engine SAAB 9-3 2003 Owner's Manual
Page 74 of 256
74 Instruments and controlsRear fog lightTo turn on the rear fog light, press the rear
fog light button on the instrument panel. The
headlights or front fog lights must be on.
The rear fog light is automatically turned off
when the engine is switched off. When the
car is next started, the rear fog light will have
to be switched back on manually by press-
ing the rear fog light switch. If the engine is
restarted within 30 seconds, the rear fog
light will remain on.
Acquaint yourself with the legal provi-
sions governing the use of rear fog
lights.
Front fog lightsThe front fog lights should be used in poor
visibility.
These are automatically turned off when the
engine is switched off. When the car is next
started, the fog lights will have to be
switched back on manually by pressing the
fog light switch. If the engine is restarted
within 30 seconds, the front fog lights will
remain on.
Acquaint yourself with the legal provi-
sions governing the use of front fog
lights.
WARNING
In poor visibility, avoid following the tail
lights of the vehicle in front. If the vehicle
brakes suddenly, you may be unable to
avoid a crash and therefore risk injury to
yourself and others.Rear fog light switch
Front fog light switch
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Page 75 of 256
75 Instruments and controls
Turn signal & lane change indicatorsThe stalk switch has an intermediate,
spring-loaded position that is useful for sig-
nalling when changing lanes or passing.
The stalk switch also has fixed positions for
indicating a right or left turn, that are can-
celled automatically when the steering
wheel is centered.If an indicator bulb breaks, the frequency
with which the indicators flash will be
doubled.
This frequency is also doubled if a trailer is
being towed and one of its indicator bulbs
breaks.
Hazard warning lightsThe button for the hazard warning lights is
located on the climate control panel.
When the button is pressed, all the direction
indicators and the symbol in the button flash
simultaneously.
If an indicator bulb breaks, the frequency
with which the indicators flash will be
doubled.
Hazard warning lights should only be used
if, because of an accident or breakdown, the
car constitutes a hazard to other road users.
WARNING
Switch on the hazard flashers if the car
has to be left at the roadside on account
of a crash, engine trouble or a flat tire.
If you carry a warning triangle or flares,
they should be set up along the side of the
road 50–110 yds. (50–100 metres)
behind your vehicle. If the car is not
clearly visible (e.g. over the brow of a hill
or bridge), place the triangle/flare even
further back.
Turn signal & lane change indicators1 Right
2 Left
Hazard warning light switch
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Page 76 of 256
76 Instruments and controlsBack-Up The back-up lights come on automatically
when reverse gear is engaged or selected
with the ignition switched on.
Wipers and washersWindshield wipersPosition 1 is a spring-loaded position that
will produce a single sweep of the wipers.
In position 2 you can set the delay period for
intermittent wiping using the thumbwheel on
the stalk switch. There are 5 delay periods
from which to choose, ranging from 2 to
15 seconds.
The wipers always return to their home posi-
tion when the ignition is turned off.
To leave the wipers positioned vertically on
the windshield, proceed as follows:
1 Switch off the engine and remove the
remote control.
2 Activate the wipers within the next
16 seconds by pressing the stalk switch
down.
When the ignition is next switched on the
wipers will return to their home position.
WashersActivate the washers by pulling the stalk
switch towards the steering wheel.
When the washers are operated, the wipers
will make 3, 4 or 5 sweeps, depending on
how long the washers were kept on. If
the speed of the car is less than 12 mph
(20 km/h), the wipers will make an addi-
tional sweep after roughly 8 seconds.Windshield wipers0OFF
1 Single sweep
2 Intermittent wiping
3 Low speed
4 High speed
5 Windshield and headlight washing
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Page 80 of 256
80 Instruments and controlsAir distributionThe air distribution control is used to direct the flow of air to the
defroster, panel and floor vents.
The control also permits settings in between the three main settings
defroster, panel and floor:
defroster and floor
panel and floor
defroster, panel and floor (11 o’clock position)
To counter cold drafts from the front side windows when the control
has been set to defroster or floor, a small flow of air issues from
the outer vents on the fascia.
As the winter comfort setting, we recommend that the distribution
knob be turned to .
Recommended settings in severe coldOn starting with a cold engine, set the fan speed to 2 or 3 and select
maximum heat and defroster to heat the cabin and demist the wind-
shield as quickly as possible.
When the engine is warmer and the temperature gauge starts to
rise, fan setting 4 may be chosen. Once the windshield is clear, the
air distribution control should be turned to .
If the rear seat passengers desire more warmth to the feet, turn the
distribution knob one step clockwise.
How quickly the engine warms up will depend on how the car is
driven. It will take longer for the engine to warm up if the car is driven
in a high gear at low engine speeds, such as in town, than if it is
driven at high engine speeds on a motorway, for example.
Do not use fan speed 5. This is primarily intended for rapid cooling
during the summer.
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Page 82 of 256
82 Instruments and controlsAir ventsThe air vents swivel universally, so that air
can be directed as desired. In winter, for
instance, the outer vents can be directed
onto the door windows for enhanced
demisting.
The amount of air can be individually con-
trolled by the regulator on each vent. If you
wish to reduce the airflow, start by half-
shutting the vent in question.The air conditioning is combined with the
conventional climate control system and
is switched on by pressing the but-
ton, provided that the fan control is in
position 1-5.
The incoming air is treated in three stages:
first it passes through a filter; it is then dehu-
midified and cooled; and finally, if required,
it is heated.
The air conditioning can be used at outdoor
temperatures down to 32°F (0°C). It is not
necessary to disengage the air conditioning
manually as this is done automatically.
If the engine coolant gets too hot, the A/C
compressor will be turned off and the follow-
ing message will be shown on the Saab
Information Display (SID):
Condensation waterWhen the A/C compressor is on, the incom-
ing air is dehumidified. The resulting con-
densation water is drained away through an
outlet under the car.
It is therefore perfectly normal for water to
be seen dripping from this outlet when the
car is parked. The warmer the ambient air
and the higher the humidity, the more con-
densation will form.
When the button is pressed, the reg-
ular air intake will be closed. In this mode,
the air inside the cabin is recirculated.
Use recirculation when you wish for rapid
cooling at very high outside temperatures.
Switch the air conditioning (A/C) on first.
If necessary, recirculation can be switched
on manually to avoid unpleasant air from
entering the car.
Only use recirculation for a short period
of time at temperatures lower than 50°F
(+10°C), such as to avoid unpleasant air.
Mist or ice may otherwise form on the
windows.
Air conditioning (A/C)A/C off due to high engine
temperature.
Recirculation
Panel vent
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Page 87 of 256
87 Instruments and controls
FunctionsPressing AUTO will cancel all manual settings.
If a manual function is selected, it will be locked in but other functions
will be controlled automatically.
The selected temperature is always maintained automatically.
Temperature, air distribution, fan speed and recir-
culation will be controlled automatically.
In falling temperatures the A/C compressor is
switched off at approx. 32°F (0 °C).
In rising temperatures the A/C compressor is
switched on at approx. 40°F (+5 °C).
If, when starting the car, the outside air temperature
is between 32°F and 40°F (0 and +5 °C), the A/C
compressor is switched on.
Pressing AUTO once will cancel all previous manual
air distribution selections.
When the engine is started, the ACC system will be
in AUTO mode, provided that no air distribution set-
tings are programmed under Profiler (see page 93).
The A/C compressor must be turned on and off
manually with the AC button.
The compressor can only be turned on or off while
the engine is running.
This function has two modes:
AC – The system cools and dehumidifies the
incoming air. This symbol is not shown in the
display.
AC-OFF – The A/C compressor is switched off.
The incoming air is not cooled or dehumidified.
See also Profiler on page 93.
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Page 89 of 256
89 Instruments and controls
Recirculation is controlled manually.
Recirculation is not selected when the engine is
started (fresh air mode).
To prevent the smell of washer fluid from entering
the car, recirculation can be activated temporarily
while washing the windshield. The recirculation
symbol will however not light up. This function can
be programmed; contact a Saab dealer.
Press or to increase or decrease the fan
speed. This sets the fan speed (fan speed shown on
display).
Refer also to Profiler regarding the possibility to
increase/decrease the automatic fan speed.
Air distribution
When defroster is chosen, all the front windows are
demisted:
High fan speedThe air is directed to the defroster ventsNormal temperature controlRecirculation OFFRear window and door mirror heating ON
.
The system will remain in defroster mode until the
or button is pressed.
The following three buttons for air distribution can be selected indi-
vidually or in combination. Press the button or selection of buttons
to produce the airflow you desire. Pressing the same button twice
will return the system to AUTO. You can also select automatic air
distribution by pressing the AUTO button.
Initial air distribution to take effect on starting the engine can be set
under Profiler (see page 93).
Airflow to windshield vents.
Airflow to facia air vents.
Airflow to floor vents.
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Page 94 of 256
94 Instruments and controlsExplanation of how the ACC system can be
customized under Profiler.
Rear Defroster
Auto:
The rear window and door mirror
heating is controlled automatically.
This is one of the Default Settings.
Manual:
The rear window and door mirror
heating is switched on with
the button on ACC panel.
Heated Seats
Auto:
The front seat heating is controlled
automatically.
Select the level by repeatedly
pressing the appropriate button on
the ACC panel: 2 arrows on symbol
= standard; 3 arrows = high; 1 arrow
= low. The selected heating setting
is saved when the engine is
switched off. Note: The symbol on
the ACC panel goes out if the heat-
ing is turned off automatically by the
system.
Manual:
See Electric heating, front seats
(option) on page 92
.
This is one of the Default Settings.
Fan Settings
High speed:
This selection give a slightly higher
fan speed than Medium speed
though with continued automatic
regulation.
Medium speed:
Normal automatic fan speed. This is
one of the Default Settings.
Low speed:
This selection give a slightly lower
fan speed than Medium speed
though with continued automatic
regulation.
Air Distribution
Auto:
The ACC system adapts air tem-
perature and distribution to the pre-
vailing conditions. This is one of the
Default Settings
.
Manual:
Windshield:
The ACC system directs almost
all air to the windshield.
Panel:
The ACC system directs almost
all air to air vents in the fascia.
Floor:
The ACC system directs almost
all air to the floor.
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Page 95 of 256
95 Instruments and controls
A/C Mode
Auto:
Automatic engagement and disen-
gagement of the A/C. This is one of
the Default Settings.
A/C off:
A/C compressor OFF (see also
page 87). The A/C compressor can
be activated temporarily by press-
ing the AC or AUTO button while on
the road and if the outside tempera-
ture is above 41°F (+5°C). The A/C
will be off the next time the engine is
started.
Dual/Single Zone
Dual zone:
Individual temperature setting for
each zone (see page 85). The sys-
tem saves the settings when the
engine is switched off. This is one of
the Default Settings.
Single zone:
Common temperature setting when
the engine is started. If the temper-
ature setting for the passenger zone
is changed, the system will switch to
Dual zone control. Single zone con-
trol will return the next time the
engine is started.
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Page 117 of 256
117 Interior equipment
Load-through hatchA load-through hatch is incorporated in the rear seat backrest to
enable long, narrow items to be carried inside the car.
Before loading or unloading long items, switch off the engine and
apply the parking brake. This avoids the danger of the car moving
off if a long item were to knock the gear or selector lever into gear.
Fold down the armrest and open the hatch by lifting the handle.
There is a lock on the rear side of the hatch. Use this to lock or unlock
the hatch. The position of the lock is designed to prevent unautho-
rized persons from accessing the trunk from inside the cabin.
To lock: Open the hatch and lock the lock. Close the hatch. The
hatch is now locked.
To unlock: Fold down the wide section of the backrest and unlock
the lock. Alternatively, you can unlock the hatch from the trunk.
WARNING
Keep hands well clear of all moving parts.
Never place heavy objects on the parcel shelf. There is always
a danger of loose objects being thrown forward and causing
injury if the car should brake suddenly or be involved in a
crash. See also page 162.
When folding the backrest back upright, make sure that it is
locked correctly on both sides. This is imperative since other-
wise objects in the trunk could force their way into the cabin
during heavy breaking or a crash.
Adjust the head restraints for the rear seats to be occupied to
a suitable height before riding in the car.
WARNING
Always secure the load firmly, for example using the middle
seatbelt. This reduces the danger of personal injury resulting
from the displacement of the load on hard braking or in the
event of a crash.
Do not exceed the load capacity of the car, as this will alter its
handling characteristics (see page 236).
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