SAAB 9-3 2001 Owners Manual
Page 111 of 260
111 Saab 9-3 Audio System
AntennaThe antenna of the Audio System is motor-
ized. 
Saab 9-3 Viggen Coupé and 5-door: The 
antenna is located on the roof.
For the cleaning of the motorized antenna, 
see the section headed "Washing", page 
226. 
The car has a factory-fitted roof antenna for 
a car phone. Roof loads may negatively 
affect telecommunication.
Multipath interference When the radio waves from an FM transmit-
ter collide with a large building, for example, 
they will be reflected so that they reach the 
car antenna slightly later than the direct 
waves. This is referred to as multipath dis-
tortion. The effect is liable to be blamed 
upon malfunctions in the radio. 
Shadow effect Because FM radio waves travel in straight 
lines from the transmitter, a shadow effect 
can occur when tall buildings or hills 
obstruct the interference path from the 
transmitter to the car. 
NOTERemove the antenna if you wash the car 
in a car wash, to avoid it being damaged.
IB977
IB978
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112 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemSources of FM interference Interference to FM reception can be caused 
by the electrical systems in other vehicles, 
particularly if the signal from the transmitter 
is weak. Car phones can also produce inter-
ference.
To maintain good radio reception do not tint 
the rear windshield, particularly with film 
containing small metal flakes.
Cross-modulation When the radio is tuned to a weak transmit-
ter in the vicinity of a stronger one, the car’s 
antennas will receive signals from both. 
Such interference is apparent when the 
unwanted broadcast can be heard faintly in 
the background. 
Radio waves, FM/AM FM radio waves radiate in straight lines from 
the transmitter. Because such waves do not 
follow the curvature of the Earth, their 
strength becomes weaker the further they 
travel. That is why a large number of trans-
mitters are needed to provide good recep-
tion. 
AM waves, on the other hand, are reflected 
off the ionosphere, thus greatly extending 
their range. 
IB980
IB388
AM
FM
IB979
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113 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Sources of AM interference AM reception is prone to interference, e.g. 
from electrical systems on other vehicles, 
high-tension power lines and lightning. 
Installation of car phone 
(option)   Roof loads can negatively affect tele-
communication.
  Provision has been made for the installation 
of a hands-free car phone.
Installation must be done by an authorized 
Saab dealer. 
A car-phone cradle is available as an acces-
sory.
Your Saab dealer has details of which 
phones are suitable for the installation. 
Provision for hands-free phone (only if 
Saab 9-3 Audio System is fitted)
 Car phone connects to car’s circuitry.
 External antenna is fitted.
 Microphone for hands-free phone use 
incorporated in overhead panel at front 
(Convertible: microphone located in the 
front windscreen pillar).
 Audio System mute functions when 
phone activated.
 Phone conversation amplified through 
Audio System speakers.
WARNING
To prevent crashes while using a cell 
phone:
 Do not use the cell phone in distracting 
traffic situations. Turn it off if traffic is 
heavy.
 Dial sensibly, at a stoplight or safely off 
the road.
 Consider installing hands-free or 
speaker phone.
 Avoid stressful and intense phone 
conversations.
 Acquaint yourself with the legal provi-
sions governing the use of car phones 
while driving.
 Do not use the phone when refueling 
with gasoline. Gasoline fuels are 
highly explosive.
NOTETo reduce the risk of head injuries in the 
event of a collision, the roof pillars and 
side edges of the headlining incorporate 
cushioning material (Convertible: wind-
screen pillars and upper part of wind-
screen rail). These areas must not be 
modified in any way. Work on these areas 
must only be carried out at an authorized 
Saab dealer.
IB981
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114 Saab 9-3 Audio System Requires accessory module for use with 
OnStar system, standard on all Saab 
models.
 "TELEPHONE" appears on the SID when 
phone is in use.
 Volume level for ongoing conversation 
can be adjusted by volume controls on 
steering wheel or on audio-system mod-
ule. See also ”Volume-preset mode”, 
page 108.
 If the sound is a bit fuzzy, adjust by means 
of the volume control on the 
phone set
.
 Phone battery is charging when ignition is 
ON and phone in its cradle. 
Please refer to the instructions supplied with 
the phone for details of how to make and 
receive calls.
OnStar System (US/Canada feature)
Your car may be equipped with OnStar, a 
vehicle telematics system for communica-
tion and navigation. Please consult the sep-
arate chapter in this owner’s manual.
Mobile phones and 
communications radios  Mobile phones and communications radios 
that do not have a separate external 
antenna radiate an electromagnetic field 
inside the car.Saab therefore recommends that a car 
phone/radio transmitter should always be 
connected to an external antenna. 
An external antenna also provides 
improved transmission/reception and a 
greater range. 
Mobile phones and communications radios 
that are not supplied as standard equipment 
by Saab can interfere with the car’s electri-
cal system and cause misleading fault 
codes to be generated.
WARNING
The electromagnetic field produced, for 
example, by a mobile telephone in the 
passenger compartment may be detri-
mental to health. We therefore recom-
mend the use of an external antenna.
Do not use the phone when refueling with 
gasoline. Gasoline fuels are highly explo-
sive.NOTEThe electromagnetic field can cause 
interference with other electrical systems 
in the car, such as the Audio System. 
WARNING
Always consult an authorized Saab 
dealer for installation guidance. 
If you feel that any of the warnings or fault 
indications are unclear, have the equip-
ment checked by an authorized Saab 
dealer. 
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115 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Fault codesThe Audio System has a built-in diagnostics 
function. If a fault is detected, a fault code is 
generated to help dealer technicians to 
diagnose the fault. Below is an example of 
a fault code that you might be able to rectify 
yourself. 
Adjusting the frequency steps 
North America/Europe If the car is taken from Europe to North 
America, the radio’s frequency steps will 
need to be adjusted. 
 With the radio off, press and hold 
 (mid-segment) and switch the 
radio on at the same time. 
The station presets will be cancelled and 
replaced by preset frequencies.
NOTEGreat care should be exercised in trying 
to rectify a fault. If you are at all unsure, 
contact an authorized Saab dealer. 
Fault code  Possible cause 
CD/CDC 
ERROR 
12/17/19 CD is dirty, loaded 
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
TAPE ERR 01 Tape broken or 
mechanical fault in 
deck.
TAPE ERR 
02/03Tape snarled up or 
mechanical fault in 
deck.
TAPE ERR 11 Cassette jammed: can-
not be loaded/ejected.
WARNING
The CD player/CD changer is classified 
as Class 1 laser equipment.
 Service and repair work must only be 
carried out by authorized technicians. 
 If the casing is damaged, hazardous 
laser radiation can occur. 
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116 Saab 9-3 Audio System(This page has been left blank).
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117 OnStar - Telematics
OnStar - Telematics
Using OnStar...................   118OnStar is Easy............................   118
OnStar Services Button ..............   118
Emergency button ......................   119
Call answer/end button ...............   119
System status light .....................   119The OnStar Center ..........   120Connecting to the OnStar center   120
Your personal identification number 
(PIN) ...........................................   120
 
The OnStar Safety and 
Security Plan.................   120
Automatic notification of air bag 
deployment .................................   120
Emergency services ...................   120
Roadside assistance...................   121
Stolen vehicle tracking ................   121
Accident Assist™ ........................   121
OnStar Med-Net..........................   121
Hands-free communication .........   121The OnStar Premium Plan   121Route support .............................   121
Ride Assist ..................................   121
Information and Convenience ser-
vices ...........................................   121
Concierge services .....................   122
Additional Services.........   122Personal Calling: ........................   122Virtual Advisor: ...............   126
OnStar Subscriber 
Website ..........................  127
Limitations .......................  127
Additional Information....   128Warranty ....................................   128
A Note About Privacy .................  128
Transferring OnStar ....................  128
OnStar Subscription Information  128
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118 OnStar - TelematicsYour new vehicle comes equipped with 
advanced telematics hardware and a full 
year of Onstar premium service. Saab 
Telematics is a sophisticated in-vehicle 
system allowing convergence of wireless 
communications, GPS (Global Positioning 
System) satellites and advanced vehicle 
electronics.
You must activate immediately to ensure 
you receive your full year of service, as your 
prepaid subscription begins at the time of 
delivery.
Here’s how to activate your OnStar ser-
vice:
1 Push the blue OnStar button located in 
your Saab. You will be greeted by a live 
OnStar Advisor. The Advisor will acti-
vate your OnStar service.
2 Provide the information requested by 
the Advisor to activate your account and 
set up your personal profile. This will 
take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Using OnStarWelcome to OnStar. This section gives you 
all the information you need to get started 
using OnStar, including descriptions of all 
OnStar services. It also introduces the 
added services of Personal Calling, Virtual 
Advisor, and the Onstar Subscriber Web-
site. For a complete explanation of these 
additional services, please see pages 122,  
126 and 127.OnStar is EasyIt’s easy to start using your OnStar system. 
In fact, pressing the OnStar button is usually 
all you need to do. Once you are connected, 
an OnStar Advisor will help you with the ser-
vices in your plan.Your onboard OnStar System consists of 
three buttons:
OnStar Services Button
Press this button, and you are 
connected to an OnStar Advi-
sor. You will hear a chime, fol-
lowed by the words 
”Connecting to OnStar.” Allow 
20-30 seconds for initial con-
nection to the OnStar Call Cen-
ter. The Advisor will then help 
you with any of the services 
included in your OnStar plan.
If cellular service is unavail-
able, OnStar will generate a 
fast busy tone. The OnStar sys-
tem will retry calls a number of 
times before returning to the 
ready mode. To cancel the 
automatic dialing, press the 
Call Answer/End button.
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119 OnStar - Telematics
System status lightSolid Green — Indicates the OnStar 
system in the vehicle is powered ON and 
ready to make calls or receive calls from the 
OnStar Center. 
Blinking Green — The light blinks green to 
indicate a call is being connected or in 
progress. If you notice this light blinking 
while you are not on a call, press the Call 
Answer/End button.
Red — This signals that your OnStar 
system may not be functioning properly. 
Press the OnStar button to attempt to con-
tact an OnStar Advisor. If the connection is 
made, the Advisor will assist you in making 
sure your OnStar system is operating prop-
erly. If you cannot contact the OnStar Cen-
ter, please take your car to the nearest Saab 
dealer for diagnosis and service.The OnStar Center is the heart of your ser-
vice — staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a 
week with knowledgeable OnStar Advisors. 
Even on weekends and holidays, there is 
always someone ready to help.
OnStar uses sophisticated Global Position-
ing System (GPS) satellites to locate your 
Saab, and wireless technology to provide 
the communications link and seamless inte-
gration into your Saab. This system allows 
our OnStar Advisors to pinpoint your Saab´s 
location precisely. This way, Advisors can 
provide you with a range of helpful services 
to protect you and your Saab. Plus, with our 
Premium Plan* included for 12 months with 
your Saab, Advisors can also access an 
extensive database to assist you with direc-
tions, making reservations and other conve-
nience services.
*) New retail deliveries only.
Emergency button
In an emergency, press this 
button to connect with an 
OnStar Advisor. Your call will 
be given the highest priority, 
and you will hear a tone fol-
lowed by the words ”Connect-
ing to OnStar Emergency.” The 
Advisor will locate your Saab, 
find out what kind of assistance 
you require, and contact the 
nearest emergency services 
provider who can dispatch 
ambulance, fire, police or other 
emergency services. Please 
use this button only for true 
emergencies.
Call answer/end button
Press this button at the end of a 
call. You’ll hear the words 
”OnStar Request Ended.” Also, 
press this button to answer a 
call from the OnStar Center, or 
cancel a call if one of the other 
buttons is accidentally 
pressed. This button is also 
used to access OnStar Per-
sonal Calling services which 
are described on page 122.
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120 OnStar - TelematicsThe OnStar CenterConnecting to the OnStar centerIn addition to using the 3-button system 
found in your Saab, there are two other 
ways to connect to the OnStar Center.
Toll-Free Call
To take advantage of your OnStar Services 
from outside your Saab, you can call OnStar 
toll-free at 1-888-4-OnStar 
(1-888-466-7827). Remember to have your 
Personal Identification Number (PIN) 
handy.
Automatic Notification
A priority signal will be sent to the OnStar 
Center with your exact location if an airbag 
deploy.(Vehicle electrical system and cellular service 
must be operable.)
Your personal identification number 
(PIN)When you signed up with OnStar, you were 
asked to provide a Personal Identification 
Number (PIN). You’ll need your PIN to 
access many of OnStar’s services. If, for 
example, your vehicle has been stolen, an 
Advisor will ask for your PIN in order to pro-
vide assistance.
Changing your PIN is easy. Call the OnStar 
Center and provide the Advisor with your 
current number, and he or she will assist 
you in setting up a new number. If you have 
forgotten your PIN, just call the OnStar Cen-
ter. For security reasons, we will send your 
PIN to you in the mail.
The OnStar Safety and 
Security PlanThe OnStar Safety and Security Plan is part 
of the Premium Plan that comes with your 
vehicle.* With it, you have access to a com-
plete range of services providing you with 
an unsurpassed level of safety and security 
— 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And you 
have it all at the touch of a button.
So whether you’re on a lonesome country 
road or stuck in highway traffic, you have at 
your disposal a complete range of services 
providing you with unsurpassed security. 
And you have it all at the touch of a button.Automatic notification of air bag 
deploymentShould your front air bags deploy, a priority 
signal will be sent to the OnStar Center with 
your Saab´s location (as long as cellular 
service and the vehicle’s electrical system 
are operable). An Advisor will attempt to 
contact you to assess the nature of your 
emergency, and then notify the necessary 
emergency services provider.Emergency servicesShould you require emergency assistance, 
press the red emergency button and we will 
contact the nearest emergency services 
provider with your exact location and your 
request for help.* New retail deliveries only.
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