jump start SAAB 9-5 2004 Owners Manual
Page 6 of 288
6Engine compartment
IB1737
Engine ______________________  203
Checking the oil level ___________  204
Changing engine oil ____________  204
Engine oil, specification _________  273
Braking______________________  168
ABS brakes __________________  169
Brake and clutch fluid ___________  208
Brake system _________________  277
Brake pads ___________________  277
Fuses _________________  227
Changing a fuse _________  229
Relays ________________  230
Table of fuses ___________  227Temperature gauge ______  61
Driving in hot weather_____  177
Driving in cold weather ____  176
Coolant________________  207
Coolant capacity_________  272
Power steering fluid _______  209
Steering, technical data ___  277
Wipers and washers ______  73
Washers _______________  214
Washer jets ____________  214
Jump starting _________________  191
Battery ______________________  210
Charging/replacing the battery____  211
Manual transmission ___________  158
Automatic transmission _________  159
Automatic transmission, 
technical data ________________  276
Manual gearbox, technical data ___  276
Important considerations for driving  151
Turbo unit  ___________________  201
Engine, technical data __________  272Ignition switch ___________  148
Drive belts ______________  212
Spark plugs _____________  275
Catalytic converter _______  152Warning labels __________  7
V.I.N. number  ___________  280
Engine number  __________  280
Gearbox number _________  280
Color code______________  280
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Page 147 of 288
147 Starting and driving
Starting and driving 
IB1754
 Ignition switch ________    148 
Starting the engine ____    149 
Important considerations 
for driving ___________    151 
Refueling ____________   154 
Engine Break-In Period _    157 
Gear changing ________    158 
Cruise control ________    167 
Braking ______________   168 
Traction Control System    171 
Electronic Stability 
Program (ESP) _______    172 Economical motoring __    174 
Driving in cold weather_    176 
Driving in hot weather _    177 
Towing a trailer _______    178 
Driving with a roof rack 
load ________________   183 
Driving at night _______    185 
Driving with a load ____    185 
Driving considerations 
with compact spare 
wheel/tire fitted ______    187 Driving with the trunk 
lid/tailgate open ______    188 
Driving in deep water __    188 
Towing the car________    188 
Jump starting ________    191 
Saab Parking Assistance    194 
Parking brake ________    196 
Parking ______________   196 
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Page 149 of 288
149 Starting and driving
      
If the car does not startIf the text ”Key not accepted. Contact ser-
vice.” is shown on the SID, after a failed start 
attempt, the cause could be a fault in the 
transmitter in the key, or in the receiver in 
the ignition lock. The following should be 
done:
 Turn the key back to the LOCK position.
 Turn the key to ON.
 Press one of the buttons on the remote 
control (the LED stops blinking).
 Start the engine.
Try another key. If this works, then the fault 
is in the first key.
Contact an authorized Saab dealer for 
checking and rectification.
Note:
Certain electronic items, such as cellular 
phones, may affect the starting produce-
dure. Be sure that all devices are clear of the 
key/ignition switch area.
Starting the engine 
NOTICETake care not to spill drinks or to drop 
crumbs over the ignition switch. If dirt or 
liquid gets into it, the switch may not 
operate properly. 
WARNING
 Always remove the key before leaving 
the car. 
 Always apply the parking brake before 
removing the ignition key. 
WARNING
 When starting the engine:
- Sit down in the driver’s seat.
- Depress the clutch pedal fully. If the 
gear lever is not in the neutral posi-
tion, the clutch pedal must be fully 
depressed or the car will jump for-
wards or backwards, which may 
cause a crash.
- Never start the car from outside the 
vehicle, e.g. through a wound down 
window. This could lead to serious 
personal injury.
 Engage reverse (R) (position P for 
automatic transmission) to remove the 
ignition key. The key can only be 
removed in this gear position.
 Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, 
odorless, poisonous gas. Be alert to 
the danger of CO – always open the 
garage doors before starting the 
engine in the garage. 
 There is also a danger of CO poison-
ing if the exhaust system is leaking. 
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Page 152 of 288
152 Starting and driving
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. 
 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.
 
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 flat), the car can 
be push started (manual gearbox only) or 
started using jumper cables to a donor 
NOTICE If the engine sounds strange there is a 
fault in the system. Have the car 
checked without delay by an autho-
rized Saab dealer. 
 The use of fuel with too low an octane 
rating can cause serious engine dam-
age.
WARNING
If 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.
NOTICEUse only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline is detrimental to the catalyst and 
oxygen sensor and will seriously impair 
the function of the catalytic converter. 
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Page 153 of 288
153 Starting and driving
battery. However, as soon as you have 
started the engine, it is important that it 
runs on all cylinders. If it is misfiring, allow 
i t  t o  i d l e  f o r  u p  t o  f i v e  m i n u t e s  t o  g i v e  i t  t i m e  
to settle and run smoothly. If, after this 
time, the engine still fails to run properly, 
turn off the engine and get in touch with 
an authorized Saab dealer for advice.  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 associ-
ated components being damaged, and 
could represent a breach of the warranty 
conditions.
Fuel filler flap(certain variants only)The fuel filler flap is opened by means of a 
button on the driver’s door. The flap is 
spring-loaded, so it opens slightly automat-
ically when released.
NOTICEIf 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.
IB1289
2
2
1
3
3
Oxygen-sensor-controlled 
injection system 1 Engine control module 
2 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe) 
3 Catalytic converters
B466
Button for releasing filler flap
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 190 of 288
190 Starting and drivingTowing the car Gear lever in neutral (in cars with automatic 
transmission: selector lever at N (neutral)) 
Turn on the parking lights.
Drive carefully and do not exceed the 
speed limit for vehicles being towed. 
Always try to keep the towrope taut by 
gently applying the brake, as necessary. 
This will avoid the towrope being jerked 
violently.
The local regulations on towing speeds 
must be followed.
The highest permissible towing speed is 
30 mph (50 km/h), unless the legal limit is 
lower. The longest permissible towing dis-
tance is 30 miles (50 km). If the car has to 
be transported farther than that, summon a 
tow truck. A flat bed tow truck is the pre-
ferred method to tow.
Failure to follow these guidelines can result 
in damage.Cars with automatic transmission
The car cannot be bump started. In an 
emergency, it is possible to start the engine 
using jump leads (see the section, ”Jump 
starting” on page  191).
Transporting the car 
NOTICE
Never use the towing eyes to pull the 
car unstuck.
NOTICE The car must be towed front first.
 If the car is to be towed with the front 
wheels off the ground, make sure the 
parking brake is off, as this acts on the 
rear wheels. 
NOTICEIf a car with a sport (lowered) chassis is 
transported, for example on a flat bed 
truck, take extra care not to damage the 
spoiler and/or underbody.
Never use the towing eyes to pull the car 
unstuck
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 191 of 288
191 Starting and driving
Jump startingIf your battery has run down, you may want 
to use another vehicle and some jumper 
cables to start your Saab. Follow the steps 
below to do it safely.To jump start your vehicle:
1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a 
12-volt battery with a negative ground 
system.
2 Get the vehicles close enough so the 
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the 
vehicles are not touching each other. If a 
poor connection on the negative jumper 
cable should exist, it is possible for 
damage to be caused to electrical sys-
tems/components of either vehicle 
should inadvertent contact be made. 
You would not be able to start your car 
and bad grounding could damage elec-
trical systems.
3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. 
Turn off all lights that are not needed, 
and radios. This will avoid sparks and 
WARNING
 When working on the battery, highly 
explosive gas can build up. A spark 
could ignite this gas that collects 
around the battery.
Therefore, always avoid sparks and 
open flames in the vicinity of the bat-
tery.
 The battery contains corrosive sulfuric 
acid. Always wear a face mask or gog-
gles when working on the battery.
 If battery acid gets into the eyes or 
splashes onto skin or clothing, wash 
the affected area liberally with water.
If acid gets into the eyes or a large 
quantity makes contact with the skin, 
seek medical help.
 Battery posts, terminals and related 
accessories contain lead and lead 
compounds. Wash your hands after 
handling.
NOTICEIgnoring these steps could result in costly 
damage to your vehicle that would not be 
covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your car by pushing or pull-
ing it could damage your vehicle, even if 
you have a manual transmission. If you 
have an automatic transmission, your 
vehicle cannot be started by pushing or 
pulling it.
NOTICEIf the other system is not a 12-volt system 
with a negative ground, both vehicles can 
be damaged.
WARNING
You could be injured if the vehicles roll. 
Set the parking brake firmly on each vehi-
cle. Put an automatic transmission in P 
(Park) or a manual transmission in Neu-
tral.
+
–
+
–
IB484
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Page 192 of 288
192 Starting and driving
help save both batteries and it could 
save your radio.
4 Open the hood and locate the battery.
Find the positive (+) and negative (–) termi-
nals on the battery.5 Check that the jumper cables do not 
have loose or missing insulation. If they 
do, you could get a shock and also the 
vehicles could be damaged.
Before you connect the cables, here are 
some basic things you should know. 
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and 
negative (–) will go to a major metal 
engine part with a good ground. Do not 
connect (+) to (–) or you will get a short 
that could injure you or would damage 
the battery and maybe other parts as 
well.
6 Connect the red positive (+) cable to the 
positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with 
the discharged battery.
7 Do not let the other end touch metal. 
Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of 
the good battery. Use a remote positive 
(+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
8 Now connect the black negative (–) 
cable to the good battery’s negative ter-
minal.NOTICEIf you leave your radio on, it could be 
badly damaged. The repairs would not be 
covered by your warranty.
WARNING
An electric fan can start up even when the 
engine is not running and can injure you. 
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from 
any underhood electric fan.
WARNING
Using a match or flame of any kind near a 
battery can cause battery gas to explode. 
You can suffer burns or be blinded. Use a 
flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. 
The battery installed in your new Saab 
has filler caps. Be sure the right amount 
of water is there. Add distilled or boiled 
water if the level is too low. If you don’t, 
explosive gas could be present.
Be sure the electrolyte in the battery is not 
frozen. Discharged batteries will freeze. 
When connecting jumper cables to a 
frozen battery, gas from the chemical 
reaction inside the battery can build up 
under the ice and cause an explosion.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn 
you. Do not get it on you. If you acciden-
tally get it in your eyes or on your skin, 
flush the area with water and get medical 
help immediately.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 193 of 288
193 Starting and driving
9 Attach the cable at least 18 inches 
(45 cm) away from the discharged bat-
tery, but not near engine parts that 
move. To avoid an arc which could deto-
nate the hydrogen gas around the bat-
tery, the final connection must be at least 
18” from the battery.
10 Start the vehicle with the good battery 
and run the engine for a while.
11 Try to start the vehicle with the dis-
charged battery. If it does not start after 
a few tries, it probably needs service.
12 Remove the cables in reverse order to 
prevent electrical shorting. Take care 
that they do not touch each other or any 
other metal.
Charging the battery/Jump startingTo avoid damaging the car’s electrical 
system and electronics, the following rules 
must be followed when charging the battery 
or jump starting the car.
 If the charger or starter unit can be set to 
different voltages (6V/12V/18V/24V), 12V 
must be selected.
 Follow the manufacturer’s instructions 
supplied with the charger or starter unit.
 No other apparatus that are grounded or 
connected to the mains must be 
connected to the car during charging or 
jump starting.
 The charger or starter unit must under no 
conditions produce a voltage greater 
than:
 16V continuous
 18V for 60 min.
 If you are unsure about the charge rating 
of the unit, disconnect the battery clamp 
from the positive terminal before connect-
ing the unit to the battery.
WARNING
Do not let the other end touch anything 
until the next step. The other end of the 
negative cable does not go to the dead 
battery. It goes to a major metal part with 
a good ground on the engine of the vehi-
cle with the discharged battery.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 283 of 288
283 Index
Index
AA/C system, fault diagnosis
 _______ 252
A/C system, maintenance
 _________ 252
ABS brakes
 ____________________ 168
ACC
 __________________________ 75
ACC functions
 ___________________ 78
ACC, automatic climate control
 _____ 75
ACC, calibration
 _________________ 83
ACC, condensation _______________ 84
ACC, programming _______________ 81
ACC, useful tips
 _________________ 83
Adjusting the steering wheel
 _______ 120
Adjustment, seats
 ________________ 12
Air conditioning (A/C), fault diagnosis 
and maintenance ______________ 252
Air distribution, ACC ______________ 80
Airbag
 _________________________ 31
Alarm _________________________ 46
Alarm functions
 __________________ 49
Alarm signals
 ________________ 46
, 49
Alternator
 _____________________ 212
Alternator drive belt
 __________ 212
, 275
Alternator rating
 ________________ 275
Anticorrosion treatment
 ___________ 256
Antidazzle rear-view mirror
 ________ 125
Ashtrays
 ______________________ 131
Audio System
 ___________________ 85
Audio System, quick guide
 _________ 87
Autochecking of lights on starting
 ____ 60Automatic climate control (ACC)
 _____ 75
Automatic transmission, technical 
data
 _________________________ 276
Aviod theft, tip
 __________________ 197
BBattery
 ________________________ 210
Battery charging/replacing
 ________ 211
Battery, boost starting
 ____________ 191
Before a long journey ____________ 258
Before towing a camper or trailer
 ___ 181
Belt guide
 ______________________ 17
Boost starting using jump leads
 ____ 191
Brake and clutch fluid
 ____________ 208
Brake-fluid reservoir
 _____________ 208
Brakes, technical data ____________ 277
Bulbs, changing
 ________________ 215
Bulbs, table of
 __________________ 226
Buying new tires ________________ 235
CCD changer
 _____________________ 97
CD player
 ______________________ 95
CHECK messages
 _______________ 67
CHECKING
 _____________________ 67
Calibration, ACC
 _________________ 83
Cancelling the programmed settings
 _81
Car alarm
 ______________________ 46
Car care
 ______________________ 199
Cargo net, 9-5 Wagon
 ____________ 142Carpeting, care of
 _______________ 253
Cassette player
 __________________ 92
Catalytic converter, important 
considerations _________________ 152
Central locking ___________________ 40
Change language in SID
 ___________ 68
Change of address notification
 _____ 266
Changing a wheel
 _______________ 247
Changing bulbs
 _________________ 215
Changing wiper blades
 ___________ 213
Charger/Jump starting ____________ 193
Charging the battery/Jump starting
 __ 193
Chassis number
 ________________ 280
Chassis number, key to
 ___________ 281
Checks before towing a camper or 
trailer
 ________________________ 181
Child safety
 _____________________ 23
Child safety locks, rear doors
 _______ 43
Cleaning, engine bay
 _____________ 255
Clock
 _______________________ 67
, 68
Color code, body
 ________________ 280
Color code, trim _________________ 280
Compact spare wheel
 ____________ 246
Compass
 ______________________ 126
Condensation, ACC
 _______________ 84
Coolant
 _______________________ 207
Courtesy Headlight Feature
 ________ 70
Cruise control
 __________________ 167
Cup holder
 _____________________ 134
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