check engine SAAB 9-3 2002 User Guide

65 Instruments and controls
Traction Control System
indicator (option)
The lamp in the tachometer lights up
when the TCS system is activated, i.e. when
the friction between the tires and road
surface is insufficient for the car to acceler-
ate as desired. You may also experience
that the engine does not respond as normal
when the accelerator is depressed.
Operation of the TCS indicates reduced
cohesion between the tires and the road,
and that extra care should be taken by the
driver.
During normal driving, the TCS will help to
improve both ride comfort and safety, but
must not be regarded as a system to enable
the driver to maintain a higher speed. The
same precautions for safe cornering and
driving on slippery roads must still be
adopted (see page 166.
Traction Control System
OFF indicator (option)
This light comes on when the traction
control system (TCS) is switched off with the
TCS button.
IMPORTANT! The traction control system is
switched on automatically each time the car
is started (see page 166).
This indicator light also comes on if a fault
has been detected in the TCS, in which case
the lamp will not be extinguished when the
TCS is switched off by means of the TCS
button. If a fault is indicated, have the
system checked at an authorized Saab
workshop.
See also the section Traction Control Sys-
tem, on page 166.
Autochecking of lights,
main instrument panel The above warning and indicator lights
should come on when the ignition is
switched on. They go out after about 3 sec-
onds.
The following lamps light up until the engine
starts, as long as no faults exist:
Central warning light .
Oil pressure warning light .
Charge warning light .
IB1922
1 Cars with automatic transmission
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67 Instruments and controls
Temperature gaugeThe temperature gauge shows the temper-
ature of the coolant. The needle should be
in the middle of the scale when the engine
is at normal operating temperature.
If the needle enters the red zone, the
warning light will come on and an alarm
chime will sound. If the needle approaches the red zone,
which can occur in very hot weather or when
the engine is under a heavy load, drive in the
highest gear possible, keep the engine revs
low and avoid shifting down.
Check fuse 3 (radiator fan) in the fuse panel
under the hood, see page 210.
If the needle repeatedly enters the red zone,
stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and
check the coolant level by looking at the
level visible through the plastic tank - do not
remove the cap.
If the coolant level falls below the MIN mark,
the SID will display the message ”FILL
COOLANT FLUID”.
Pressure gaugeThe turbo gauge indicates the air volume for
combustion, which is equivalent to the
engine load.
At low loads, the needle will move within the
white zone. At higher loads and during
heavy acceleration, the needle will enter the
yellow area. At very high loads (certain var-
iants only) the needle may enter the first part
of the red zone without indicating that there
is a fault.
NOTEIf the needle, despite the above action,
enters the red zone, stop the car immedi-
ately.
If the needle stays in the red zone, turn off
the engine.
WARNING
Never open the coolant expansion tank
cap when the engine is hot. It contains hot
coolant under pressure. Failure to heed
this warning may result in personal injury.
IB343
IB344
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68 Instruments and controlsUnder certain barometric conditions the
needle may enter the first part of the red
zone without necessarily indicating that a
fault has arisen.
If the needle repeatedly enters the red zone
and the engine at the same time loses
power, because the monitoring system is
holding the charging pressure down, you
should contact an authorized Saab dealer.
If the speed exceeds 143 mph (230 km/h),
the increase in speed will be limited by the
lowering of the boost pressure. The pres-
sure gauge then moves towards the middle
of the orange zone, indicating reduced
engine output and thus reduces the speed
of the car as well.
Fuel gaugeThe fuel-tank capacity is 17.0 gal. (64 liters).
The fuel gauge shows the amount of fuel left
in the tank. When this is down to about
2.5 gal. (10 liters), a warning light on the
main instrument panel will come on (see
page 62).
Use the Saab Information display (SID) to
check the approximate distance that can be
travelled on the remaining fuel
(see page 69).
Refueling; see page 151.
Gear selector indication
(cars with automatic transmission)An indicator showing which gear is selected
is situated in the main instrument panel.
IB345
IB1280
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72 Instruments and controlsCalculating the requisite average speed:
1 Press to select DIST.
2 Hold the SET button for two seconds.
3 Set the distance to be covered using
or .
4 Press SET to store settings.
5 Press to select ARRIV.
6 Hold the SET button for two seconds.
7 Set the desired arrival time using or
.
8 Press SET to display the average speed
you need to maintain to arrive at the
desired time.
At the beginning of a journey, the SPD Ø
and ARRIV functions will display current
values. If values are set during the journey,
the new values will be displayed after a
delay of about 10 seconds.Resetting values
To reset the values, press CLR for at least
four seconds.
The following functions will be reset
simultaneously:
 Estimated range on remaining fuel
(function based on a fuel consumption of
28 mpg)
 Average fuel consumption
 Average speed
 Arrival time (function based on current
speed)
Programmed values for DIST, ALARM and
SPD Ø will not be reset (see the respective
function).
CHECK messages When the engine is started, CHECKING will
appear on the display for about four sec-
onds, while the SID checks are being per-
formed.
When a CHECK message is generated
while the car is being driven, a chime will
sound, INFO DISPL will illuminate on the
main instrument panel, and the message
will appear on the SID. The number of mes-
sages that can be displayed by the SID
varies with the specification of the car.
If more than one CHECK message has
been generated, the
+ symbol will appear to
the left of the text on the display. The mes-
sages appear in order of priority.
If a new fault occurs while another message
is being displayed, the message relating to
the new one will appear for 10 seconds,
after which the display will return to the ear-
lier one.
Press CLR once to acknowledge a mes-
sage, whereupon it will be cleared from the
display. It will not be displayed again before
the ignition has been switched off and then
on again.
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73 Instruments and controls
The following CHECK messages may be
displayed: 1) This message will be displayed approximately
600 miles (1,000 km) before the next sched-
uled service is due, or when 365 days have
elapsed since the last service. The message
should be cleared at the time of that service
(see the Saab Warranties & Service Record
Booklet).
This message can also be deleted by first
briefly pressing the CLR button, then depress-
ing it a second time for at least eight seconds
until "SERVICE" appears on the display and a
chime sounds. The message can only be
deleted when it is shown on the SID.
Night panelTo improve night-driving conditions inside
the car, the Night Panel mode can be
selected. In this mode, the amount of infor-
mation displayed is reduced, and only the
most important instruments and displays
will be illuminated.
When the Night Panel button is pressed,
only the speedometer will be illuminated (up
to the 87-mph or 140-km/h graduation), all
the other instruments illumination will be
extinguished and their needles moved to
zero. Both the SID and the ACC displays will
be extinguished and the backlighting for
switches and other controls will be dimmed.
Note: All indicator and warning lights,
together with the display of CHECK mes-
sages, will operate as normal. The following conditions will wake up the
respective displays in the Night-Panel
mode:
 Setting of the Audio System, SID or ACC
(display comes on for ten seconds).
 CHECK message generated in the SID.
 High engine revs cause the rev counter to
be illuminated until the engine speed has
fallen again.
 If the quantity of fuel remaining falls below
4 gallons (15 liters), the fuel gauge will be
illuminated.
 If the engine temperature rises above nor-
mal, the temperature gauge will be illumi-
nated.
 If the speed of the car exceeds 84 mph
(135 km/h), the entire speedometer will
be illuminated.
 In cars with automatic transmission, if the
selector lever is moved from D to position
3, 2 or 1, the selector indication on the
main instrument panel will be illuminated.
To restore the displays and lighting to the
normal mode, press the Night-Panel button. Display shows: See
page
BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE 202
FRONT LIGHT FAILURE 200
REAR LIGHT FAILURE 202
FOG LIGHT FAILURE 203
WASHER FLUID LEVEL LOW 199
TIGHTEN FUEL FILLER CAP 151
FILL COOLANT FLUID 192
KEY NOT ACCEPTED 45
REPLACE KEY BATTERY 45
SERVICE THEFT ALARM 45
TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING 159
TIME FOR SERVICE
1)
230
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146 Starting and drivingIgnition switchThe single lock used for both the ignition
and gear/selector lever is in the center con-
sole located between the front seats. Before
you can remove the key, the car must be in
reverse gear (manual gearbox cars) or the
Parking (P) position (cars with automatic
transmission).
The key for this lock also fits all other locks
in the car. The key number is on a small
plastic tag delivered together with the keys.
Be sure to save this plastic tab since it has
the key number on it.
IB862
LOCK position
Put the gear lever in reverse and turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion.
For cars with automatic transmission, select the Parking (P) position
and turn the ignition key to the LOCK position.
The gear lever is now locked. The key can only be removed when the
gear lever is in this position.
The parking lights, the hazard warning lights and the interior lighting can
still be illuminated.
OFF position
Gear lever is not locked (manual transmission).
Automatic transmission: gear lever is locked until brake pedal is
depressed.
ON position
The entire electrical system is operative. Do not leave the key in the
ON position while the engine is not running. Turn the key to the
LOCK position to disconnect the electrical system.
When you turn the key to the ON position, the warnings and indicators
in the main instrument light so that you can check to see that they are
functioning properly. They are extinguished after approx. 3 seconds.
Start position (ST)
The starter motor operates in this position. When you release the key,
it springs back to the ON position. Restarting the starter motor is pre-
vented. If starting is unsuccessful, you must turn the key back to a posi-
tion between OFF and LOCK before you can turn it to the start (ST)
position again.
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149 Starting and driving
2 Stopping the engine
 Do not rev the engine immediately
before switching it off - stop the engine
when it is idling.
3 Regulating the charging pressure
 The system is optimized for fuel with an
octane rating of AON 90. For cars with
205 hp engines and the Viggen, the
system is optimized for AON 93. One of
the advantages of the system is that it
enables the engine to be run safely on
lower-grade fuel, although not lower
than AON 87. However, engine perfor-
mance will fall off slightly, and heavy
loading should be avoided. For best
performance you should use the rec-
ommended grade of fuel, AON 90
(205 hp engine and Viggen AON 93).
 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 per-
fectly normal; the extent will depend on
the grade of fuel in the tank.
 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.Saab 9-3 Viggen: The Saab 9-3 Viggen has
a high-performance engine which means
that a certain amount of care should be
exercised, in particular when accelerating in
the lower gears. This is especially important
when the road surface is slippery to avoid
the driving wheels from losing their grip.
Limp-homeThe car’s engine management system has
a diagnostics function that, once the engine
has been switched off, checks a number of
internal functions. If a throttle valve fault is
detected, the engine management system
will initiate limp-home mode for the valve.
This means, for example, that idling speed
regulation will be impaired, the cruise con-
trol system will be inoperative, and the
capacity of the A/C compressor will be lim-
ited.
When starting the car in limp-home mode at
temperatures below 32°F (0°C), depress
the accelerator slightly.
If the diagnosis function detects any faults in
the engine management system, the
“Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)
“ indicator in the main instrument panel
will light up (see page 63). The car should
be checked as soon as possible at an
authorized Saab dealer.
NOTEIf constant knocking occurs every time a
load is put on the engine, this indicates a
malfunction in the system.
Have the car checked without delay by an
authorized Saab dealer. NOTEIf 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.
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150 Starting and driving
Important considerations with cata-
lytic convertersThe 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:
 Have the car serviced regularly in accor-
dance with the service program. The fuel
and ignition systems are particularly
important in this context.
 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 an authorized Saab
dealer as soon as possible. If the engine fails to start (in very cold
weather or if the battery is dead), 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 prop-
erly, turn off the engine and get in touch
with an authorized Saab dealer for
advice.
NOTEIf 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 suita-
ble place as soon as possible and turn off
the engine. The car must be towed to an
authorized Saab dealer.
If the CHECK ENGINE warning light
flashes, it indicates that the engine is
misfiring which can result in damage to
the catalytic converter.
NOTEUse only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline is detrimental to the catalyst and
oxygen sensor and will seriously impair
the function of the catalytic converter.
IB1315
Engine-management system with catalytic
converter 1 Engine control module
2 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe)
3 Catalytic converter
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151 Starting and driving
 Never park the car on dry grass or other
combustible material. The catalytic con-
verter gets very hot and could therefore
start a fire.
 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.
 Failure to follow these directions could
result in the catalytic converter and asso-
ciated components being damaged, and
could represent a breach of the warranty
conditions.
RefuelingOnly fuel from well-known oil companies
should be used.
All Saab gasoline engines can be driven on
fuel of grade AON 87-93.
For optimum performance we recommend:
AO N 90 for 2.0 Turbo 185 hp.
AO N 93 for 2.0 Turbo 205 hp and
2.3 Turbo Viggen.
If fuel containing a mixture of alcohol is
used, the following restrictions apply:
Methanol: max. 5% by volume.
Ethanol: max. 10% by volume.
MTBE: max. 15% by volume.The fuel filler cap is located in the right rear
quarter panel.
Switch off engine.
Insert the fuel-pump nozzle beyond the
flange on the filler pipe. Do not withdraw the
nozzle while filling is in progress.
Cease refueling the first time the pump
stops.
Fuel-tank capacity: 17.0 US gal. (64 liters)
Screw on the filler cap and keep turning until
it has clicked at least three times to prevent
illumination of the CHECK ENGINE light
and a TIGHTEN FUEL FILLER CAP mes-
sage to appear on SID.
Manually opening the fuel filler door, see
page 144, Convertible, page 58.
The most effective way to prevent conden-
sation forming in the tank (and thus avoid
possible running problems) is to keep the
tank full.
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.
NOTEIf 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.
WARNING
 Never use fuel for any purpose other
than as engine fuel.
 Gasoline is highly flammable and can
cause severe burns. Never use an
exposed flame in the vicinity of gaso-
line. Never smoke when filling the
vehicle up with gasoline.
 Do not use the phone when refueling
with gasoline. Gasoline fuels are
highly explosive.
NOTEDo not overfill. Fuel should not come right
up the filler pipe as expansion room is
needed.
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153 Starting and driving
Other, less common, fuel additives used by
some gasoline dealers are also acceptable,
provided that the resultant gasoline is not
more than 2.7% oxygen by weight. In many
cases, you may not be able to determine the
exact type or percentage by volume of fuel
additive in the gasoline you purchase for
your car.
Some Canadian and U.S. gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called meth-
lycyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuel is used, your emission
control system performance may deterio-
rate and the malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on. If this
occurs, return to your authorized Saab
dealer for service.
However, these blended gasolines are reg-
ulated and should never exceed these rec-
ommended blend percentages and service
station operators should know if their gaso-
lines contain detergents and oxygenates,
and have been reformulated to reduce vehi-
cle emissions. Nevertheless, if you begin to
notice a problem with the way your car starts
or runs shortly after it has been refueled, try
a different brand of gasoline.
NOTEHigher concentrations of methanol than
listed above, or the use of methanol-
blended gasoline without suitable
co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
can damage your car’s fuel system,
leading to the need for repairs which are
not covered by Saab’s product warranty.
NOTEThe engine control module (ECM) mon-
itoring the engine parameters also
stores fault codes.
Under certain circumstances, this may
cause constant illumination of the
Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)
lamp , thus indicating a fault that
must be checked by your Saab dealer,
see page 63.
NOTE: always observe the following two
measures:
 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 three distinct
clicks.
 Avoid driving with the fuel low level
indicator illuminated. The symbol
illuminates when less than approxi-
mately 2.5 gallons (10 litres) of fuel
remains in the tank.
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