check oil SAAB 9-3 2001 User Guide

197 Car care

Transmission fluidManual transmissionCheck and top up the fluid in accordance
with the service program.
If original fluid cannot be obtained for top-
ping up, Dexron III (synthetic fluid) auto-
matic transmission fluid can be used. If so,
the car should be taken to an authorized
Saab dealer as soon as possible to have the
reason for low fluid level corrected and orig-
inal fluid installed.Automatic transmissionCheck the fluid level as follows:
1 Park the car on level ground and apply
the parking brake. The automatic trans-
mission fluid must be at normal running
temperature, approximately 175°F
NOTEChange of engine oil and oil filter may be
required more frequently (5000-mile
intervals (8,000 km)) if any one of the fol-
lowing conditions apply to the car:
 Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8
to 16 km). This is particularly important
when outside temperatures are below
freezing.
 Most trips include extensive idling
(such as frequent stop-and-go driving).
 Most trips are through dusty areas.
 You frequenty tow a trailer or use a car-
rier on top of your vehicle.
 If the vehicle is used for delivery ser-
vice, police, taxi or other commerical
applications.
WARNING
 Prolonged and repeated exposure of
the skin to engine oil can cause seri-
ous skin disorders.
 Avoid prolonged skin contact when-
ever possible. Wash the affected area
thoroughly with soap and water after
any contact.
 Keep oil out of reach of children.
 Do not touch the turbocharger or
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.
+80°
MIN MAX
+80°
IB495
Oil dipstick, automatic transmission
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198 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).
NOTEIf there is a burnt smell or the fluid is black,
change the fluid as soon as possible.
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.
Loosen the cap carefully, and let the
engine cool before removing the cap.
 The cooling system is pressurized –
hot coolant and vapor can escape
when the filler cap is released.
Coolant expansion tank
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201 Car care
Power steeringCheck 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.
Unscrew the cap and wipe the dipstick. To
check the fluid level, first screw the cap on
fully again and then remove. The level
should be between the MAX and MIN marks
on the dipstick when the oil temperature is
about 68°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder the oil
level can be lower, and in higher tempera-
tures the level can be higher, both of which
are acceptable.
Top up with power-steering fluid CHF 11S
(part number 8996860).
Battery
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
 Work on the battery may entail an
explosion hazard, since the battery
gives off hydrogen which forms an
explosive mixture with the oxygen in
the air.
For this reason, always avoid sparks
or open flames when working near the
battery.
 The battery contains corrosive sulphu-
ric acid. Always wear a face mask or
goggles when working on the battery.
 If battery acid gets into the eyes or
splashes the 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.
IB896
Power steering fluid reservoir
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202 Car careThe liquid level in the car battery must be
checked at regular intervals.
Tap water contains salts and minerals that
accelerate the corrosion of the battery elec-
trodes, which can shorten the life of the bat-
tery.
The charge level should be checked with a
battery-acid tester. The specific gravity of
the acid in a fully charged battery should be
1.28. A specific gravity of 1.18 roughly indi-
cates a 50% charge.If frequent short journeys are made in cold
weather, the battery may need to be given a
booster charge. This can be done either
using a battery charger or by taking the car
for a long drive. A car with standard equipment and a fully
charged battery can be left for up to 40 days
and still have a sufficient charge for starting.
If extra equipment is fitted, such as a mobile
telephone, the time may be reduced to
about 15 days.
Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the positive (+) terminal of the battery and
the negative (blue) cable to its negative (-)
terminal. Always disconnect both battery
leads when boost charging the battery.NOTENever use tap water to top up the battery.
Use distilled or boiled water.
NOTEA discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from frost.
NOTE• Don’t connect the battery terminals
+ and – the wrong way around.
 Serious damage can occur to the car’s
electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the
engine is running.
IB897
Taking out the battery
IB1173
Correct fluid level in the battery
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224 Car care
Flat spottingAll tires get hot, especially on long journeys
or when the car is driven hard. After the car
has been parked with hot tires and the tires
have cooled down, a flat spot can form in the
tire, where it is in contact with the ground.
The same can occur if the car has not been
moved for a long time.
Flat spots can cause vibration that can be
felt through the steering wheel, similar to
that experienced when the wheels need bal-
ancing. Flat spots of this type disappear
once the tires get hot again, usually after
10–15 miles (20–25 km) of driving at cruis-
ing speed.
Safety beltsA check should be made periodically to
ensure that the safety belts are working
properly.
 Hold the diagonal strap and pull it sharply.
The safety belt should lock and it should
not be possible to withdraw it further.
A sharp tug on the belt should cause the
inertia reel to lock. Check the floor anchor-
age points for corrosion damage. If a belt is
worn or has any fraying edges, it should be
replaced.
Safety belts must not come into contact with
substances such as polishes, oil or chemi-
cals. If the belts get dirty, wash them with
warm water and a detergent or have them
replaced.
WARNING
Safety belts and belt pretensioners that
were in use in a serious collision must be
replaced even if they are not visibly
damaged.
No attempt must be made to repair, or
modify the function of, safety belts.
IB923
Removing the wheel cover
IB925
Tightening sequence, wheel bolts
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236 Maintenance and owner assistanceMaintenance scheduleThe Maintenance Schedule prescribes a
service program to the purchaser/operator
of a Saab that is reasonable and necessary
to ensure the proper emission control sys-
tems function, safety and reliability of the
Saab automobile in normal use. Additional
maintenance is recommended for specific
components when the car is operated under
certain severe conditions. Proper mainte-
nance is always a good practice!
Authorized Saab dealers are equipped and
trained to meet your Saab’s service needs.
They regularly receive up-to-date Saab ser-
vice manuals and parts and technical ser-
vice bulletins from Saab and are able,
through their franchise agreement, to attend
Saab service schools, obtain Saab special
tools and technical assistance and pur-
chase original equipment service and
replacement parts.
Today’s complex automobiles should only
be entrusted to the most knowledgeable
service professionals. A Saab dealer is your
best choice.
Service intervalsThe maintenance schedule is comprised of
a Check -up 30 days after retail delivery, fol-
lowed by services at every 10,000 miles
(16,000 km) thereafter (10,000, 20,000,
30,000 miles/16,000 32,000, 48,000 km
etc.).
Engine oil and filter changesChanging the engine oil and filter is required
at every service point. Use only a Saab
approved long-life oil filter and engine oils
meeting the SAE viscosity ratings and API
service classifications stated in the “Techni-
cal data” section of this Owner’s Manual.
The use of extra additives in the oil is not
necessary and is not recommended, and
may be harmful to turbochargers.
More frequent oil changes are recom-
mended if your vehicle is operated under
any of the following conditions:
 Most trips are less than 5-10 miles (8-16
km). This is particularly important when
outside temperatures are below freezing.
 Most trips include extensive idling (fre-
quent stop-and-go traffic).
 Most trips are through dusty areas (such
as construction zones).
 If the vehicle is used for delivery service,
police, taxi or other commercial applica-
tions.
If your driving habits match this description,
have the engine oil and filter changed in-
between normal services at 5,000 mile
(8,000 km) intervals. These conditions
cause the engine oil to break down faster.
The Warranties and Service Record Book-
let has provisions to record extra oil
changes.
NOTEThe Check-up will be done by your Saab
dealer at no charge and should be done
as close as possible to the scheduled 30
days.
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237 Maintenance and owner assistance
Service record retentionService instruction coupons and record
stubs are provided in the Saab Warranties
and Service Record Booklet which accom-
panies this Owner’s Manual. The coupons
are arranged in the order that normal ser-
vice should be performed. The edge of each
coupon is shaded to correspond to the type
of service point:
 Striped - "Check-up".
 Blue - Oil change/inspection service.
 Black - Major service.
Note that in Canada a combined service
and warranty book is used, but not service
coupons.
When scheduled services are performed,
your dealer will tear out the applicable
coupon and use it to check off the opera-
tions performed and enter it into the service
file at the dealership. The servicing dealer’s
stamp, along with the date and mileage at
which the service was done, should be
entered on the corresponding stub which
remains in your booklet. The booklet is your
permanent record of the services per-
formed. It also includes a log sheet for
unscheduled repairs.
It is advisable to retain receipts and, if pos-
sible, copies of shop work orders for all ser-
vice and repair work, wherever performed.
Service costsDealer pricing practices and labor for ser-
vice work vary. Saab’s recommended ser-
vice times for each service point do not
include the labor required to replace wear
items, such as wiper blades, brake pads or
tires. Nor is labor to perform other service or
repairs found to be necessary as a result of
the inspections included in these times.
Additional labor and parts will be charged
for such work when necessary, except as
covered under an applicable Saab warranty
or any optional extended service contract.
Transmission fluid changes or suspension
alignment, when necessary, are also addi-
tional.
Dealer charges for general shop material,
regulated hazardous waste removal, recy-
cling expenses or other operation costs may
also be applied to service and repair
invoices and are apt to vary by dealer and
location.
Owner assistanceWarranties and service problem
assistanceFor complete information about all applica-
ble warranties, including the New Car War-
ranty, Perforation Warranty, Vehicle Emis-
sion Warranty and Emission Perforation
Warranty, consult the Warranties and Ser-
vice Record Booklet which accompanies
this Owner’s Manual. It also contains owner
assistance information including Saab
Roadside Assistance. If the booklet is lost or
misplaced, a new one may be ordered
through a Saab dealer or by contacting
Saab.
In the U.S. there is a national Customer
Assistance Center at Saab Cars USA, Inc.
The toll-free number to call from all 50 states
is 1-800-955-9007.
In Canada, please call the Saab Customer
Assistance Centre at 1-800-263-1999.
A list of authorized Saab sales and service
dealers is available for those planning to
travel in the United States and Canada.
Canadian or U.S. travelers may call the
Customer Assistance Center in the country
in which they are traveling.
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239 Maintenance and owner assistance
Saab Original Service Program M2001 USA, Canada, (9-3 Models)* These are the minimum required Emission Control System maintenance steps. Saab urges that all recommended maintenance procedures be performed
according to this program.
(a.) Engine oil and filter should be changed at least once a year. Intermediate oil and filter changes (halfway between indicated intervals) suggested for
cars primarily used for driving in dense city traffic or for repeated short trip operation without sufficient warm up.
** Service intervals:
Refer to the Warranties & Service Record Book for service intervals beyond 100,000 miles (160,000 km).Service Intervals **
Miles = U.S. Cars
Kilometers = Canadian Cars
30 day
10,000
(16,000 km)
20,000
(32,000 km)
30,000
(48,000 km)
40,000
(64,000 km)
50,000
(80,000 km)
60,000
(96,000 km)
70,000
(112,000 km)
80,000
(128,000 km)
90,000
(144,000 km)
100,000
(160,000 km)
Service #
1234567891011
Engine and engine compartment
E Engine oil and filter (a.)!!!!!!!!!!
R Engine coolant freezing point and level""" """ ""
R Engine coolant flush and replace (max. 3-year intervals)!!
R Engine cooling system, hoses and cap""""""""""
R Drive belt; condition""""" ! """"
E Spark plugs!
*
!*
!*
E Crankcase ventilation and vacuum lines""
Application/type of service (col. 1) Service Procedure
E = emission service"= Check - top up, adjust or replace if necessary
R = regular maintenance!= Replace
#= Lubricate
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257 Index
Index
AA/C system, fault diagnosis
________ 232
A/C system, maintenance _________ 232
ACC
__________________________ 84
ACC, useful tips
_________________ 92
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 137
Air conditioning (A/C), fault diagnosis
and maintenance
______________ 232
Airbag
_________________________ 28
Alarm __________________________ 41
Alarm functions
__________________ 44
Alarm signals
___________________ 44
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 228
Anti-theft system
_________________ 41
Ashtray
_______________________ 141
Audio System
___________________ 93
Automatic climate control (ACC)
_____ 84
Automatic transmission
___________ 162
BBattery
________________________ 201
Boost starting from donor battery
___ 187
Brake fluid, check
_______________ 200
Brake fluid, grade _______________ 251
Brake pad wear indicators
____ 170
, 200Brakes
________________________ 170
Braking _______________________ 170
Bulb table _____________________ 211
CCD changer
____________________ 105
CD player
_____________________ 103
CHECK messages
_______________ 72
CHECKING
_____________________ 72
Cabin lighting __________________ 139
Calibration, ACC _________________ 90
Car alarm
______________________ 41
Car phone, installation
___________ 113
Care of safety belts
______________ 224
Cassette player
_________________ 100
Central locking __________________ 36
Change of address notification
_____ 238
Changing a wheel
_______________ 221
Changing bulbs
_________________ 206
Changing the coolant
____________ 199
Changing the engine oil __________ 196
Changing the key battery __________ 39
Changing the wheels round _______ 218
Changing wiper blades
___________ 204
Chassis number
________________ 253
Child car seats
__________________ 19
Child safety
_____________________ 19
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 39
Child seats
_____________________ 19
Cigar lighter ____________________ 141Cleaning the soft top, Convertible
____ 57
Climate-control system, manual
_____ 80
Compact spare wheel
____________ 220
Condensation water, A/C __________ 82
Condensation water, ACC __________ 85
Convertible
_____________________ 47
Coolant
_______________________ 198
Courtesy Headlight Feature
________ 76
Cruise Control
__________________ 169
Cup holder
_____________________ 140
DDICE/TWICE
___________________ 213
Date code, tires _________________ 220
Dim low beam
___________________ 75
Dimmer
________________________ 78
Direction indicators
_______________ 76
Direction-indicator stalk
____________ 76
Dome lighting
__________________ 139
Door mirrors
___________________ 143
Drive belt
______________________ 203
Driving in deep water
_____________ 185
Driving in hot weather ____________ 179
Driving technique
________________ 176
Driving with a compact spare wheel
_ 190
Driving with a load
_______________ 184
Driving with a roof load
___________ 182
Driving with the trunk lid open
______ 185
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258 IndexEEconomical motoring
____________ 176
Electrical system, technical data
____ 250
Electrical window
_______________ 136
Electrically adjustable seats
_______ 133
Electrically heated front seats ______ 135
Electrically heated rear seat
_______ 135
Electrically heated rear window _____ 83
Electronic starting interlock
_________ 37
Emergency opening, fuel filler door
_ 150
Emergency operation of the soft top,
Convertible
____________________ 52
Emergency operation of the sunroof
_ 138
Emission control systems
_________ 194
Engine bay
____________________ 193
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 226
Engine break-in period _______ 161
, 176
Engine number
_________________ 253
Engine oil, changing
_____________ 196
Engine oil, checking _____________ 196
Engine oil, grade
________________ 247
Engine oil, volume _______________ 247
Engine variants
_________________ 249
Engine, description ______________ 194
Engine, technical data ____________ 247
FFault codes, Audio System
________ 115
Flat spot
______________________ 224Folding the soft top, Convertible
_____ 49
For long trips
___________________ 190
Front fog lights __________________ 77
Fuel filler door, emergency opening
_150
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 68
Fuel grade _____________________ 249
Fueling
_______________________ 157
Fuel-tank capacity
_______________ 249
Fuse table
_____________________ 214
Fuses
________________________ 212
GGearbox number
________________ 253
Gearbox oil, checking
____________ 197
Gearbox oil, grade
_______________ 250
General particulars ______________ 244
General safety instructions, Convertible
48
Glove compartment
______________ 141
HHandbrake
_____________________ 174
Hazard warning lights
_____________ 76
Head restraint
___________________ 18
Headlight flasher _________________ 75
Hood
_________________________ 192
Horn signal
____________________ 137
IIf the car does not start
___________ 153
Ignition switch
__________________ 152
Immobilizer
_____________________ 37
Important considerations concerning
cars with catalytic converters
_____ 156
Important considerations for driving
_ 154
Indicator lights
___________________ 60
Instrument lighting
________________ 78
Integrated booster seat
____________ 26
Interior equipment
_______________ 129
Interior lighting
__________________ 139
Interior lighting, Convertible
_________ 58
Interior rearview mirror
___________ 143
JJump starting
___________________ 187
KKey
___________________________ 36
Key, removing
__________________ 152
LLATCH (child safety)
______________ 21
Labels and plates
_______________ 253
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