engine SAAB 9-2X 2005 User Guide
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11 - 1 6Maintenance and service
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"Recommended grade and viscosity
under severe driving conditionsIf the vehicle is used in desert areas, in areas with very
high temperatures, or used for heavy-duty applica-
tions such as towing a trailer, use of oil with the follow-
ing grade and viscosities is recommended.API classification SL (or SJ):
SAE viscosity no.: 30, 40, 10W-50, 20W-40, 20W-50
"Synthetic oilYou can use synthetic engine oil that meets the same
requirements given for conventional engine oil. When
using synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same clas-
sification, viscosity and grade shown in this owner’s
manual, and must follow the oil and filter changing in-
tervals shown in the maintenance schedule.
Cooling systemNever attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is re-moved.!The cooling system has been filled at the fac-
tory with a high quality, corrosion-inhibiting,
year-around coolant which provides protection
against freezing down to –33°F (–36°C). For
adding, use genuine Saab coolant or an equiv-
alent: a mixture of 50% soft water and 50% eth-
ylene-glycol basis coolant. Use of improper
coolants may result in corrosion in the cooling
system. It is important to maintain protection
against freezing and corrosion, even if freezing
temperatures are not expected. Never mix dif-
ferent kinds of coolant.
!Do not splash the engine coolant over paint-
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26 December 2003
ed parts. The alcohol contained in the enginecoolant may damage the paint surface."Cooling fan, hose and connectionsYour vehicle employs an electric cooling fan which is
thermostatically controlled to operate when the engine
coolant reaches a specific temperature.
If the radiator cooling fan does not operate even when
the engine coolant temperature gauge exceeds the
normal operating range, the cooling fan circuit may be
defective. Check the fuse and replace it if necessary.
If the fuse is not blown, have the cooling system
checked by your Saab dealer.
If frequent addition of coolant is necessary, there may
be a leak in the engine cooling system. It is recom-
mended that the cooling system and connections be
checked for leaks, damage, or looseness.
"Engine coolant!Checking the coolant level1) “FULL” level mark
2) “LOW” level markCheck the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside of the reser-
voir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the “LOW” level
mark, add coolant up to the “FULL” level mark. If the
reserve tank is empty, remove the radiator cap and re-
fill as required.
FULL
LOW
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11 - 1 8Maintenance and service
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1) Rubber gaskets3. After refilling the reserve tank and the radiator, re-
install the caps and check that the rubber gaskets in-
side the radiator cap are in the proper position.!Be careful not to spill engine coolant when
adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it
may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire.
!Do not splash the engine coolant over paint-
ed parts. The alcohol contained in the enginecoolant may damage the paint surface.!Changing the coolant
1) Drain plugAlways add genuine cooling system conditioner when-
ever the coolant is replaced.
Change the engine coolant and add genuine cooling
system conditioner using the following procedures ac-
cording to the maintenance schedule.
1. Remove the under cover.
2. Place a proper container under the drain plug and
loosen the drain plug.
3. Loosen the radiator cap to drain the coolant from
the radiator. Then drain the coolant from the reserve
tank. Tighten the drain plug securely.
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26 December 2003
NOTE (Turbo model only)The cap (without tabs) on top of the radiator does
not need to be removed. To add coolant, remove
the cap (with tabs) on the coolant tank on top of
the engine.Never attempt to remove the radiator cap until
the engine has been shut off and has cooled
down completely. Since the coolant is under
pressure, you may suffer serious burns from a
spray of boiling hot coolant when the cap is re-moved.
4. Install the under cover.
Non-turbo models
1) Filler neck
2) Fill up to this level
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!Be careful not to spill engine coolant when
adding it. If coolant touches the exhaust pipe, it
may cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or a fire.
!Do not splash the engine coolant over paint-
ed parts. The alcohol contained in the enginecoolant may damage the paint surface.
6. Pour the coolant and fill to the reservoir tank’s
“FULL” level mark.1) Rubber gaskets
7. Put the radiator cap back on and tighten firmly. At
this time, make sure that the rubber gasket in the radi-
ator cap is correctly in place.
8. Start and run the engine for more than five minutes
at 2,000 to 3,000 rpm.
9. Stop the engine and wait until the coolant cools
down (122 to 140°F [50 to 60°C]). If there is any loss
of coolant, add coolant to the radiator’s filler neck and
to the reserve tank’s “FULL” level.
10.Put the radiator cap and reservoir cap back on and
tighten firmly.
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Air cleaner elementThe air cleaner element functions as a filter screen.
When the element is perforated or removed, engine
wear will be excessive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element is a viscous type. It is unnec-
essary to clean or wash the element.Do not operate the engine with the air cleaner
element removed. The air cleaner element not
only filters intake air but also stops flames if the
engine backfires. If the air cleaner element is
not installed when the engine backfires, youcould be burned.
"Replacing the air cleaner element!Turbo models
1. Unsnap the two clamps holding the air cleaner
case cover.
USB521BA
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Automatic transmission fluid"Checking the fluid levelThe automatic transmission fluid expands largely as
its temperature rises; the fluid level differs according to
fluid temperature. Therefore, there are two different
scales for checking the level of hot fluid and cold fluid
on the dipstick.
Though the fluid level can be checked without warm-
ing up the fluid on the “COLD” range, we recommend
checking the fluid level when the fluid is at operating
temperature.
!Checking the fluid level when the fluid is hot
1. Drive the vehicle several miles to raise the temper-
ature of the transmission fluid up to normal operating
temperature; 158 to 176°F (70 to 80°C) is normal.
2. Park the vehicle on a level surface and set the park-
ing brake.
3. First shift the selector lever in each position. Then
shift it in the “P” position, and run the engine at idling
speed.
Non-turbo model
1) Yellow handle
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!If the vehicle requires frequent refilling, there
may be a leak. If you suspect a problem, have
the vehicle checked at your Saab dealer.
!Never use different brands of clutch fluid to-
gether.
!When clutch fluid is added, be careful not toallow any dirt into the tank."Recommended clutch fluidFMVSS No. 116, fresh DOT 3 brake fluid
Brake boosterIf the brake booster does not operate as described be-
low, have it checked by your Saab dealer.
1. With the engine off, depress the brake pedal sever-
al times, applying the same pedal force each time. The
distance the pedal travels should not vary.
2. With the brake pedal depressed, start the engine.
The pedal should move slightly down to the floor.
3. With the brake pedal depressed, stop the engine
and keep the pedal depressed for 30 seconds. The
pedal height should not change.
4. Start the engine again and run for about one minute
then turn it off. Depress the brake pedal several times
to check the brake booster. Brake booster operates
properly if the pedal stroke decreases with each de-
pression.
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Brake pedalCheck the brake pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “Saab
Warranty and Service Record Booklet”."Checking the brake pedal free play1) 0.04 – 0.12 in (1.0 – 3.0 mm)Stop the engine and firmly depress the brake pedal
several times. Lightly press the brake pedal down with
one finger to check the free play with a force of less
than 2 lbs (10 N, 1 kg).If the free play is not within proper specification, con-
tact your Saab dealer.
"Checking the brake pedal reserve dis-
tance1) More than 2.56 in (65 mm)Depress the pedal with a force of approximately 66 lbs
(294 N, 30 kg) and measure the distance between the
upper surface of the pedal pad and the floor.
When the measurement is smaller than the specifica-
tion, or when the pedal does not operate smoothly,
contact with your Saab dealer.
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Clutch pedal (MT vehicles)Check the clutch pedal free play and reserve distance
according to the maintenance schedule in the “Saab
9-2X Saab Warranty and Service Record Booklet”."Checking the clutch functionCheck the clutch engagement and disengagement.
1. With the engine idling, check that there are no ab-
normal noises when the clutch pedal is depressed,
and that shifting into 1st or reverse feels smooth.
2. Start the vehicle by releasing the pedal slowly to
check that the engine and transmission smoothly cou-
ple without any sign of slippage.
"Checking the clutch pedal free play1) 0.16 – 0.51 in (4.0 –13.0 mm)Lightly press the clutch pedal down with your finger
until you feel resistance, and check the free play.
If the free play is not within proper specification, con-
tact your Saab dealer.
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