headlamp SAAB 9-7X 2008 User Guide
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Automatic Headlamp System
When it is dark enough outside, the Automatic
Headlamp System turns on the headlamps when the
vehicle is started and after the transaxle has been
shifted out of the PARK (P) position. The headlamps,
taillamps, sidemarker, and parking lamps will come
on. The instrument panel lights and radio lights will also
turn on at normal brightness. Once on, the system
remains on during these conditions even if the vehicle
is shifted back into PARK (P).
The vehicle has a light sensor on the top of the
instrument panel. Make sure it is not covered or the
system may come on whenever the ignition is on and
the vehicle is shifted out of the PARK (P) position.
The system could also turn on the lamps when driving
through a parking garage, heavy overcast weather
or a tunnel. This is normal.
There is a delay in the transition between the
daytime and nighttime operation of the Daytime
Running Lamps (DRL) and the automatic headlamp
systems, so that driving under bridges or bright
overhead street lights does not affect the system.The DRL and automatic headlamp system are only
affected when the light sensor sees a change in lighting
lasting longer than the delay.
If you start your vehicle in a dark garage, the automatic
headlamp system comes on after the transmission is
shifted out of PARK (P). Once you leave the garage, it
will take about one minute for the automatic headlamp
system to change to DRL if it is light outside. During
that delay, the instrument panel cluster might not be
as bright as usual. Make sure the instrument panel
brightness control is in the full bright position.
If the vehicle is running and the automatic headlamp
system is already on, it can be turned off by turning
and releasing the headlamp control at the off position.
The automatic headlamp system stays off until you
turn and release the headlamp control at the off position
again. SeeHeadlamps on page 3-14.
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Fog Lamps
The fog lamp control is located on the turn
signal/multifunction lever.
Use the fog lamps for better vision in foggy or misty
conditions.
-:The band with this symbol is used to turn the
fog lamps on and off.
When the fog lamps are turned on, the parking lamps
also turn on. A message will also display on the
DIC when the fog lamps are turned on or off. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) on page 3-45.
To turn the fog lamps on or off, turn the fog lamp
band on the lever up to the dot and release it.
The band will return to its original position.
If you turn on the high-beam headlamps, the fog
lamps will turn off. They will turn back on again
when you switch back to low-beam headlamps.
When the Fog Lamps are turned on or off, a message
will appear on the Driver Information Center. See
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-48.
Some localities have laws that require the headlamps
to be on along with the fog lamps.
Instrument Panel Brightness
Turn the knob clockwise
or counterclockwise to
brighten or dim the
interior lights.
To turn on the dome lamps, turn the knob completely
clockwise as far as it will go. The dome lamps stay
on until they are turned off.
Dome Lamps
The dome lamps automatically come on when a door
is opened, unless the dome lamp override button
is pressed in.
The lamps can also be turned on and off by turning
the instrument panel brightness control clockwise to
the farthest position.
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or a voltage display on the Driver Information Center
(DIC), you may see the voltage move up or down. This is
normal. If there is a problem, an alert will be displayed.
The battery can be discharged at idle if the electrical
loads are very high. This is true for all vehicles. This is
because the generator (alternator) may not be spinning
fast enough at idle to produce all the power that is
needed for very high electrical loads.
A high electrical load occurs when several of the
following loads are on: headlamps, high beams, fog
lamps, rear window defogger, climate control fan at high
speed, heated seats, engine cooling fans, trailer loads,
and loads plugged into accessory power outlets.
EPM works to prevent excessive discharge of the battery.
It does this by balancing the generator’s output and the
vehicle’s electrical needs. It can increase engine idle
speed to generate more power, whenever needed.
It can temporarily reduce the power demands of some
accessories.
Normally, these actions occur in steps or levels, without
being noticeable. In rare cases at the highest levels of
corrective action, this action may be noticeable to the
driver. If so, a Driver Information Center (DIC) message
might be displayed, such as Battery Saver Active or
Service Battery Charging System. If this message is
displayed, it is recommended that the driver reduce the
electrical loads as much as possible. SeeDIC Warnings
and Messages on page 3-48.Battery Run-Down Protection
This feature shuts off the dome, courtesy, and vanity
lamps if they are left on for more than 20 minutes
when the ignition is off. This will keep the battery from
running down.
If the battery run-down protection shuts off the interior
lamps, it may be necessary to do one of the following to
return to normal operation:
Shut off all lamps and close all doors.
Turn the ignition key to RUN.
This feature will also turn off the parking lamps and
headlamps under most circumstances, if they are left on.
If you would like to turn them back on, turn the exterior
lamps knob.
Accessory Power Outlet(s)
With the accessory power outlets, you can plug in
auxiliary electrical equipment such as a cellular
telephone or CB radio.
Your vehicle has three accessory power outlets. There
are two outlets located below the climate controls
and one outlet is on the rear of the center oor console.
Remove the cover from the outlet to use the outlet.
Be sure to put the cover back on when not using the
accessory power outlet.
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Reduced Engine Power Light
This light comes on
when a noticeable
reduction in the vehicle’s
performance occurs.
The vehicle can be driven at a reduced speed when
the reduced engine power light is on, but acceleration
and speed may be reduced. The performance may
be reduced until the next time you drive your vehicle.
If this light stays on, see your dealer as soon as possible
for diagnosis and repair.
This light may also come on if there is a problem
with the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system.
If this happens, take the vehicle in for service
as soon as possible.
Highbeam On Light
This light comes
on when the high-beam
headlamps are in use.
SeeHeadlamp High/Low-Beam Changer on page 3-8
for more information.
Service All-Wheel Drive Light
This light should come
on brie y when you
turn on the ignition,
as a check to show
you it is working.
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SeeDIC Operation and Displays on page 3-45.Ifthe
tire pressure is low, the low tire pressure warning
light comes on. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-37.
CHECK WASHER FLUID
This message displays if the washer uid level is low.
Adding washer uid to the windshield washer uid
reservoir clears this message. SeeWindshield Washer
Fluid on page 5-39. This message clears itself after
10 seconds, or you can manually clear it from the
DIC display.
CURB VIEW ACTIVATED
This message displays when the passenger outside
rearview mirror moves into the curb view position.
SeeOutside Curb View Assist Mirror on page 2-35
for more information.
DRIVER DOOR AJAR
This message displays and a chime sounds if the driver
door is not fully closed. Stop and turn off the vehicle,
check the door for obstructions, and close the door
again. Check to see if the message still appears
on the DIC.
ENGINE COOLANT HOT/ENGINE
OVERHEATED
Notice:If you drive your vehicle while the engine
is overheating, severe engine damage may occur.
If an overheat warning appears on the instrument
panel cluster and/or DIC, stop the vehicle as soon
as possible. Do not increase the engine speed
above normal idling speed. SeeEngine Overheating
on page 5-30for more information.
This message displays and a chime sounds if the
cooling system temperature gets hot. SeeEngine
Overheating on page 5-30for the proper course
of action. This message clears when the coolant
temperature drops to a safe operating temperature.
FRONT FOG LAMPS OFF
This message displays if the fog lamps are turned off.
The message clears after 10 seconds. If you turn on
the high-beam headlamps, the fog lamps also turn
off and this message appears on the DIC. The fog
lamps turn back on again when you switch back
to low-beam headlamps. SeeFog Lamps on page 3-17
andTurn Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-7for
more information.
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TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
This message may display and a chime may sound if
the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly. Fully
reinstall the fuel cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-7.
The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap
has been left off or improperly installed. A loose
or missing fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the
atmosphere. This message remains on until it is
manually cleared from the DIC display. The DIC
message is also cancelled if the ignition is turned off.
The DIC message and the Service Engine Soon light
may come on again during a second trip if the fuel cap
is still not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-38for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when you momentarily press
the StabiliTrak®button located on the transmission
shift handle. In this mode, stability control and the
brake-traction control are functional. Engine speed
management will be modi ed and the driven wheels
can spin more freely. For more details on this mode,
seeStabiliTrak
®System on page 4-5.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the
turn signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
DIC Vehicle Customization
Your vehicle may have customization capabilities that
allow you to program some features to one setting
based on your preference. All of the customizable
options listed may not be available on your vehicle.
Only the options available display on the Driver
Information Center (DIC).
The default settings for the customization features were
set when your vehicle left the factory, but may have
been changed from their default state since then.
To change feature preferences, make sure the ignition
is on and the vehicle is in PARK (P). To avoid excessive
drain on the battery, it is recommended that the
headlamps are turned off.
Press the customization button to scroll through the
available customizable options.
After pressing the customization button, VEHICLE
SETTINGS momentarily displays before going to a
customization option.
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Headlamp Delay
Press the customization button until HEADLAMP
DELAY: 10 SEC appears in the display. To select your
preference for how long the headlamps will stay on
after you turn off the vehicle, press the select button
while HEADLAMP DELAY: 10 SEC is displayed on
the DIC. Pressing the select button will scroll through
the following settings:
HEADLAMP DELAY: 10 SEC (Seconds) (default):
The headlamps will stay on for 10 seconds.
HEADLAMP DELAY: 20 SEC:The headlamps will
stay on for 20 seconds.
HEADLAMP DELAY: 40 SEC:The headlamps will
stay on for 40 seconds.
HEADLAMP DELAY: 1 MIN (Minute):The headlamps
will stay on for 1 minute.
HEADLAMP DELAY: 2 MIN:The headlamps will
stay on for 2 minutes.
HEADLAMP DELAY: 3 MIN:The headlamps will
stay on for 3 minutes.
HEADLAMP DELAY: OFF:The headlamps will
not turn on.To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the customization button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
Perimeter Lights
Press the customization button until PERIMETER
LIGHTS: ON appears in the display. To select your
preference for perimeter lighting, press the select button
while PERIMETER LIGHTS: ON is displayed on the
DIC. Pressing the select button will scroll through
the following settings:
PERIMETER LIGHTS: ON (default):The headlamps
and back-up lamps will come on for 40 seconds, if
it is dark enough outside, when you unlock the vehicle
with the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter.
PERIMETER LIGHTS: OFF:The perimeter lights will
not come on when you unlock the vehicle with the
RKE transmitter.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the customization button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
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Curb View
Press the customization button until CURB VIEW: OFF
appears in the display. To select your preference for
curb view, press the select button while CURB VIEW:
OFF is displayed on the DIC. Pressing the select button
will scroll through the following settings:
CURB VIEW: OFF (default):The passenger’s outside
mirror will not be tilted down when the vehicle is
shifted into REVERSE (R).
CURB VIEW: PASSENGER:The passenger’s outside
mirror will be tilted down when the vehicle is shifted
into REVERSE (R).
When the vehicle is placed in PARK (P) or in any
forward gear, the mirror will return to the normal driving
position, following a short delay.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the customization button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
SeeOutside Curb View Assist Mirror on page 2-35for
more information.
Alarm Warning
Press the customization button until ALARM WARNING:
BOTH appears in the display. To select your preference
for alarm warning, press the select button while
ALARM WARNING: BOTH is displayed on the DIC.
Pressing the select button will scroll through the
following settings:
ALARM WARNING: BOTH (default):The headlamps
will ash and the horn will chirp when the alarm is
active.
ALARM WARNING: HORN:The horn will chirp when
the alarm is active.
ALARM WARNING: LAMPS:The headlamps will ash
when the alarm is active.
ALARM WARNING: OFF:There will be no alarm
warning on activation.
To select a setting and move on to the next feature,
press the customization button while the desired setting
is displayed on the DIC.
SeeContent Theft-Deterrent on page 2-16for more
information.
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Driving at Night
Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because
some drivers are likely to be impaired — by alcohol or
drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue.
Night driving tips include:
Drive defensively.
Do not drink and drive.
Reduce headlamp glare by adjusting the inside
rearview mirror.
Slow down and keep more space between you and
other vehicles because your headlamps can only
light up so much road ahead.
Watch for animals.
When tired, pull off the road.
Do not wear sunglasses.
Avoid staring directly into approaching headlamps.
Keep the windshield and all glass on your vehicle
clean — inside and out.
Keep your eyes moving, especially during turns
or curves.
No one can see as well at night as in the daytime.
But, as we get older, these differences increase.
A 50-year-old driver might need at least twice as much
light to see the same thing at night as a 20-year-old.
Driving in Rain and on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction
and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always
drive slower in these types of driving conditions
and avoid driving through large puddles and
deep-standing or owing water.
{CAUTION:
Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not
work as well in a quick stop and could cause
pulling to one side. You could lose control of
the vehicle.
After driving through a large puddle of water
or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake
pedal until the brakes work normally.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. Driving through owing water could
cause your vehicle to be carried away. If this
happens, you and other vehicle occupants
could drown. Do not ignore police warnings
and be very cautious about trying to drive
through owing water.
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Run your engine only as long as you must. This saves
fuel. When you run the engine, make it go a little
faster than just idle. That is, push the accelerator
slightly. This uses less fuel for the heat that you get
and it keeps the battery charged. You will need a
well-charged battery to restart the vehicle, and possibly
for signaling later on with the headlamps. Let the
heater run for a while.
Then, shut the engine off and close the window
almost all the way to preserve the heat. Start the
engine again and repeat this only when you feel really
uncomfortable from the cold. But do it as little as
possible. Preserve the fuel as long as you can.
To help keep warm, you can get out of the vehicle
and do some fairly vigorous exercises every half hour
or so until help comes.If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand,
Mud, Ice, or Snow
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free your
vehicle when stuck in sand, mud, ice, or snow. See
Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 4-22.
If your vehicle has a traction system, it can often help
to free a stuck vehicle. Refer to your vehicle’s traction
system in the Index. If the stuck condition is too
severe for the traction system to free the vehicle, turn
the traction system off and use the rocking method.
{CAUTION:
If you let your vehicle’s tires spin at high
speed, they can explode, and you or others
could be injured. The vehicle can overheat,
causing an engine compartment re or other
damage. Spin the wheels as little as possible
and avoid going above 35 mph (55 km/h) as
shown on the speedometer.
For information about using tire chains on your vehicle,
seeTire Chains on page 5-82.
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