key SAAB 9-3 2001 Owner's Guide

172 Starting and drivingTraction Control SystemHow the system works The traction control system (TCS) is
designed to prevent wheelspin. This
enables the car to achieve the best possible
grip and, hence, maximum tractive effort,
together with greater stability.
The TCS system uses information from the
ABS system’s wheel sensors to detect
when the front (driving) wheels are rotating
faster then the rear wheels. It then monitors
whether one driving wheel is rotating faster
than the other. If so, the faster wheel is
retarded until both wheels are rotating at the
same speed.
If the two front wheels are rotating at the
same speed but are turning faster than the
rear wheels, the torque from the engine is
reduced to eliminate the difference.
The process continues until all the wheels
are rotating at the same speed. The advantages of the TCS system become
most apparent when the cohesion between
the front wheels and the road surface is so
low that one or both of the wheels would
lose their grip were the car not equipped
with the TCS, e.g.:
 When the car is pulling away or accelerat-
ing with the front wheels on different sur-
faces (e.g. one slippery and one dry). The
TCS then functions like an electronic dif-
ferential lock.
 When the car is pulling away or accelerat-
ing on a slippery road, in which case the
TCS eliminates wheelspin. The same
applies when the car is reversing.
 On cornering, if there is a tendency for the
inner front wheel to rotate faster than the
other wheels.
 On overtaking.
TCS OFF The TCS OFF indicator on the main instru-
ment panel will come on:
 If a fault has been detected and the
system has therefore been switched off.
 If there is a fault in the ABS system.
 If the system has been switched off man-
ually.
The indicator light will also come on for
4 seconds when the ignition key is turned to
ON, while an internal system check is per-
formed. TCS indicator The indicator light will come on for
4 seconds when the ignition key is turned to
ON, while an internal system check is per-
formed.
The TCS light in the tachometer comes on
when the system is operative, i.e. when the
wheels are not rotating at the same speed.
The fact that the TCS system is operative
indicates that the limit for grip has been
exceeded and that the driver must exert
greater care.
WARNING
In normal driving, the TCS system
enhances the safety of the car, but it
does not mean that the car can be driven
faster. The same care and prudence
normally applied should be displayed on
cornering and when driving on slippery
roads.
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174 Starting and drivingParking brakeThe parking brake lever is located between
the front seats. The brake acts on the rear
wheels. When the parking brake is on, the
indicator lamp on the main instrument panel
will be lit.
To release the brake, lift the lever slightly,
press the pawl button, and let the lever
down.
Parking
WARNING
 Always apply the parking brake when
the car is parked.
 Always apply the parking brake before
removing the ignition key.
 Never use the parking brake while the
car is moving.
WARNING
 Park where the vehicle will not create
an obstruction or a hazard to other
road users.
 Do not park on dry grass or other com-
bustible material. The catalytic con-
verter gets very hot and could start a
fire.
 Do not leave children or pets unat-
tended in the car. In warm, sunny
weather, the temperature inside the
car can reach 160–180°F (70–80°C). NOTE Apply the parking brake.
 Shift into Reverse for manual trans-
mission; for automatic transmission:
move selector lever to P (Park)), and
remove the ignition key.
 Lock the car.
NOTESaab 9-3 Viggen: The body design
together with the relatively low ground
clearance of the car means that great
care must be taken during parking to
avoid damage to the under part of the
bumper.
IB1269
IB982
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177 Starting and driving
 Driving in a low gear results in higher fuel
consumption than in a high gear because
of the lower engine speed for a given road
speed. Always change up to a higher gear
as soon as traffic conditions allow and use
the highest gear as much as possible.
 Check the air pressure in the tires once a
month. Incorrect pressures increase tire
wear. It is better to have slightly higher
pressure than lower.
 Check fuel consumption regularly.
Increased consumption can indicate that
something is wrong and that the car
needs to be checked by an authorized
Saab dealer.
Practical tests on the roads have demon-
strated that substantial savings in fuel con-
sumption can be made if the above advice
is heeded.Road conditions Wet roads increase fuel consumption, as do
unpaved roads and driving in hilly country
(the amount of fuel saved driving downhill is
less than the additional amount required to
climb the hill).
Engine block heater (standard
equipment in Canada, accessory in
U.S.)The following are just some of the benefits
to the car and the environment of using an
engine block heater:
 Lower fuel consumption.
 Reduced wear on the engine.
 Inside of car warms up faster.
 Exhaust emissions substantially reduced
over short runs.
The engine block heater is effective with
outside temperatures up to +60 – +70°F
(+15 – +20°C). The warmer it is outside, the
shorter the time the heater need be con-
nected. Longer than 1.5 hours is unneces-
sary.
If the car is equipped with a removable elec-
trical cabin heater that is not in use, this
should be stored in the luggage compart-
ment.
Driving in cold weatherBefore starting a journey in cold weather
you should check the following:
 That the wiper blades have not become
frozen to the windshield/glass.
 Brush any snow away from the air intake
for the heater system (opening between
hood and windshield).
 It may be advisable to lubricate the
door-lock cylinder (use molybdenum
disulphide, MoS
2) to prevent its freezing.
If the lock has frozen, take care not to
break the key (or use the remote control)
– heat it first or spray it with de-icer.
 Periodically during the winter, add gaso-
line anti-freeze to the fuel to dispel any
condensation in the fuel tank which could
freeze and cause problems in the system.
Keep the tank well filled to reduce the risk
of condensation forming.
If the car is parked outside in freezing
weather, fuel additives (gasoline
anti-freeze) will not do any good as it
cannot remove water that has already fro-
zen. Park the car in a warm place so that
any ice that may have built up melts, then
add gasoline anti-freeze when filling up
the tank. Condensation is caused by
changes in the outdoor temperature or by
the car being parked alternately in a
garage and outside.
 It is particularly important when the roads
are slippery that the brakes and tires be in
good condition.
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190 Starting and drivingDriving considerations
with compact spare
wheel/tire fitted The following should be observed when the
compact spare wheel (T115/70 R16) is
installed:
The compact spare is light and easy to
handle when changing the wheel. Do not
drive farther than necessary with the com-
pact spare fitted – the maximum life of the
wheel is only just over 2000 miles
(3,500 km). Have the standard wheel
repaired and reinstalled as soon as possi-
ble.Points to bear in mind when driving with a
compact spare wheel:
 The car’s ground clearance is reduced
with the compact spare fitted.
 Only one compact spare wheel may be
used at any time.
 Take care not to hit the curb.
 Do not fit snow chains.
 Leave the wheel cover off, so that the
warning text is readily visible.
For long tripsBefore starting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car inspected by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-Vee-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
 Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
 Check that no oil or fuel leaks out of the
engine or gearbox/transmission.
 Check the coolant and power steering
fluid levels. Check also for leaks.
 Inspect the Poly-Vee-belt and replace it if
it shows any signs of wear.
 Check the battery charge.
 Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
 Take an extra car key/remote control and
keep it separate, see also page 36.
 Check the brakes.
 Check all bulbs.
 Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
WARNING
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) as the
tire can overheat and adversely affect the
handling of the car.
The tire should be inflated to 60 psi
(420 kPa).
NOTETo avoid damaging a punctured alloy
wheel this can be placed outside up in the
spare-wheel well but only while driving to
the closest dealer.
A general rule is that all heavy loads must
be well secured in the luggage compart-
ment, see page 148.
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217 Car care
WheelsAlternative wheels and tiresIf you wish to fit other tires or wheels than
those supplied with the car, consult your
Saab dealer first as to the possibilities avail-
able.
Wheels/tires combinations that are not
approved by Saab can negatively affect the
car´s directional stability, steering and brak-
ing in both wet and dry conditions.
Do not assume that a wheel/tire combina-
tion will function properly just because it will
bolt on.
The wheels and tires have been carefully
matched to the characteristics of the car and
play a key role in its outstanding roadhold-
ing and handling.
Tire pressureTires need to be inflated to suit the load car-
ried and the maximum speed the car will be
driven (see the recommended tire pres-
sures on the back cover). Tire pressure
label, see page 253.
Note that all values apply to cold tires. For
tires with an aspect ratio less than /60,
increase the tire pressure by 3 psi (20 kPa)
for rough roads with potholes to minimize
the risk of rim damage.
Never reduce the pressure of a hot tire. If the
tires are hot when you check them, only
increase the pressure, if necessary.
Soft tires will cause faster wear than
over-pressurized tires. They also increase
fuel consumption.
If a valve is leaking, simply unscrew it and fit
a new one.
Important! Remember to adjust the tire
pressures if you change the load in the car
or intend to cruise at a substantially higher
or lower speed than normal.
NOTEFor wide wheels and/or low-profile tires,
bear in mind the following:
 Tires and wheels can be damaged in
potholes etc.
 Springs, shock absorbers and wheel
bearings can be overloaded.
 The wheels can come into contact with
chassis and body components.
 The speed and load limits for the tires
must not be exceeded; see page 218.
 Wheels larger than 17” must not be
fitted on the Saab 9-3. For Viggen
models the wheel should not be larger
than 17”. The maximum permissible
offset for the 9-3 is 49 mm and for the
Viggen 42 mm.
 Wheels smaller than 16” must not be
fitted on Viggen models. Fitting a
smaller size wheel on a Viggen is not
possible due to the size of the brake
discs.
NOTECheck the tire pressures at least once
per month.
Underinflation is the main cause of:
 Tires wearing out prematurely.
 Damage to the sidewalls.
 Damage to the wheels.
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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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259 Index
Leather upholstery, care of
________ 225
Load eyes
_____________________ 148
Locks
__________________________ 36
Lowering rear seat
______________ 144
Luggage compartment ___________ 144
Luggage compartment, Convertible
__ 56
Luggage-compartment lighting
_____ 148
MMain beam
_____________________ 75
Main instrument panel
_____________ 60
Maintenance schedule ___________ 236
Manual climate-control system
______ 80
Manual raising of the soft top,
Convertible
____________________ 52
Manual transmission
_____________ 161
Manually opening the fuel filler door,
Convertible
____________________ 58
Manually opening the fuel filler door,
Coupé and 5-door
______________ 150
Maxi fuses
_____________________ 213
Memory, driver’s seat
____________ 134
Motoring abroad
________________ 190
NNight Panel
_____________________ 73
OORVR
________________________ 195
Odometer ______________________ 66
Oil specification
_________________ 247
OnStar
________________________ 117
Opening handle
__________________ 36
Owner assistance _______________ 237
PPaint touch-up
__________________ 227
Parcel shelf
____________________ 147
Park Brake Shift Lock
____________ 164
Parking brake
__________________ 174
Parking lights ____________________ 75
Plates and labels
________________ 253
Power steering fluid, check
________ 201
Power steering oil, grade
_________ 251
Pressure gauge
__________________ 67
Programmable driver’s seat
_______ 134
Programming, ACC
_______________ 90
RRadio
__________________________ 98
Raising the soft top, Convertible
_____ 51
Rear fog light
____________________ 77
Rear seat
______________________ 144
Rear seat, tipping
_______________ 144Rearview mirrors
________________ 143
Rear-window wiper _______________ 79
Recirculation
____________________ 82
Recycling
______________________ 230
Refuelling _____________________ 157
Relay table ____________________ 215
Release handle, hood
____________ 192
Remote control
__________________ 36
Remote control battery, changing
____ 39
Removing the key
_______________ 152
Reporting safety defects
__________ 238
Rev counter
_____________________ 66
Reversing lights
__________________ 77
Roof rack
______________________ 182
Rotating the tires
________________ 218
Running-in
_____________________ 161
SSAHR, head restraint
_____________ 18
SID (Side Instrument Display)
_______ 69
SRS (airbag)
____________________ 28
Saab Audio System
_______________ 93
Saab Trionic engine
management system ____________ 195
Safety belts
_____________________ 12
Safety belts, care of
______________ 224
Seat belts
______________________ 12
Seat-belt pretensioners
____________ 13
Seats
_________________________ 130
Service costs
___________________ 237
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