technical data SAAB 9-3 2001 Owners Manual

1
Owner’s Manual
Saab 9-3 M2001
© Saab Automobile AB 2000 Service Readiness, Saab Automobile AB, Trollhättan, Sweden
Printed in Sweden
Safety 11
Security 35
Convertible 47
Instruments and controls 59
Saab 9-3 Audio System 93
OnStar - Telematics 117
Interior equipment, trunk 129
Starting and driving 151
Car care 191
Maintenance and owner assistance 235
Technical data 243
Index 257
ProCarManuals.com

6Engine bayWarning labels ___________ 7
V.I.N. number __________ 253
Engine number _________ 253
Gearbox number ________ 253
Color coding ___________ 253Ignition system _________ 250
Drive belt ______________ 203
Alternator _____________ 203
Spark plugs ____________ 250
Catalytic converter ______ 156
Simple fault tracing
(A/C, ACC) ____________ 232Turbo-compressor ________ 67
Pressure gauge __________ 67
Important considerations
for driving _____________ 154
Technical data: engine ___ 247Manual transmission __________ 197
Automatic transmission ________ 197
Transmission oil ______________ 197
Gearbox: technical data ________ 250
Battery _____________________ 201
Battery charge _______________ 201
Jump starting ________________ 187IB1624
Engine: description ____________ 194
Engine oil, level control
and topping up _______________ 196
Engine oil: changing ___________ 196
Oil grade_____________________ 247
Washer fluid ___________ 205
Topping up with fluid _____ 205
Washer jets ___________ 205
Wiper/washer control stalk _ 78
Steering servo _______________ 201
Fluid checking
and topping up ______________ 201
Coolant, checking
and topping up ________ 198
Coolant, changing ______ 199
Temperature gauge ______ 67
Driving in hot weather ____ 179
Driving in cold weather ___ 177Fuse panels ___________ 212
Changing a fuse ________ 212
Table of fuses __________ 214
Relays _______________ 216
Brake system ________________ 251
Brake fluid __________________ 200
Brake pads __________________ 200
ABS brakes _________________ 170
ProCarManuals.com

93 Saab 9-3 Audio System
Saab 9-3 Audio
SystemQuick guide to the Saab
9-3 Audio System ........... 95
Sound controls................. 97
Radio ................................. 98
Cassette player ................ 100
CD player .......................... 103
CD changer ....................... 105
General functions ............ 108
Steering-wheel controls .. 109
Security lock..................... 109
Technical data .................. 110
Installation of car phone
(option) ............................ 113
Fault codes ....................... 115
IB1194
ProCarManuals.com

110 Saab 9-3 Audio SystemTechnical data
 These specifications comply with the new IHF Standard
 Since the policy at Saab is one of continual improvement, we retain the right to alter
specifications and design without prior notice.
 Dolby noise reduction is produced under licence from Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation
 ”Dolby” and the double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licens-
ing Corporation
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for compliance
could void the user´s authority to operate the equipment.
Tone controls
Bass _________________________ ±12 dB at 40 Hz
Treble ________________________ ±10 dB at 15,000 Hz
Power output __________________4 x 20 W (4 x 12 W at 1%
THD (total harmonic dis-
tortion) and 13.5 V)
Radio module
Radio system __________________ PLL dual-synthesizer
tuner
Number of presets
FM __________________________ 3 x 6
AM __________________________ 2 x 6
Frequency range
FM __________________________ 87.9 MHz – 107.9 MHz
AM __________________________ 530 kHz – 1710 kHz
WB ___________________________ 162.40 – 162.55 MHz
Scanning steps
Automatic seek tuning: ___________ VHF (FM) 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz
WB 50 kHz
Manual seek tuning: _____________ VHF (FM) 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz Cassette player
Fast forward/rewind ______________ < 110 s (C-60)
Frequency range ________________ 50 Hz - 12500 Hz ±3 dB
WOW _________________________ 0.1% WRMS
Signal-to-noise ratio______________ 45 dB
Dolby NR effect _________________ 10 dB
CD player and CD changer
1-bit system and 8 x oversampling
Frequency range ________________ 5-20000 Hz
±0.5 dB
Stereo separation _______________ 45 dB
Distortion _____________________ < 0.008%
Dynamics _____________________ > 95 dB (1 kHz)
CD-changer capacity: 6 discs
Amplifier (cars with extra speakers in
front doors)
Power output ___________________ 2 x 40 W (2 x 30 W at 1%
THD 50 Hz)
Crossover frequency _____________ 110 Hz (-3 dB)
ProCarManuals.com

178 Starting and driving Check the anti-freeze in the engine cool-
ant, see page 198.
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
69.
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. Date code, see
page 220.
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 252).
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
252, for information on allowable
wheel dimensions for the fitting of tire
chains.
ProCarManuals.com

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.
ProCarManuals.com

243 Technical data
Technical dataGeneral particulars .......... 244
Engine ............................... 247
Engine oil .......................... 247
Fuel.................................... 249
Engine variants ................ 249
Electrical system.............. 250
Drive belts......................... 250
Manual transmission ....... 250
Automatic transmission .. 250
Suspension....................... 251
Steering............................. 251
Brake system.................... 251
Rims and tires .................. 252
Plates and labels .............. 253
IB993
ProCarManuals.com

244 Technical dataGeneral particularsOverall length, with bumper(s):
Coupé/5-door/Convertible____________ 182.3" (4629 mm)
Viggen __________________________ 182.7” (4639 mm)
Overall width, including door mirrors _____ 76.2" (1936 mm)
Maximum height ____________________ 56.2" (1428 mm)
Maximum height when the soft top is being
operated (Convertible) ______________approx. 87"
approx. 2200 mm
Wheelbase ________________________ 102.6" (2605 mm)
Tr a c k :
front, Coupé/5-door/Convertible _______ 57.2" (1452 mm)
front, Viggen ______________________ 57.7” (1466 mm)
rear, Coupé/5-door/Convertible _______ 56.8" (1442 mm)
rear, Viggen ______________________ 57.3” (1456 mm)
Ground clearance at max. weight _______ approx. 3.9"
(100 mm)
Number of occupants, incl. driver:
Coupé and 5-door _________________ 5
Convertible _______________________ 4
Turning circle:
measured at vehicle extremities _______ 38.7 ft. (11.8 m)
curb to curb_______________________ 36.5 ft. (11.1 m)
Gross vehicle
weight (GVW)
Maximum train
weight
(GVW + max.
trailer weight)
Maximum axle
load, front
Maximum axle
load, rear Permissible load (in addition to the driver) = GVW minus curb weight.
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded.
The precise curb weight of the vehicle (weight ready for driving + driver
á 154 lbs. (70 kg) and load capacity are specified in the vehicle registra-
tion documents.Chassis number plate in engine bay Length of the trunk:
rear seat raised, Coupé- and 5-door car 37.0" (940 mm)
rear seat lowered, Coupé- and 5-door car 67.2" (1705 mm)
Volume of trunk according to SAE:
with parcel shelf, Coupé- and 5-door car 15.9 cu.ft.
(451 dm
3)
whole rear seat tipped forward,
Coupé- and 5-door car _____________ 46.0 cu.ft.
(1303 dm3)
Convertible, soft top up _____________ 12.5 cu.ft.
(354 dm3)
Convertible, soft top down ___________ 10.1 cu.ft.
(285 dm3)
IB541
ProCarManuals.com

245 Technical data
Weight ready for driving (i.e. with full fuel
tank, washer- fluid reservoir, standard
tools and spare wheel)
Coupé ___________________________ 2980-3170 lbs.
(1350-1440 kg)
Viggen, Coupé ____________________ 3130-3160 lbs.
(1420-1435 kg)
5-door ___________________________ 3020-3220 lbs.
(1370-1460 kg)
Viggen, 5-door ____________________ 3170-3210 lbs.
(1440-1455 kg)
Convertible _______________________ 3110-3300 lbs.
(1410-1495 kg)
Viggen, Convertible ________________ 3250-3260 lbs.
(1475-1480 kg)Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
Coupé ___________________________ 3930-4060 lbs.
(1785-1840 kg)
Viggen, Coupé ____________________ 4060 lbs. (1840 kg)
5-door __________________________ 3980-4100 lbs.
(1805-1860 kg)
Viggen, 5-door ____________________ 4100 lbs. (1860 kg)
Convertible ______________________ 3940-4020 lbs.
(1785-1825 kg)
Viggen, Convertible ________________ 3990 lbs. (1810 kg)
Maximum axle load
front ____________________________ 2300 lbs. (1045 kg)
rear ____________________________ 1930 lbs. (875 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight, front/rear ______________ approx. 62/38 %
GVW, front/rear ___________________ approx. 58/42%
ProCarManuals.com

246 Technical data Maximum permitted load in trunk
Coupé and 5-door at curb weight plus
4 passengers à 155 lbs. (70 kg) _______ 130 lbs. (60 kg)
For each passenger less in the rear seat the load may be
increased by 100 lbs. (45 kg)
Convertible at curb weight and
3 passengers à 155 lbs. (70 kg) _______ 120 lbs. (55 kg)
Coupé and 5-door at curb weight and
rear seat right down ________________ 475 lbs. (215 kg)
WARNING
 The GVW and maximum axle loads must not be exceeded.
Note that if some accessories (e.g. towbar, CD changer) are
fitted, the available load capacity is reduced by the weight of
these items.
 When goods are being transported their security is important,
especially if the car is being used with the rear seat down.
Max. permitted roof load ____________ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
Trailer weights:
Trailer with brakes _________________ Max. 3500 lbs.
(1588 kg)
Trailer without brakes _______________ Max. 1000 lbs.
(450 kg)
Recommended towbar-ball load ______ 110-165 lbs.
(50-75 kg)
Maximum towing speed, trailer with
brakes __________________________ 62 mph (100 km/h)
The above max. weights and speed limit are those which Saab
Automobile AB permits. Note that the national rules may set lim-
its to permitted weights and speed; see also page 179.
ProCarManuals.com