Engine SAAB 9-3 2002 Repair Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SAAB, Model Year: 2002, Model line: 9-3, Model: SAAB 9-3 2002Pages: 256, PDF Size: 11.55 MB
Page 182 of 256

182 Starting and drivingTo jump start your vehicle:
1 Check the other vehicle. It must have a 
12-volt battery with a negative ground 
system.2 Get the vehicles close enough so the 
jumper cables can reach, but be sure the 
vehicles are not touching each other. If 
a poor connection on the negative 
jumper cable should exist, it is possible 
for damage to be caused to electrical 
systems/components of either vehicle 
should inadvertent contact be made. 
You would not be able to start your car 
and bad grounding could damage the 
electrical systems.
3 Turn off the ignition on both vehicles. 
Turn off all lights that are not needed, 
and radios. This will avoid sparks and 
help save both batteries and it could 
save your radio.4 Open the hood and locate the battery.
Find the positive (+) and negative (-) termi-
nals on the battery.NOTEIgnoring these steps could result in costly 
damage to your vehicle that would not be 
covered by your warranty.
Trying to start your car by pushing or pull-
ing it could damage your vehicle, even if 
you have a manual transmission. If you 
have an automatic transmission, your 
vehicle cannot be started by pushing or 
pulling it.NOTEIf the other system is not a 12-volt system 
with a negative ground, both vehicles can 
be damaged.
WARNING
You could be injured if the vehicles roll. 
Set the parking brake firmly on each vehi-
cle. Put an automatic transmission in P 
(Park) or a manual transmission in Neu-
tral.NOTEIf you leave your radio on, it could be 
badly damaged. The repairs would not be 
covered by your warranty.
WARNING
An electric fan can start up even when the 
engine is not running and can injure you. 
Keep hands, clothing and tools away from 
any underhood electric fan.
IB886
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183 Starting and driving
5 Check that the jumper cables do not 
have loose or missing insulation. If they 
do, you could get a shock and also the 
vehicles could be damaged.
Before you connect the cables, here are 
some basic things you should know. 
Positive (+) will go to positive (+) and 
negative (-) will go to a major metal 
engine part with a good ground. Do not 
connect (+) to (-) or you will get a short 
that could injure you or would damage 
the battery and maybe other parts as 
well.
6 Connect the red positive (+) cable to the 
positive (+) terminal of the vehicle with 
the discharged battery.
7 Do not let the other end touch metal. 
Connect it to the positive (+) terminal of 
the good battery. Use a remote positive 
(+) terminal if the vehicle has one.
8 Now connect the black negative (-) 
cable to the good battery’s negative ter-
minal.9 Attach the cable at least 18 inches 
(45 cm) away from the discharged bat-
tery, but not near engine parts that 
move. To avoid an arc which could det-
onate the hydrogen gas around the bat-
tery, the final connection must be at least 
18” from the battery.
10 Start the vehicle with the good battery 
and run the engine for a while.
11 Try to start the vehicle with the dis-
charged battery. If it does not start after 
a few tries, it probably needs service.
12 Remove the cables in reverse order to 
prevent electrical shorting. Take care 
that they do not touch each other or any 
other metal.
WARNING
Using a match or flame of any kind near a 
battery can cause battery gas to explode. 
You can suffer burns or be blinded. Use a 
flashlight if you need more light.
Be sure the battery has enough water. 
The battery installed in your new Saab 
has filler caps. Be sure the right amount 
of water is there. Add distilled or boiled 
water if the level is too low. If you don’t, 
explosive gas could be present.
Be sure the electrolyte in the battery is not 
frozen. Discharged batteries will freeze. 
When connecting jumper cables to a 
frozen battery, gas from the chemical 
reaction inside the battery can build up 
under the ice and cause an explosion.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn 
you. Do not get it on you. If you acciden-
tally get it in your eyes or on your skin, 
flush the area with water and get medical 
help immediately.
WARNING
Do not let the other end touch anything 
until the next step. The other end of the 
negative cable does not go to the dead 
battery. It goes to a major metal part with 
a good ground on the engine of the vehi-
cle with the discharged battery.
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184 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-V 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-V 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  142.
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185 Car care
IB944
 Hood release handle .......    186 
Engine ..............................   188 
Engine bay .......................    187 
Engine oil .........................    190 
Transmission fluid ..........    191 
Coolant .............................   192 
Air filter ............................    193 
Brake- clutch fluid and 
brake pads .....................    194 
Power steering ................    195 
Battery ..............................   195 
Drive belt ..........................    197 
Wipers and washers .......    198 
Wiper blades ....................    198 
Changing bulbs ...............    200 
Fuses ................................   206 
Wheels..............................   211 Safety belts .......................    218 
Upholstery and trim .........    219 
Textile carpeting ..............    219 
Engine bay ........................    220 
Washing ............................   220 
Waxing and polishing ......    221 
Touching up the paint .....    221 
Anti-corrosion treatment .    222 
Recovery and/or recy-
cling of automotive mate-
rials ..................................   224 
Air conditioning (A/C 
system) ...........................   226 Car care
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187 Car care
1 Engine-oil dipstick 
2 Brake-fluid reservoir 
3 Power-steering fluid reservoir 
4 Fuse box 
5 Coolant reservoir 
6 MAXI fuses 
7 Washer-fluid reservoir 
8Battery 
9Drive belt 
10 Air filter 
Engine bay
IB1625
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Page 188 of 256

188 Car careEngineThe engine is a transverse four-cylinder 
in-line engine with twin overhead camshafts 
and 16 valves. 
The engine is equipped with two balance 
shafts that reduce engine vibration to a min-
mimum. 
The balance shafts are chain-driven and 
rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft. 
They produce forces and torques that are 
opposed to those generated by the pistons 
and connecting rods. The effect occurs 
twice in each revolution of the engine, coun-
teracting the vibration from its moving parts, 
and at the same time reducing unwanted 
engine noise. 
The gearbox, located on the right (viewed 
from the front), is integrated with the engine.
Engine familiesSaab cars imported into the United States 
and Canada meet all applicable emission 
control standards. The engine family and 
appropriate tune-up specifications are iden-
tified on a label affixed to the left front inner 
fender.
These engine families meet applicable EPA 
Federal Standards, California State Stan-
dards and Canadian Federal Standards and 
are equipped with the following systems:
• Sequential multiport fuel injection system.
 Three way catalytic converter.
 Crankcase emissions control system.
 Evaporative emission system.
Emission control 
systemsThe systems for controlling emissions to the 
atmosphere require regular checking and 
adjustment at the intervals specified in the 
service program.
In addition to meeting the exhaust emission 
regulations and thereby helping to keep the 
environment clean, a correctly tuned engine 
will also give maximum fuel economy.
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189 Car care
Saab Trionic engine management 
systemThe Saab Trionic engine management 
system is a unique Saab development that 
combines sequential multiport fuel injection, 
electronic distributorless ignition and turbo-
charger boost pressure control into one sys-
tem.
The Trionic engine control module (ECM) 
monitors many different engine parameters 
such as: 
 Intake manifold pressure.
 Intake air temperature.
 Crankshaft position.
 Engine coolant temperature.
 Throttle position.
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
The ECM receives information regarding 
engine knocking from a sophisticated feed-
back function in the ignition discharge unit.
By processing all of this information, the Tri-
onic system can control fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing and turbo-
charger boost pressure to provide excellent 
engine performance while maintaining low 
emissions and fuel consumption.
ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor 
Recovery)All hydrocarbons formed when refueling will 
be recovered by the car and not released 
into the atmosphere. The hydrocarbons are 
absorbed in an evaporative emission canis-
ter. When the engine is subsequently 
started, the evaporative emission canister is 
gradually purged as air is sucked into it 
through a shut-off valve. The hydrocar-
bon/air mixture passes through the evap 
canister purge valve and into the engine 
where it is burned. "Refueling", see page 
151.
When refueling, make sure you screw the 
filler cap on and keep turning until it has 
clicked at least 3 times. Otherwise, it is pos-
sible for the CHECK ENGINE light to illumi-
nate and a TIGHTEN FUEL FILLER CAP 
message to appear on SID.
NOTEThe Trionic engine management system 
continuously monitors the operation of 
these systems and has on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). If the CHECK 
ENGINE light in the main instrument illu-
minates, the Trionic ECM has detected a 
problem. The car will continue to operate, 
but performance may be diminished. You 
should have your car checked by a Saab 
dealer as soon as possible.
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Page 190 of 256

190 Car careEngine oilChecking the fluid level Regularly check the oil level in the engine. 
Do this with the car standing on level ground 
with the engine warm, 2-5 minutes after it 
has been turned off. Take the dipstick out 
and wipe it off with a clean rag before carry-
ing out the check. 
The level must not be below the MIN mark 
on the dipstick, but nor should it be above 
the MAX mark. Excess engine oil could 
result in abnormal oil consumption. 
The distance between MIN and MAX corre-
sponds to a volume of about one quart. 
When necessary, add oil of the recom-
mended grade via the dipstick pipe. Make 
sure that the cap of the dipstick is screwed 
on properly after the check. Oil changingThe engine oil must be changed in accor-
dance with the service program.
Oil volume and grade, see page  237.
Oil changing should be carried out on a 
warm engine. 1 Unscrew the drain plug in the bottom of 
the sump and leave the oil to drain into 
an oil tray or other suitable receptacle for 
at least ten minutes. Take care, as the oil 
may be hot.
2 After the oil has been drained, unscrew 
and remove the oil filter. 
3 Fit a new filter and tighten it by hand.
4 Refit the drain plug with a new washer.
5 Add new oil.
Run the engine to normal temperature and 
check the oil level.
IB890
Oil filler cap and dipstick
IB891
Drain plug 
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191 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, Dextron 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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192 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 Dex-
tron 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.
 Exercise care when adding coolant. 
Coolant on hot surfaces constitutes a 
fire risk.
IB892
Coolant expansion tank 
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