ESP SAAB 9-3 2000 User Guide

87 Instruments and controls
Programming II It is also possible to customize the ACC system to adapt to driving
and weather conditions. Programming and cancellation of programming is carried out by
holding the appropriate button down until the corresponding symbol
has flashed 4 times, an audible signal has sounded and the follow-
ing text for the desired function has appeared in the SID.
Make sure the ignition is ON.
Example:
If you want to control the switching on and off of the heating for the
rear window and the door mirrors manually, hold the button
depressed until the symbol has flashed 4 times, an audible signal
has sounded and the following text has appeared in the SID.

SID shows:
ACC: MANUAL
RDEFR CTRL
Once a function has been recorded under ”Programming II”, it will
remain in the system until you cancel the program.
AUTO will still show on the display after a function has been saved
in ”Programming II”.
Additional programming features, see page 231. Function Operation in AUTO mode
after Programming II Standard operation in
AUTO mode
The A/C compressor is not
switched on until the out-
side temperature goes
above +55°F (+13°C).
– This function can be used
to save fuel, since the A/C
compressor will not be in
action for so long a time.
In wet weather, however,
the A/C compressor should
be on at below 57
°F (14°C)
as well, since this reduces
the risk of misting on the
windows.
A/C compressor cuts in
when outside tempera-
ture is above 32°F
(0°C).
Rear-window heating can
only be switched on manu-
ally. The heating will come on
about five seconds after
the engine has started if
the outside temperature
is below +41°F (+5°C).–The activation time
depends on the outside
temperature.
Function Text displayed on SID
during programming Text displayed on SID
when cancelling
program
ACC: LO TEMP
A/C CTRL ACC: NORMAL
A/C CTRL
ACC: MANUAL
RDEFR CTRL ACC: AUTO
RDEFR CTRL
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102 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemIf the CD changer is activated immediately
after a magazine has been loaded, the fol-
lowing will appear on the display:
The CD number will change as each CD is
played.
After a magazine has been loaded, play-
back will start with the first track on the first
CD when the CD changer is selected, and
the following will appear on the display:
Selecting CDs (1) When the CD changer is operating, the
radio preset buttons work for the six CDs in
the magazine. Press the button for the cor-
responding CD.
If the selected CD is already being played,
playback will restart from the first track. If the selected CD-tray, e.g. 3, is empty, the
following will appear on the display:
IB1164
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137 Starting and driving
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 losing their grip
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.
 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.
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.
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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139 Starting and driving
Recommended fuel:The engine in your Saab 9-3 is designed to
operate on unleaded gasoline that has an
octane rating of:
 AON 90 (minimum 87) for 185 hp
engines.
 AON 93 (minimum 87) for 205 hp engines
and Viggen.
Octane rating is determined according to
the formula:
where MON is the Motor Octane Number,
and RON is the Research Octane Number.
The average of these two values is the
octane rating of the gasoline as it appears
on the pump at a retail gas station. This
value is sometimes referred to as the
"Anti-Knock Index" (AKI) or the "Average
Octane Number" (AON).
To avoid deposit formation on the fuel injec-
tors which can cause poor driveability, use
only quality gasolines that contain deter-
gents and corrosion inhibitors. Because
gasolines sold at retail gas stations vary in
their composition and quality, you should
switch to a different brand if you begin expe-
riencing driveability and/or hard starting
problems shortly after refueling your car. In
recent years, a variety of fuel additives and
alcohols or oxygenates have been blended
with gasoline. These types of gasolines may be found in all parts of the United States and
Canada, but particularly in geographic
areas and cities that have high carbon mon-
oxide levels. Saab approves the use of such
"reformulated" gasolines in its products,
which help in reducing pollution from all
motor vehicles, provided that the following
blending percentages are met by such
fuels:
 Up to 10% ethanol by volume, with corro-
sion inhibitors.
 Up to 15% MTBE by volume (methyl ter-
tiary butyl ether).
 Up to 5% methanol by volume, with an
equal amount of a suitable co-solvent and
added corrosion inhibitors.
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-
NOTE Fill to maximum filling capacity
 Stop filling after the first time that the
nozzle trips to shut off the flow of fuel
 Filling capacity can differ between
different fuel stations and outside
temperature. Fuel tank volume when
nozzle trips to shut off, may vary by
0.5 gal. (2 liters).
 Do not fill fuel all the way up the filler
pipe. The gasoline must be allowed
room for expansion especially during
hot weather.
MON + RON
2
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144 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
fault indicator
If the symbol appears on the main instru-
ment panel, the system has detected a fault
in the automatic transmission or its control
module (see page 58).
This also means that the Limp-home mode
has been selected, to guard against further
damage being done to the transmission. In
this mode, the automatic transmission
starts in 4th gear, and gear changes (if nec-
essary) will have to be made manually.
It is not possible to select the SPORT or
WINTER mode when the Limp-home mode
is active.
You should have the automatic transmis-
sion checked as soon as possible by an
authorized Saab dealer.
The following gears will be engaged in the
respective selector positions when the auto-
matic transmission is in the Limp-home
mode:
Overheated transmission oilIf the transmission oil becomes overheated
while driving, the following message
appears on the SID: TRANSMISSION
OVERHEATING. In this event, stop the car
in a suitable place, switch off the engine,
open the hood and wait until the message
goes out. When driving subsequent to the
transmission oil overheating, select a
locked gear position in which the engine
speed is about 3,000 rpm.
The transmission oil can become very hot
when the car is driven with a heavy load; for
example, driving with a trailer on hilly roads
when the wrong gear has been selected,
resulting in many extra gear changes.
Select one of the positions 1, 2 or 3. A high
outside temperature or a defective oil cooler
can also cause the oil temperature to
increase. Contact an authorized Saab work-
shop, see also page 156.
Driving in hilly country with a heavy
loadOverheating of the automatic-transmission
fluid can occur when the car is towing a
heavy load, such as a trailer in hilly country,
with the wrong gear selected, resulting in
abnormally frequent gear changing. Try
selecting position 1, 2 or 3. High ambient
temperatures can also increase the temper-
ature of the transmission fluid or the oil
cooler may be faulty. As the transmission
fluid temperature increases, its useful ser-
vice life is reduced. Contact an authorized
Saab dealer (see also page 156).TowingTowing a car with automatic transmission,
see page 162. Position R D 3 2 1
Gear Reverse 4th 4th 3rd 3rd
NOTEIf the control module has actuated the
Limp-home function for the automatic
transmission, the car will remain in 4th
gear when D is selected, making it very
sluggish. To overcome this, move the
selector lever to position 2.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position 1, 2, or 3) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope. Select the same gear as
you would on the corresponding uphill
slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
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149 Starting and driving
Disengaging the system The system will be disengaged:
 When the brake or clutch pedal is
depressed.
 When the switch is moved to CANCEL.
 When the switch is moved to OFF.
 When the engine is switched off.
 When the selector lever is moved to posi-
tion N (cars with automatic transmission).
BrakingTo avoid overheating the brakes, (e.g. when
negotiating long descents with a drop of
several hundred feet), select a low gear to
use the braking effect of the engine. If the
car has automatic transmission, move the
selector lever to position 1 or 2.
When driving fast, you can help to prolong
the life of the brakes by thinking ahead and
braking harder for short periods, rather than
braking more moderately over long
stretches. Brake pad wear indicatorsThe outboard brake pads on the front
wheels incorporate pad-wear indicators.
When the lining is down to 3 mm, the pad
will produce a screeching, squealing or
scraping noise when the brakes are applied.
New pads should be installed without delay.
Brake pads should only be replaced by
an authorized Saab dealer.
To ensure optimum brake performance,
it is recommended that you use only
Saab original brake pads.

WARNING
 It is prudent to try your brakes from
time to time, especially when driving in
heavy rain, on roads with a lot of sur-
face water, or in snow or slush. In such
conditions, the brakes may take
longer than normal to take effect. To
rectify this, touch the brake pedal peri-
odically to dry the brakes out.
 The same applies after the car has
been washed or when the weather is
very humid.
 The brakes are power assisted and it
should be kept in mind that the servo
unit only provides the power assis-
tance when the engine is running.
 The brake pressure required when the
engine is off,( e.g. when the car is
being towed) is roughly four times the
normal pedal force required. The
pedal also feels hard and unrespon-
sive.
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150 Starting and drivingABS brakesABS (Antilock Braking System) modulates
the brake pressure to the respective
wheels. Wheel sensors detect if a wheel is
about to lock, and the control module
reduces the pressure to that wheel and then
increases it once more until the tendency is
detected again.
The brake system is equipped with an Elec-
tronic Brake-force Distribution device
(EBD), which distributes the brake pressure
between the front and rear wheels in such a
way as to achieve optimum braking perfor-
mance regardless of the car’s speed and
load.
The ABS system has a built-in diagnostic
function which will switch on the ABS warn-
ing light if a fault is detected in the system
(see page 56). The ABS system will not reduce the braking
distance on loose gravel or on snow or ice
but, because the wheels cannot lock up,
some steering control is retained.
When the ABS system is working, i.e. mod-
ulation of the brake pressure is in progress,
the brake pedal will pulsate and a ticking
noise will be heard. All this is perfectly nor-
mal.
Press the pedal down hard (you cannot
press too hard) and steer the car to safety. Do not release the brake pedal before the
car has come to a halt or the danger is
past!
This is critical.
If the road is slippery, the ABS system will
operate even when only light pressure is
applied to the pedal. This means that you
can brake gently to test the condition of the
road and adapt your driving accordingly.
It is well worth practising the use of ABS
brakes on a skid pad or other suitable facil-
ity.
WARNING
 The additional safety afforded by the
ABS system is not designed to allow
drivers to drive faster but to make
normal driving safer.
 To stop as quickly as possible, without
loss of directional stability, whether
the road surface is dry, wet or slippery,
press the brake pedal down hard
without letting up (do not pump the
pedal), declutching simulta-
neously, and steer the car to safety.
IB877
ABS braking - confirmation that the sys-
tem is operating
IB878
Braking with ABS - evasive steering
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155 Starting and driving
 Check the anti-freeze in the engine cool-
ant, see page 174.
The car´s trip computer will warn you when
there is a risk of slippery conditions. For fur-
ther information on this function, see page
62.
The car is equipped with tires designed to
provide optimum grip on both wet and dry
roads, although this has been achieved at
the expense of somewhat reduced grip on
snow and ice. For regular driving on snow
and ice, we therefore recommend that
winter (snow) tires be fitted.
Winter (snow) tires, particularly studded
tires (where use is legally permitted), gener-
ally make driving safer on snow and ice. Acquaint yourself with the legal provi-
sions governing the use of different
types of winter tires and snow chains.
Studded tires are not allowed in some
countries.
If winter tires are installed, the same type
must be installed on all wheels. Your Saab
dealer will be pleased to advise you on the
best tires for your car.
Remember that tires age. It may therefore
be necessary to change them before they
reach the legal wear limit, as they gradually
lose their friction properties.
The best response if the car gets into a
front-wheel skid is to freewheel (manual
gearbox only), i.e. disengage the clutch (so
that the wheels are neither driven nor
braked by the engine) and carefully steer
the wheels in the direction you want to go.
If the car has an automatic transmission you
should lift off the accelerator somewhat and
carefully steer the wheels in the direction
you want to go.
In a rear-wheel skid, steer into the skid, i.e.
in the same direction as that in which the
back is sliding.
Tire chainsIf you want to fit tire chains (where legally
permitted) they should only be installed to
the tires recommended under ”Technical
data” (see page 227).
Consult your Saab dealer for details about
approved tire chains.
WARNING
 Do not exceed 30 mph (50 km/h)
when tire chains are fitted.
 Tire chains can reduce the directional
stability of the car.
 Tire chains must not be used on the
rear wheels.NOTE Check the links frequently for wear.
 Check that the chains do not contact
the wheel-arch liner at full lock.
 See section "Technical data", page
227, for information on allowable
wheel dimensions for the fitting of tire
chains.
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158 Starting and drivingTrailer hitch loadThe weight distribution on the trailer makes
a lot of difference to the handling properties
of the car and trailer combination.With sin-
gle-axle trailers, whenever possible, con-
centrate the load over the axle and keep it
as low as possible.
The trailer should be loaded so that the
maximum load on the towbar ball is 5% to
7% of the trailer weight with a maximum per-
missible tongue weight of 165 lbs (75 kg).
Note that this load must be added to the total
load for the car. If this now exceeds the
specified load capacity, the load in the trunk
will have to be reduced by a corresponding
amount. Driving considerationsAlways take extra care when towing a
trailer, as the car’s handling will be different
and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s
braking system and suspension also have a
considerable effect on these characteris-
tics, see also "Driving with a load" page
160.
If the car is equipped with automatic trans-
mission, select position 1 when ascending
or descending steep hills.
Driving with a roof rack
loadThe maximum permissible roof load is
220 lbs (100 kg). Note that the roof load is
included in the car’s maximum permissible
load (see page 221).
Strong, sturdy roof carriers designed spe-
cially for the car are available from your
Saab dealer. Always secure the roof load
safely.
NOTEIf the “Automatic transmission fault
indicator” warning comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
WARNING
 A roof load will affect the car’s center
of gravity and aerodynamics. Be
aware of this when cornering and driv-
ing in crosswinds.
 Adjust your speed to the prevailing
conditions.
IB880
Distribution of load in trailer aLight
b Moderate
cHeavy
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174 Car care
(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 Texaco Texamatic
Dexron III automatic-transmission fluid,
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 litre).
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.
CoolantThe expansion tank is transparent, to facili-
tate checking. The level must be a little
under the mark ”KALT – COLD” on the tank
when the engine is cold. If the SID message
"FILL COOLANT FLUID" is displayed, the
level in the expansion tank should be
checked. Top up as necessary with equal
parts of clean water and coolant. Use only
coolant approved by Saab.
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 filled at the factory
with coolant containing a 50% 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 corrosion-inhibiting properties of the
coolant deteriorate over time, but coolant
approved by Saab can be used for
year-round protection. Change the coolant
as specified in the service program (page
215) and use only coolant approved by
Saab – other makes may need changing
more frequently and may damage the sys-
tem.
NOTEIf there is a burnt smell or the fluid is black,
change the fluid as soon as possible.
Coolant expansion tank
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