engine SAAB 9-5 2004 Manual PDF
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199 Car care and technical information
Car care and 
technical 
information 
IB1772
  Hood ________________   200 
Engine compartment ___    201 
Emission control systems    202 
Engine_______________   203 
Engine oil ____________    204 
Transmission fluid_____    206 
Coolant ______________   207 
Brake and clutch fluid __    208 
Power steering fluid ___    209 
Air filter ______________    209 
Battery ______________   210 
Drive belts ___________    212 
Wipers and washers ___    213 Changing bulbs _______    215 
Fuses _______________   227 
Tires ________________   233 
Compact spare tire ____    246 
Air conditioning (ACC) _    252 
Safety belts __________    253 
Upholstery and trim ___    253 
Textile carpeting ______    253 
Washing the car ______    254 
Waxing and polishing __    255 
Engine compartment __    255 
Touching up the paint__    255 
Anti-corrosion treatment    256 For long trips _________    258 
Recovery and/or recycling 
of automotive materials    258 
Headlight aiming ______    259 
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201 Car care and technical information
Engine compartment
10
9
6
7
8
1
2
4
3
5
IB1773
Engine compartment1 Engine-oil dipstick/filler cap 
2 Reservoir, brake/clutch fluid 
3 Fuse box 
4 Expansion tank, coolant 
5 Washer-fluid filler cap 
6Battery 
7 Dipstick, automatic transmission fluid 
8 Turbo unit 
9 Ignition discharge module 
10 Reservoir, power-steering fluid 
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Page 202 of 288
202 Car care and technical informationEngine familiesSaab cars imported into the United States 
and Canada meet all applicable emission 
control standards. The engine family and 
appropriate tune-up specifications are iden-
tified on a label affixed to the left front inner 
fender.
These engine families meet applicable EPA 
Federal Standards, California State Stan-
dards and Canadian Federal Standards and 
are equipped with the following systems:
• Sequential multiport fuel injection sys-
tem.
 Three way catalytic converter.
 Crankcase emissions control system.
 Evaporative emission control system.
 On-Board diagnostic (OBD II) system.
Emission control 
systemsThe systems for controlling emissions to the 
atmosphere require regular checking and 
adjustment at the intervals specified in the 
service program.
In addition to meeting the exhaust emission 
regulations and thereby helping to keep the 
environment clean, a correctly tuned engine 
will also give maximum fuel economy.Saab Trionic engine management 
systemThe Saab Trionic engine management 
system is a unique Saab development that 
combines sequential multiport fuel injection, 
electronic distributorless ignition and turbo-
charger boost pressure control into one sys-
tem.The Trionic engine control module (ECM) 
monitors many different engine parameters 
such as: 
 Intake manifold pressure.
 Intake air temperature.
 Crankshaft position.
 Engine coolant temperature.
 Throttle position and
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
The ECM receives information regarding 
engine knocking from a sophisticated feed-
back function in the ignition discharge unit.
By processing all of this information, the Tri-
onic system can control fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing and turbo-
charger boost pressure to provide excellent 
engine performance while maintaining low 
emissions and fuel consumption.
WARNING
Engine exhaust, some of its constituents, 
and certain vehicle components contain 
or emit chemicals known to the State of 
CA to cause cancer and birth defects and 
reproductive harm. In addition, certain 
fluids contained in vehicles and certain 
products of component wear contain or 
emit chemicals known to the State of Cali-
fornia to cause cancer and birth defects or 
other reproductive harm.
NOTICEThe Trionic engine management systems 
continuously monitors the operation of 
these systems and have on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). 
If the ”Engine malfunction (CHECK 
ENGINE)” lamp   in the main instru-
ment illuminates, this indicates that the 
Trionic ECM has detected a problem. The 
car will continue to operate, but perfor-
mance may be diminished. You should 
have your car checked by a Saab dealer 
as soon as possible.
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203 Car care and technical information
ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor 
Recovery)Hydrocarbon vapors formed when refueling 
will be recovered by the car and not 
released into the atmosphere. The hydro-
carbons are absorbed in a evaporative 
emission canister. When the engine is sub-
sequently started, the evaporative emission 
canister is gradually purged as air is sucked 
into it through a shut-off valve. The hydro-
carbon/air mixture passes through the evap 
canister purge valve and into the engine 
where it is burned.
When refueling, make sure you screw the 
filler cap on and keep turning until it has 
clicked at least 3 times. Otherwise, it is pos-
sible for the CHECK ENGINE light to illumi-
nate and a ”Tighten fuel filler cap.” message 
to appear on SID.
Refueling, see page 154.
EngineThe 2.3-liter model is a transverse, 4-cylin-
der in-line engine with twin overhead cam-
shafts and 4 valves per cylinder.
This engine is equipped with balance shafts 
that reduce engine vibration to a minimum.
The balance shafts are chain driven and 
rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft.
They produce forces and torques that are 
opposed to those generated by the pistons 
and connecting rods, an effect that occurs 
twice for each revolution of the engine. 
Engine noise is also reduced as the 
counter-rotating shafts counteract the vibra-
tion from the moving parts of the engine.The transmission, located on the right 
(viewed from the front), is integrated with 
the engine. All models have front-wheel 
drive.
IB601
Balance shafts 
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204 Car care and technical informationEngine oilChecking the oil level Check the engine-oil level regularly. This 
should be done after the engine has been 
run to normal temperature and then allowed 
to cool for 2–5 minutes, with the car stand-
ing on level ground. Remove the dipstick 
and wipe it clean before checking the level.
The oil level must not be allowed to drop 
below the MIN mark on the dipstick, nor 
should oil be filled beyond the MAX mark, as 
this can lead to excessive oil consumption.
The distance between the MIN and MAX 
marks on the dipstick corresponds to a 
volume of approximately 1.05 qts (1 liter).
When necessary, add oil of the recom-
mended grade via the dipstick tube.
Changing engine oil
WARNING
 Prolonged and repeated exposure of 
the skin to engine oil can cause seri-
ous skin disorders. Avoid prolonged 
skin contact whenever possible.
 Used engine oil contains chemicals 
that have caused cancer in laboratory 
animals. Always protect your skin by 
washing thoroughly with soap and 
water.
 Keep oil out of reach of children.
 Do not touch the turbocharger or 
exhaust manifold. These get very hot 
when the engine has been running.
 Do not spill oil on hot parts of the 
engine as this could cause a fire. Used 
engine oil is particularly flammable.
 Protect the environment. Do not dis-
pose of oil in the ground or down a 
drain. Dispose of all used oil and oil fil-
ters at an appropriate disposal facility.
IB491 
Engine-oil filler cap and dipstick 
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205 Car care and technical information
The engine oil must be changed in accor-
dance with the service program, see page  
264.
Oil volume and grade, see page  273.
Oil changing should be carried out on a 
warm engine. 
1 Unscrew the drain plug in the bottom of 
the sump and leave the oil to drain into 
an oil tray or other suitable receptacle for 
at least ten minutes. Take care, as the oil 
may be hot.
2 After the oil has been drained, unscrew 
and remove the oil filter. 
3 Fit a new filter and tighten it by hand.
4 Refit the drain plug with a new washer.
5 Fill with new engine oil.
Run the engine to normal temperature and 
check the oil level. Change of engine oil and oil filter may be 
required more frequently, see page  264.
IB493
Drain plug and oil filter
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Page 206 of 288
206 Car care and technical informationTransmission fluidManual transmission Check and top up the fluid in accordance 
with the service program.
If original fluid cannot be obtained for top-
ping up (see page  276), automatic trans-
mission fluid Dexron III (synthetic oil) can be 
used. If so, the car should be taken to an 
authorized Saab dealer immediately to 
have the reason for low fluid level corrected 
and original fluid installed.Automatic transmission Check the fluid level as follows: 
1 Stand the car on level ground and apply 
the parking brake. The automatic trans-
mission fluid must be at normal running 
temperature, approximately 175°F 
(80°C). This can be achieved by driving 
the car for about 30 min on the open 
road.
2 With the engine idling, move the selector 
lever to D and wait for at least 
15 seconds. Next, move the selector 
lever to R and wait for 15 seconds again. 
Finally, move the selector lever to P. Let 
the engine idle.3 Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free 
cloth and put it back.
4 With the fluid at normal temperature, the 
level should be between the MAX and 
MIN marks on the dipstick. Top up, as 
necessary, with Saab 3309 automatic 
transmission fluid (mineral oil-based), 
adding it through the dipstick pipe. The 
distance between the MIN and MAX 
marks on the dipstick corresponds to a 
volume of approximately 0.4 qts 
(0.4 liter).
 If the outside temperature is below 50°F 
(10°C), the fluid will not reach the specified 
temperature of 175°F (80°C). In this case, 
the correct fluid level may be 0.8 in (20 mm) 
below the MAX mark.NOTICEIf there is a smell of burning fluid or the 
fluid is black, change the fluid. 
IB1923
Dipstick for automatic-transmission fluid 
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207 Car care and technical information
Coolant The expansion tank is transparent to facili-
tate checking of the coolant level. 
When the engine is cold, the coolant must 
not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the 
expansion tank.
If the message ”Coolant level low. Refill.” is 
displayed on the SID, check the level of fluid 
in the expansion tank.
Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of 
clean water and Saab-approved coolant.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant 
is added, run the engine to normal temper-
ature and top up again, as necessary.
Coolant The cooling system is charged at the factory 
with coolant containing a 45 % concentra-
tion of a combined antifreeze and corrosion 
inhibitor. A weaker mixture will result in 
reduced anticorrosion protection. For pro-
tection against freezing in very cold 
weather, a stronger concentration will be 
needed.
A 60 % concentration of antifreeze will pro-
vide protection at temperatures down to  
-58 F (–50°C).
The coolant does not normally have to be 
changed during the service life of the car. 
The type of coolant used has a reddish color 
and should not be mixed with other types of 
coolant. Saab Original coolant should be 
used all year round. Only use coolant 
approved by Saab. Note:
If incorrect coolant is used or added, the 
life-time properties will be affected. Even if 
the coolant is flushed from the system and 
replaced with life-time coolant, life-time 
properties are no longer retained and the 
coolant must then be drained and replaced 
at regular intervals.
 
WARNING
 Proceed with caution if the radiator is 
boiling when you open the hood. 
Never remove the expansion-tank 
filler cap when the radiator is boiling. 
 The cooling system is pressurized – 
hot coolant and vapor can escape 
when the filler cap is released. These 
can cause injury to your eyes and 
burns. Loosen the cap carefully, and 
let the engine cool before removing 
the cap.
 Exercise care when adding coolant. 
Coolant on hot surfaces constitutes a 
fire risk.
NOTICEAlways mix the antifreeze with the 
appropriate volume of water before 
adding it to the cooling system.
If pure antifreeze is added, the engine 
could still freeze and be damaged. This is 
because the antifreeze will not mix 
properly with the coolant before the 
thermostat has opened to allow full 
circulation.
IB1338
Coolant expansion tank 
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209 Car care and technical information
Power steering fluidCheck the level of the power steering fluid in 
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with 
the service program.
The wheels should point forward during the 
check.
Clean around the cap before it is 
unscrewed. Clean the dipstick. Screw in the 
cap completely again before checking the 
level.
The oil should lie between the MAX and MIN 
marks when the oil temperature is about 
70°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the level can 
be lower, and in higher temperatures the 
level can be higher, both of which are 
acceptable.
Top up with ”Power Steering Fluid 
CHF 11S”.
Air filter
WARNING
Do not fill the power steering fluid to 
above the MAX mark. Too much fluid can 
result in leakage.
Power steering fluid on hot engine com-
ponents constitutes a fire risk.
WARNING
For Service and Repair, parts equivalent 
to those used by Saab should be used. 
Be aware that some non standard 
replacement parts may put you in an 
unsafe condition, even if they might fit.
IB501
Power steering fluid reservoir 
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211 Car care and technical information
Charging/replacing the battery Connect the positive lead to the positive (+) 
battery terminal (red), and the negative lead 
to a good ground point, e.g. the lifting lug at 
the front of the engine.To remove the battery, always disconnect 
the negative (black) lead first and reconnect 
it last when fitting the new battery.
The battery size must comply with DIN 
53735 MFI 230/2.16.
 
NOTICETo avert the danger of short-circuiting 
between the positive (+) terminal on the 
battery and the inlet manifold on the 
engine, always disconnect the negative 
(–) battery lead first and reconnect it last.
NOTICE If boost charging never use anything 
but a 12-volt charger, see page  193.
 Never reverse the polarity of the bat-
tery by connecting the leads to the 
wrong terminals. The red, positive 
lead connects to the positive (+) termi-
nal, and the black, negative lead to the 
negative (–) terminal. 
 Serious damage can occur to the car´s 
electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the 
engine is running.
 The nut on the battery clamp should 
be tightened to a torque of 10 Nm. 
IB3131
Correct position for battery clamp 
IB3130
Battery 
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