse and turn the key to LOCK. Automatic transmission: select ”P”. The gear lever is locked. This is the only position in which the key can be removed. The parking lights, hazard warning lights and interior lighting all work. OFF position Gear lever no longer locked. Certain electrical circuits operational.

ON position All electrical circuits working. Do not leave the key in the ON position when the engine is not running. Turn the key to OFF to switch off the electri- cal circuits. In the ON position certain warn- ing and indicator lights come on as a check, and they normally are extinguished after about 3 seconds. ST (starter) position The starter operates when the key is turned to this position. When released, the key will spring back to the ON position. If the engine fails to start, the key must first be turned back to the position between OFF and LOCK before the starter can be oper- ated again. When the starter motor is running, several electrical circuits are disconnected to facili- tate starting.

Ignition switch The combined ignition switch and gear-lever lock is located in the center con- sole between the front seats. The ignition key can only be removed when reverse is engaged (automatic transmission: selector in ”P” position). The key fits all the locks on the car. The key number is specified on the small plastic strap that comes with the keys when the car is delivered. Keep a note of the key number in a safe place, as you will need to quote it if ordering a replacement key. See also page 44.

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NOTICE

Take care not to spill drinks or to drop crumbs over the ignition switch. If dirt or liquid gets into it, the switch may not operate properly.

WARNING

(cid:127) Always remove the key before leaving

the car.

(cid:127) Always apply the parking brake before

removing the ignition key.

If the car does not start If the text ”Key not accepted. Contact service.” is shown on the SID, after a failed start attempt, the cause could be a fault in the transmitter in the key, or in the receiver in the ignition lock. The following should be done: (cid:127) Turn the key back to the LOCK position. (cid:127) Turn the key to ON. (cid:127) Press one of the buttons on the remote

control (the LED stops blinking).

(cid:127) Start the engine. Try another key. If this works, then the fault is in the first key. We recommend that you contact an autho- rized Saab dealer for checking and rectifica- tion.

Note: Certain electronic items, such as cellular phones, may affect the starting produce- dure. Be sure that all devices are clear of the key/ignition switch area.

Starting and driving Starting the engine

141

WARNING

(cid:127) When starting the engine: – Sit down in the driver’s seat. – Depress the clutch pedal fully. If the gear lever is not in the neutral posi- tion, the clutch pedal must be fully depressed or the car will jump for- wards or backwards, which may cause a crash.

– Never start the car from outside the vehicle, e.g. through a wound down window. This could lead to serious personal injury.

(cid:127) Engage reverse (R) (position P for

automatic transmission) to remove the ignition key. The key can only be removed in this gear position.

(cid:127) Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Be alert to the danger of CO – always open the garage doors before starting the engine in the garage.

(cid:127) There is also a danger of CO poison- ing if the exhaust system is leaking.

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Starting and driving

(cid:127) The tail pipe of the exhaust system

can become very hot during driving. Bear this in mind when loading and unloading the car.

(cid:127) Do not rest or sleep in the car when

parked with the engine running. There is a risk of depressing the accelerator which could lead to engine damage. There is also the risk that exhaust gases may enter the cabin.

It is possible for air to enter the lubricating system in conjunction with an oil or oil-filter change, or if the car has been stored for some time. This air can cause the hydraulic cam followers to emit a ticking noise, which can persist for up to 15 minutes after start- ing. Although this is quite normal and does not indicate any malfunction, it is advisable not to exceed 3,000 rpm before the noise has disappeared. The hydraulic cam lifters are completely service free; the valve clearance is set up at the factory and will not need any subse- quent adjustment.

Starting the engine Avoid racing the engine or putting a heavy load on it before it has warmed up. Drive away as soon as the oil warning light has been extinguished to enable the engine to attain its normal temperature as quickly as possible. The engine has an automatic choke and should be started as follows:

Cars with manual transmission

To start the engine the clutch pedal must be fully depressed. 1 Depress the clutch pedal fully but do not

touch the accelerator.

2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key

spring back as soon as the engine has started and is running smoothly – at very low temperatures, you may need to run the starter for up to 25 seconds. Wait 20–30 seconds before running the starter again, to give the battery time to recover.

Note: On cars with manual transmission, if the starter fails to engage when the ignition key is turned to the start position, make sure the clutch pedal is full depressed. Misposi- tioned floor mats or other obstructions under the clutch pedal may affect starting.

Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do not open the throttle wide for at least 2–3 minutes after starting.

Cars with automatic transmission 3
1 The selector lever must be in the P or N

position.

2 Keep your foot on the brake pedal. 3 Start the engine. Let the ignition key

spring back as soon as the engine has started and is running smoothly – at very low temperatures, you may need to run the starter for up to 25 seconds. Wait 20–30 seconds before running the starter again, to give the battery time to recover.

Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do not open the throttle wide for at least 2–3 minutes after starting.

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Useful tips on cold climate starting If the engine has failed to start after several attempts in very cold weather, press and hold the accelerator down to the floor and run the starter for 5–10 seconds. This will prevent the engine being flooded (exces- sively rich fuel-air mixture). Now start the engine in the normal way – do not touch the accelerator. If the engine stalls immediately after starting (e.g. if the clutch was released too quickly), do not touch the accelerator when restarting the engine.

Limp-home mode The engine management system has a diagnostic feature that continually checks a number of internal functions. If, for example, a fault is detected in the throttle valve, the engine management system will go into Limp-home mode.This limits:

idling control,

(cid:127) disables the cruise -control system and

limits the capacity of the A/C compressor. If the limp-home mode is in operation (”Ser- vice Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE” light on, see below) and the out- side temperature is close to or below freez- ing, you may need to use some throttle on starting (some pressure on the accelerator). If the diagnostic system has detected a fault in the engine-management system, the ”Service Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE” light on the main instrument panel will come on (see page 58), indicating that you should have the car checked as soon as possible by a work- shop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

Starting and driving

143

NOTICE

If the CHECK ENGINE warning light starts to flash, ease off the accelerator slightly. If the light does not cease to flash within 5 seconds, stop the car in a suit- able place as soon as possible and turn off the engine. The car must be towed to a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. If the CHECK ENGINE warning light flashes, it indicates that the engine is mis- firing which can result in damage to the catalytic converter.

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Starting and driving

144
Important considerations for driving The engine-management system in the Saab 9-5 is called Saab Trionic T7. The system manages the ignition, fuel injection and turbo boost pressure. The Trionic T7 system developed by Saab is an intelligent engine-management system designed to achieve optimum driv- ability under differing driving conditions. The system makes adjustments automati- cally, for instance, if the car is being driven at altitude (oxygen-deficient air), for differ- ent grades of fuel (AON 87–93) and for dif- ferent load conditions. 1 Starting and driving (cid:127) Refrain from using full throttle before

the engine has warmed up (before needle in mid-range on temperature gauge).

WARNING

If the engine is being run with the car on a rolling road or dynamometer, longer than for a standard state emission inspection, to ensure adequate cooling, air must be blown into the engine compartment and under the car at a rate equivalent to the ram-air effect that would be obtained at the corresponding road speed.

(cid:127) One of the advantages of boost pres- sure regulation is that the engine can also be run safely on gasoline with a lower octane rating, although not lower than AON 87. However, engine perfor- mance will fall slightly and heavy load- ing and laboring should be avoided. For optimum performance, use the recom- mended grade of fuel.

(cid:127) The maximum boost pressure is

adjusted automatically to the knocking or pinging tendency of the engine. Occasional, short-lived knocking when the engine is under a heavy load is perfectly normal; the extent will depend on the grade of fuel in the tank.

(cid:127) Isolated instances of knocking are

more likely to occur with low-octane fuel. This controlled form of knocking, followed by a reduction in the boost pressure, is a sign that the wastegate is functioning and is perfectly safe for the engine.

(cid:127) A safety function prevents the engine from revving faster than 6,000 rpm by limiting the induction air.

2 Stopping the engine (cid:127) Do not rev the engine immediately

before switching it off – stop the engine when it is idling.

3 Regulating the boost pressure

NOTICE

(cid:127) If the engine sounds strange there is a

fault in the system. Have the car checked without delay by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

(cid:127) The use of fuel with too low an octane

rating can cause serious engine damage.

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Important considerations with catalytic converters

NOTICE

Use only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gas- oline is detrimental to the catalyst and oxygen sensor and will seriously impair the function of the catalytic converter.

The catalytic converter is an emission-con- trol device incorporated in the car’s exhaust system. It consists of a metal canister with a honeycomb insert, the cells of which have walls coated in a catalytic layer (mixture of precious metals). To ensure that the catalytic converter con- tinues to function properly, and also to avoid damage to the converter and its associated components, the following points must be observed: (cid:127) Have the car serviced regularly in accor-

dance with the service program. The fuel and ignition systems are particularly important in this context.

(cid:127) Always be alert to any misfiring of the

engine (not running on all cylinders) and any loss of power or performance. At the first sign of a malfunction, reduce speed and take the car to a workshop as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

Starting and driving

145

(cid:127) Never park the car on dry grass or other

combustible material. The catalytic converter gets very hot and could there- fore start a fire.

(cid:127) Never drive off if the engine is misfiring. If you jump start the car when the engine is already up to normal temperature, the engine must start to run on all cylinders. Stop jump-starting if the engine fails to start immediately.

NOTICE

If the car runs out of fuel, it is possible for air to get into the fuel system. If this happens, the catalytic converter may overheat and be damaged.

Failure to follow these directions could result in the catalytic converter and associ- ated components being damaged, and could represent a breach of the warranty conditions.

Oxygen-sensor-controlled injection system 1 Engine control module 2 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe) 3 Catalytic converters

If the engine fails to start (in very cold weather or if the battery is flat), the car can be push started (manual gearbox only) or started using jumper cables to a donor battery. However, as soon as you have started the engine, it is important that it runs on all cylinders. If it is misfiring, allow it to idle for up to five minutes to give it time to settle and run smoothly. If, after this time, the engine still fails to run properly, turn off the engine and get in touch with a workshop for advice. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.

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Starting and driving

146
Refueling

WARNING

If you spill fuel and then something ignites it, you could be badly burned. Fuel can spray out on you if you open the fuel cap too quickly. This spray can happen if your tank is nearly full, and is more likely in hot weather. Open the fuel cap slowly and wait for any “hiss” noise to stop. Then unscrew the cap all the way. Gasoline fumes are highly explosive. Therefore: (cid:127) never smoke while refueling (cid:127) never use gasoline for any purpose

other than as engine fuel

(cid:127) gasoline is extremely flammable and can cause severe burns. No open or exposed flames near gasoline

(cid:127) do not use a mobile phone at the

same time as refueling.

NOTICE

NOTICE

(cid:127) Do not overfill. Fuel should not come

right up the filler pipe as room for expansion is needed for when the temperature rises.

(cid:127) The use of fuel with too low an octane

rating can cause serious engine damage.

(cid:127) Clean fuel from painted surfaces as

soon as possible.

(cid:127) Do not use additives with E85-fuel.

The engine control module (ECM) mon- itoring the engine parameters also stores fault codes. Under certain circumstances, this may cause constant illumination of the ”Ser- vice Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE” indicator light , thus indi- cating a fault that must be checked by your Saab dealer, see page 58. NOTE: always observe the following two measures: (cid:127) Make sure that the fuel filler cap is

screwed on correctly before the engine is started. Screw on the fuel filler cap until you hear 3 clicks.

(cid:127) Avoid driving with the fuel low level indicator illuminated. The symbol illuminates when less than approxi- mately 2 gallons (8 litres) of fuel remains in the tank.

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Refueling

WARNING

If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or by notify- ing the station attendant. Leave the area immediately.

1 Switch off the engine. 2 Open the fuel cap, located in the

right-hand rear fender.

3 Insert the fuel pump nozzle beyond the flange on the filler pipe and let the first mark (a ring, a pimple or the first spring-coil) rest on the flange. Do not withdraw the nozzle while filling is in progress.

4 Cease refueling the first time the pump

stops, and wait a few seconds after you´ve finished pumping before you remove the nozzle.

NOTICE

Do not overfill. Fuel should not come right up the filler pipe as expansion room is needed when the temperature rises. (cid:127) Fill to maximum filling capacity. (cid:127) Stop filling after the first time that the nozzle trips to shut off the flow of fuel.

(cid:127) Filling capacity can differ between different fuel stations and outside temperature. Fuel tank volume when nozzle trips to shut off, may vary by 0.5 gal. (2 liters).

(cid:127) Do not fill fuel all the way up the filler pipe. The gasoline must be allowed room for expansion especially during hot weather.

Fuel cap To remove the fuel cap, turn it slowly to the left (counterclockwise). The fuel cap has a spring in it; if you let go of the cap too soon, it will spring back to the right. When you put the fuel cap back on, turn it to the right (clockwise) until you hear 3 clicks. Make sure you fully install the cap. The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has been left off or is improperly installed. See Service Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE indicator light on page 58.

Starting and driving

147

When refueling, hang the fuel cap inside the fuel door

The most effective way to prevent conden- sation forming in the tank (and thus avoid possible running problems) is to keep the tank well filled. Before the onset of freezing temperatures in winter, it may be advisable to add gasoline anti-freeze to the fuel a few times to dispel any condensation in the system. The fuel door has a built in filler cap holder slot located on the fuel door. Slide the white ring on the cap into the slot. Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get the right type. Your dealer can get one for you. If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly

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Starting and driving

Filling a portable fuel container

Fuel (Gasoline Engine)

WARNING

Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in your vehicle. Static electricity dis- charge from the container can ignite the gasoline vapor. You can be badly burned and your vehicle damaged if this occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others: (cid:127) Dispense gasoline only into approved

containers.

(cid:127) Do not fill a container while it is inside a vehicle, in a vehicle’s trunk, pickup bed or on any surface other than the ground.

(cid:127) Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside of the fill opening before operat- ing the nozzle. Contact should be maintained until the filling is complete.

(cid:127) Do not smoke while pumping gaso-

line.

Fuel Use of the recommended fuel is an impor- tant part of the proper maintenance of your vehicle.

Gasoline Octane Use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 87 or higher. If the octane is less than 87, you may get a heavy knocking noise when you drive. If this occurs, use a gasoline rated at 87 octane or higher as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might damage your engine. A little pinging noise when you accelerate or drive uphill is considered normal. This does not indicate a problem exists or that a higher-octane fuel is necessary. If you are using 87 octane or higher-octane fuel and hear heavy knock- ing, your engine needs service. Although not required, use higher octane fuel for opti- mum performance - 93 octane.

Gasoline Specifications It is recommended that gasoline meet spec- ifications which were developed by automo- bile manufacturers around the world and contained in the World-Wide Fuel Charter which is available from the Alliance of Auto- mobile Manufacturers at www.autoalli- ance.org/fuel_charter.htm. Gasoline meet- ing these specifications could provide improved driveability and emission control

system performance compared to other gasoline.

NOTICE

Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gasolines may be available in your area. We recommend that you use these gaso- lines, if they comply with the specifica- tions described earlier. However, E85 (85% ethanol) and other fuels containing more than 10% ethanol must not be used in vehicles that were not designed for those fuels.

California Fuel If your vehicle is certified to meet California Emission Standards (see the underhood emission control label), it is designed to operate on fuels that meet California speci- fications. If this fuel is not available in states adopting California emissions standards, your vehicle will operate satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal specifications, but emission control system performance may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. See Service Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE indicator light on page 58. If this occurs, return to your authorized Saab dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that the condition is caused by the type of fuel used, repairs may not be covered by your warranty.

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Additives To provide cleaner air, all gasolines in the United States are now required to contain additives that will help prevent engine and fuel system deposits from forming, allowing your emission control system to work prop- erly. You should not have to add anything to your fuel. However, some gasolines contain only the minimum amount of additive required to meet U.S. Environmental Pro- tection Agency regulations. Saab recom- mends that you buy gasolines that are advertised to help keep fuel injectors and intake valves clean. If your vehicle experi- ences problems due to dirty injectors or valves, try a different brand of gasoline. Gasolines containing oxygenates, such as ethers and ethanol, and reformulated gaso- lines may be available in your area to con- tribute to clean air. Saab recommends that you use these gasolines, particularly if they comply with the specifications described earlier.

Notice: Your vehicle was not designed for fuel that contains methanol. Do not use fuel containing methanol. It can corrode metal parts in your fuel system and also damage the plastic and rubber parts. That damage would not be covered under your warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated for low emissions may contain an octane-enhancing additive called methylcy- clopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. Saab does not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system may be affected. The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on. If this occurs, return to your authorized Saab dealer for service.

Starting and driving

149

Fuels in Foreign Countries If you plan on driving in another country out- side the United States or Canada, the proper fuel may be hard to find. Never use leaded gasoline or any other fuel not recom- mended in the previous text on fuel. Costly repairs caused by use of improper fuel would not be covered by your warranty. To check the fuel availability, ask an auto club, or contact a major oil company that does business in the country where you will be driving.

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150
Engine Break-In Period Pistons, bores and bearings need time to obtain uniform, wear-resistant surfaces. If a new engine is driven too hard, this grad- ual process of bedding-in will not be possi- ble and the life of the engine will be short- ened. During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), do not exceed 5,000 rpm. In addition, refrain from driving the car at full throttle, other than for brief instances, during the first 1,800 miles (3,000 km).

Wearing in new brake pads New brake pads take time to bed in, about 90 miles (150 km) if the car is driven largely under stop-and-go conditions or about 300 miles (500 km) of highway driving. To extend the useful life of the pads, avoid hard braking as much as possible during this period.

Gear changing Manual transmission 3
To start the engine the clutch pedal must be fully depressed. The gear positions are marked on the gear lever. Before reverse (R) can be engaged, you must lift the ring underneath the gear-lever knob. To change gear, fully depress the clutch pedal and then release it smoothly. It is inadvisable to drive with your hand resting on the gear lever, as this can increase the wear on the transmission. When changing down from 5th to 4th gear, ease the gear lever straight back, without applying any lateral pressure. This will pre- vent 2nd gear being engaged by mistake, which can result in overreving and possible damage to the engine. Before engaging reverse, wait till the car is at a standstill, release the accelerator and fully depress the clutch. From neutral, press the gear lever firmly to the right before easing it back into reverse.

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1 3

R4

NOTICE

When the reverse gear is to be engaged the car must be at a standstill with the accelerator fully released. Lift the reverse lock-out collar and push the gear lever firmly to the right in neutral before easing it into reverse.

Towing Towing of cars with manual transmis- sion, see page 181.

Automatic transmission 3

WARNING

(cid:127) Make it a habit to keep your foot on the brake when selecting a drive position, to prevent the car from creeping for- ward (or backward if reverse is selected).

(cid:127) The car must be at a standstill before P, R or N is selected. You have to have your foot on the brake pedal to move the lever out of P. If the car is still moving when a drive position is subse- quently selected, this could cause a crash or damage the automatic trans- mission.

(cid:127) Never park the car with the selector lever in a drive position, even if the parking brake is on.

(cid:127) If you want to leave the car with the engine running, move the selector lever to P or N and apply the parking brake.

Starting and driving

151

Selector lever

The electronic control module for the auto- matic transmission receives information on engine torque and road speed, and also controls the hydraulic pressure in the trans- mission to ensure that gear changing is as smooth as possible. The position of the selector lever is shown by the symbols adjacent to the lever and also by a symbol on the main instrument panel. If manual mode (M) is selected, the current gear is also displayed on the main instrument panel. The ignition key can only be removed when the selector lever is in the P position.

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Starting and driving

Three modes for the automatic transmis- sion can be selected: Normal, Manual and Sport.

Normal mode The Normal mode, which provides the best fuel economy, is the default setting when the engine is started.

Manual mode (Sentronic): see page 156.

Sport mode When the Sport mode is selected, the trans- mission changes up later than in Normal mode to provide higher performance. In this mode, the SPORT indicator will appear on the main instrument panel (see page 158).

Adaptive gear-change pattern Adaptive gear-change pattern is a transmis- sion function in the Normal and Sport modes which matches gear changing to current driving conditions. The transmission control module senses the load on the engine and temperature of the transmis- sion. A suitable gear change pattern is then selected automatically to avoid unneces- sary gear changes and undesired tempera- ture increases in the transmission.

Detent positions for selector movement

The detent button on the selector lever has to be pressed before the selector can be moved between certain positions.

Selector-lever indicator on main instru- ment panel

When the car is stationary, the engine must be at idling speed when the selector lever is moved. You must have your foot on the brake pedal to move the lever out of park. If the accelerator is depressed while the lever is moved, this will result in abnormal wear in the transmission.

NOTICE

After selecting a drive position, pause briefly to allow the gear to engage (the car starts to pull a little) before you accel- erate.

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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 216). 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.

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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).

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Towing Towing of cars with automatic transmission, see page 181.

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).

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.

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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.

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.

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.

95_US_MY09.book Page 157 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

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.

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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.

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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:127) The engine is switched off. (cid:127) The load is reduced so much that the function is no longer

required.

(cid:127) ”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:127) The SPORT button is pressed. (cid:127) The selector lever is moved to position P,R, M

or L.

(cid:127) The engine is switched off. (cid:127) ”Automatic transmission 3, fault indicator”

appears on main instrument panel, see

page 154.

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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_US_MY09.book Page 159 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

Cruise control

WARNING

(cid:127) Do not use the Cruise control system on wet or icy roads, in dense traffic or on winding roads.

(cid:127) 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:127) ON/OFF (switch on/off). (cid:127) RESUME/– (Resume preset speed). (cid:127) SET/+ (to set the desired speed). (cid:127) 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.

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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:127) When the brake or clutch pedal is

depressed.

(cid:127) When the switch is moved to CANCEL. (cid:127) When the switch is moved to OFF. (cid:127) When the engine is switched off. (cid:127) When the selector lever is moved to posi- tion N (cars with automatic transmission). (cid:127) 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.

95_US_MY09.book Page 161 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

ABS brakes

WARNING

(cid:127) The additional safety afforded by the ABS system is not designed to allow drivers to drive faster but to make normal driving safer.

(cid:127) 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.

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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.

WARNING

(cid:127) 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:127) The same applies after the car has

been washed or when the weather is very humid.

(cid:127) 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:127) 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:127) 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.

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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_US_MY09.book Page 163 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

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.

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163

The illustration shows how the system brakes one or more wheels (and with var- ying braking force for each wheel) in order to increase the car’s chances of following the direction in which the driver wants to drive.

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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

light on the main instrument comes

The on if: (cid:127) A fault has been detected and the system

has therefore been switched off.

(cid:127) The system has been switched off manu-

ally.

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.

Temporarily 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_US_MY09.book Page 165 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

Parking brake

WARNING

(cid:127) Always apply the parking brake when

you park the car.

(cid:127) Always apply the parking brake before removing the ignition key.

(cid:127) 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:127) 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:127) Park where the vehicle will not create

an obstruction or a hazard to other road users.

(cid:127) Do not park on dry grass or other com-

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

(cid:127) Apply the parking brake. (cid:127) Shift to Reverse for manual transmis- sion (automatic transmission: move selector lever to P (Park)), and remove the ignition key. Lock the car.

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166

Starting and driving

NOTICE

Empty the car yourself and bear in mind: (cid:127) Never leave a mobile phone, camera, computer or similar object visible in your car.

(cid:127) Clothing, packages and bags attract

thieves.

(cid:127) Do not leave small objects such as CDs, sunglasses and coins visible.

(cid:127) If possible, park in a well-lit, conspicuous parking space.

(cid:127) 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.

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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:127) Run the engine to normal temperature

before long-term parking.

(cid:127) Drain the washer-fluid reservoir and

hoses.

(cid:127) Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber seals on the hood, luggage compartment lid and doors, and lubricate them with glycerol (glycerin).

(cid:127) After washing the car, dry the brake discs

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

(cid:127) Fill the fuel tank with fuel to prevent

condensation forming in it.

Starting and driving

167

(cid:127) Top up the coolant and check the anti-

freeze before the onset of winter. (cid:127) Park the car in a dry, covered and

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

(cid:127) 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. 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:127) Leave all the windows open a crack and

cover the car with a fabric tarpaulin – not one made of plastic.

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Starting and driving

168
Saab Parking Assistance 3

WARNING

Responsibility always lies with the driver when reversing. (cid:127) Saab Parking Assistance can facilitate reversing at low speeds, such as when reverse parking.

(cid:127) 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_US_MY09.book Page 169 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

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_US_MY09.book Page 170 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

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.

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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.

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

95_US_MY09.book Page 171 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

Driving technique (cid:127) To obtain the best running economy, not

only regarding fuel consumption but general wear also, regular service is required.

(cid:127) High speed, unnecessary acceleration,

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

(cid:127) 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:127) Do not run the engine when the car is

stationary. 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:127) 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 possible.

(cid:127) 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:127) 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.

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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:127) Lower fuel consumption. (cid:127) Exhaust emissions substantially reduced

over short runs.

(cid:127) Reduced wear on the engine. 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.

It is particularly important when the roads are slippery that the brakes and tires be in good condition.

(cid:127) Check the anti-freeze in the engine cool-

ant, see page 193.

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:127) That the wiper blades have not become

frozen to the windshield/glass.

(cid:127) Brush any snow away from the air intake for the heater system (opening between hood and windshield). 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:127) 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 frozen. 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:127) (cid:127) (cid:127) 95_US_MY09.book Page 173 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM

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 261). Consult your Saab dealer for details of approved tire chains.

WARNING

(cid:127) Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h)

when tire chains are fitted.

(cid:127) Tire chains can reduce the directional

stability of the car.

(cid:127) 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:127) Check the links frequently for wear. (cid:127) Check that the chains do not contact

the wheel-arch liner at full lock.

(cid:127) See section ”Specifications”,

page 261, for information on allowable wheel dimensions for the fitting of tire chains.

95_US_MY09.book Page 174 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 11:03 AM