tires SAAB 9-3 2005 Owner's Manual

246 Car careTire date codeTires should be regarded as perishable
goods. As the tires age, the rubber becomes
progressively harder, and the roadholding
ability of the tires diminishes. This is partic-
ularly true on winter tires.
Tires have a code that specifies their date of
manufacture. The first two digits denote the
week number and the last two digits the
year.
Accordingly, a date code of 3701 signifies
that the tire was manufactured in week 37,
2001.
Compact spareThe compact spare is light and easy to
handle when changing the tire. Its use is
only permitted when a standard tire has sus-
tained a puncture. The maximum life of the
tire is only just over 2,000 miles (3,500 km).
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) with the
compact spare fitted.
The tire pressure should be 60 psi
(420 kPa). Put the punctured tire in the
spare wheel well under the trunk floor.
“Driving with the compact spare tire”, see
page 193.
Have the standard tire repaired and refitted
as soon as possible.The spare tire, the tools and the jack with its
crank are carried under a panel in the trunk.
Fold the carpeting forward to ease access to
the tools and spare tire.
The screwdriver handle has a “button” for
removing plastic rivets. This type of rivet
must be removed when changing the light
bulb in the trunk lid (see page 221).
WARNING
The spare tire or punctured tire must be
stowed under the trunk floor, and secured
in place with the retaining nut.
Date code
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258 Car careNote:
The A/C system cannot be switched on
when the outside temperature is below 32°F
(0°C). Turn on the A/C system when the car
is standing in a warm place. Simplest is to
always have the A/C button pressed in. The
A/C system will then cut in automatically
when the outside temperature is high
enough.
Headlight aimingThe vehicle has a visual optical headlight
aiming system equipped with vertical
aiming device. The aim has been preset at
the factory and should normally not need
further adjustments.
If your headlights are damaged in a crash,
the headlight aim may be affected. If you
believe your headlights need to be re-
aimed, we recommend that you take it to
your Saab dealer for service. However, it is
possible for you to re-aim your headlights as
described in the following procedure.To check the aim, the vehicle should be
properly prepared as follows:
 The vehicle shall be placed so that the
headlights are 25 ft (7.6 m) from a light
colored wall or other flat surface. The
aiming area should be darkened, this will
improve your ability to see the beam of the
low beam headlight being aimed.
An optical headlamp aimer can also be
used and will than replace the wall.
 The vehicle must have all four wheels on
a perfectly level surface which is level all
the way to the wall or other flat surface.
 The vehicle should be placed so it is per-
pendicular to the wall or other flat surface.
 The vehicle should be unloaded and fuel
tank full, and one person or 160 lbs.
(75 kg) on the drivers seat.
 The vehicle should be fully assembled
and all other work stopped while headlight
aiming is being done.
 The vehicle should not have any snow, ice
or mud attached to it.
 Tires should be inflated to the prescribed
pressure.
 Close all doors.
 Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspen-
sion.
Headlight aiming is done with the vehicle
low beam lamps. The high beam lamps will
be correctly aimed if the low beam lamps
are aimed properly.
If you find that the headlight needs adjust-
ment follow these steps:
WARNING
Before checking/adjusting the headlight
aiming, switch off the engine to avoid
danger of fingers and hands being injured
by moving parts.
The radiator fan can start up even when
the engine is switched off.NOTICETo make sure that your headlights are
aimed properly read all instructions
before beginning. Failure to follow these
instructions could cause damage to
headlight parts or a not correctly aimed
headlight.
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263 Customer Assistance and Information
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
(frequent 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. These conditions
cause the engine oil to break down faster.
The Warranties and Service Record Book-
let has provisions to record extra oil
changes.
Service record retentionIt is the owner’s responsibility to retain ser-
vice records. If possible, you should keep
copies of all shop work orders for all service
and repairs, whenever performed. As indi-
cated in the new car and emission control
system warranties, it is important to docu-
ment that all necessary maintenance has
been done.
HOW THE SERVICE RECORD IS ORGA-
NIZED
The service record is comprised of a series
of coupons on which to record services as
they are performed. There are additional
coupons for documenting extra engine oil
and filter changes, extra automatic trans-
mission fluid services necessary for severe
service conditions, and brake fluid changes.
HOW TO USE THE SERVICE RECORD
COUPONS
When the car is brought to a Saab dealer for
scheduled maintenance, present the War-
ranties & Service Record Booklet to the ser-
vice manager. When the technician has
completed the service, the technician will
sign the maintenance record. The person
responsible for quality assurance at the
dealership will also sign and stamp the
record with the dealer identification stamp.
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.
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267 Technical data
General data __________ 268
Engine _______________ 270
Engine oil _____________ 270
Fuel__________________ 271
Engines ______________ 271
Electrical system_______ 272
Drive belt _____________ 272
Manual transmission ___ 272
Automatic transmission _ 273
Suspension ___________ 273
Steering ______________ 273
Brake system__________ 274
Wheels and tires _______ 275
Plates and labels _______ 278
Technical data
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269 Technical data
Maximum axle load:
Sport Sedan, front _________________ 2480 lbs. (1125 kg)
Sport Sedan, rear __________________ 2230 lbs. (1010 kg)
Convertible, front __________________ 2540 lbs. (1150 kg)
Convertible, rear ___________________ 2310 lbs. (1050 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight + driver (150 lbs. (68 kg)),
front/rear (Sport Sedan and Convertible) approx. 60/40 %
GVW, front/rear (Sport Sedan and Con-
vertible) __________________________ approx. 50/50 %
Maximum roof load, Sport Sedan ____ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
Maximum load in trunk:
Sport Sedan ______________________ 175 lbs. (80 kg)
Convertible _______________________ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
The combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed:
Sport Sedan ______________________ 925 lbs. (420 kg)
Convertible _______________________ 820 lbs. (372 kg)
Maximum combined weight of driver and
passengers ___________________
Sport Sedan (5x150 lbs.) ____________ 750 lbs. (340 kg)
Convertible (4x150 lbs.) _____________ 600 lbs. (272 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.
 When carrying a load in the trunk, make sure that it is lashed
down securely, particularly when part or all of the rear seat is
folded down.
Trailer:
Trailer with brakes ________________ Max. 3500 lbs.
(1588 kg)
Trailer without brakes _____________ Max. 1000 lbs.
(450 kg)
Recommended towball load ________ 110–165 lbs.
(50–75 kg)
See also page 186.
Maximum theoretical towing speed, trailer
with brakes ____________________ 60 mph (100 km/h)
When towing a trailer, increase the pressure
of the rear tires by 20 kPa (3 psi).
The above speed and weight restrictions are those specified by
Saab Automobile AB.
Note that national restrictions may apply to trailer speeds and
weights (see page 184).
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275 Technical data
Wheels and tires All season tires
6.5 x 15" _________________________ 205/65 R15 94 H
6.5 x 16" _________________________ 215/55 R16 93 H
7 x 17"___________________________ 225/45 R17 94 V
RF/XL
Summer tires
7 x 17"___________________________ 225/45 R17 94 W
RF/XL
Always contact a Saab dealer if you plan to fit other wheels or
tires than those fitted as standard.
Winter (snow) tires:
6.5 x 15" wheel ____________________ 205/65 R15 91 Q
M+S
6.5 x 16" wheel ____________________ 215/55 R16 93 Q
7 x 17" wheel _____________________ 225/45 R17 94 Q
M+S RF/XL
Compact spare:
Wheel ___________________________ 4 x 16"
Tire _____________________________ 125/85 R16 99 M
Pressure _________________________ 420 kPa (60 psi)
Maximum life______________________ 2200 miles
(3500 km)
Maximum speed ___________________ 50 mph (80 km/h)
NOTICESnow chains:
Snow chains must not be fitted to the rear wheels, and may only
be used with the following wheel-tire combinations:
Wheels Tires
6.5 x 15"_______ 205/65 R15 M+S or
205/65 R15
6.5 x 16"_______ 215/55 R16 M+S or
215/55 R16
Contact your Saab dealer regarding suitable snow chains.
Max. permissible speed with snow chains fitted is 30 mph
(50 km/h).
Snow chains must not be fitted to wheels larger than 16".NOTICEWheels larger than 17" must not be fitted for reasons stated on
page 237.
Exercise care when driving on uneven roads or against the curb
if the car is heavily laden. This particularly applies to cars with
17" wheels.
Permitted wheel offset is 41 mm.
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276 Technical dataRecommended tire/engine combinationsRF/XL = Reinforced (or Extra Load) tire.
2.0t 2.0 Turbo
All season tires
205/65 R15 94 H x –
215/55 R16 93 H x –
225/45 R17 94 V RF/XL x x
Summer tires
225/45 R17 94 W RF/XL x x
Winter (snow) tires
205/65 R15 94 Q x –
215/55 R16 93 Q x x
225/45 R17 94 Q RF/XL x x
Wheel sizes
6.5 x 15" x –
6.5 x 16" x x
7 x 17" x x
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277 Technical data
Recommended lowest tire pressure, cold tires
Tire size Load/speed
mph (km/h)
*
Front
kPa/psiRear
kPa/psi
All season tires
205/65 R15 94 H 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)
1–5 pers./100– (160–)220/32
220/32
260/38220/32
220/32
260/38
215/55 R16 93 H 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)
1–5 pers./100– (160–)240/35
240/35
280/41220/32
220/32
260/38
225/45 R17 94 V
RF/XL1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)
1–5 pers./100– (160–)240/35
240/35
280/41240/35
240/35
280/41
Summer tires
225/45 R17 94 W
RF/XL1–3 pers./0–120 (0–190)
4–5 pers./0–120 (0–190)
1–5 pers./120– (190–)240/35
240/35
280/41240/35
240/35
280/41
Winter tires
205/65 R15 91 Q 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)240/35
280/41240/35
280/41
215/55 R16 93 Q 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)240/35
280/41240/35
280/41
225/45 R17 94 Q
RF/XL1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160)
4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160)250/36
290/42250/36
290/42
Compact spare
125/85 R16 99 M Max 50 (80) 420/60 420/60
* Do not exceed posted speed limits.
By cold tires is meant tires that are the same temperature as the sur-
rounding air temperature.
The values for tire pressure in table above are for tires at 68°F
(20°C).
The tire pressure will increase as the tires become warm (e.g. during
highway driving), and decrease as they cool.
When the temperature of the tires increases or decreases by 10
degrees the tire pressure will correspondingly increase or decrease
by 2 psi/10 kPa.
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283 Index
Index
AA/C
__________________________ 106
ABS brakes
____________________ 167
ACC
_________________________ 108
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 122
Air conditioning
_________________ 106
Air filter
_______________________ 204
Airbag
_________________________ 29
Anchorage eyes
________________ 143
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 254
Antilock braking system __________ 167
Anti-spin
______________________ 169
Ashtrays ______________________ 132
Autochecking of lights, warning and
indicator lights
__________________ 82
Autodimming
_______________ 135
, 136
Automatic climate control (ACC)
____ 108
Automatic transmission
___________ 159
BBattery
________________________ 208
Bedding-in of new brake pads
_____ 157
Before towing a trailer
____________ 187
Brake fluid, grade
_______________ 274
Brakes
________________________ 166Braking
_______________________ 166
Bulb changing
__________________ 213
Bulb table
_____________________ 226
Buying new tires
________________ 236
CCabin lighting
__________________ 129
Cabin lighting, Convertible
_________ 72
Car alarm
______________________ 50
Car transport ___________________ 192
Care of air conditioning
___________ 257
Change of address notification
_____ 264
Changing a tire
_________________ 248
Changing bulbs _________________ 213
Changing engine oil
_____________ 203
Changing the battery, remote control
_48
Changing wiper blades
___________ 211
Checking the number of remote
controls
_______________________ 47
Checks before towing a trailer
______ 187
Child safety
_____________________ 22
Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 46
Child seats
_____________________ 22
Cigarette lighter
_________________ 132
Cleaning the engine bay
__________ 252
Cleaning upholstery
_____________ 251
Climate control system, manual
____ 103
Closing the soft top manually,
Convertible
____________________ 62
Closing the soft top, Convertible
_____ 58Clutch interlock
_________________ 158
Compact spare _________________ 246
Compass
______________________ 139
Condensation water, A/C
_________ 106
Convertible
_____________________ 55
Convertible, washing
_____________ 253
Coolant
_______________________ 205
Crash memory, see EDR
_________ 266
Cruise control
__________________ 165
Cup holder
_____________________ 130
DDate codes, tires
________________ 246
Deep water, driving through
_______ 189
Definitions and terminology, tire ____ 243
Determining correct load, tires
_____ 245
Direction indicator stalk switch ______ 98
Direction indicators
_______________ 98
Dome light, Convertible
___________ 223
Dome light, Sport Sedan __________ 222
Donor battery, boost starting
_______ 193
Door handles
____________________ 42
Door mirrors ___________________ 134
Drive belt
______________________ 210
Drive belt, length
________________ 272
Driver’s seat with memory
__________ 20
Driving at night
_________________ 190
Driving in cold climates
___________ 181
Driving in deep water
_____________ 189
Driving in hot climates ____________ 183
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284 IndexDriving techniques
______________ 179
Driving with a heavy load on hilly
roads
________________________ 161
Driving with a load
_______________ 189
Driving with a roof load
___________ 188
Driving with the compact spare wheel
193
Driving with the trunk lid open
______ 189
EEDR (Event Data Recorders)
______ 266
ESP, anti-skid system
____________ 171
Easy entry, Convertible ____________ 67
Economical motoring
____________ 179
Electric engine heater ____________ 180
Electric heating, front seats
____ 107
, 116
Electric windows
________________ 123
Electric windows, Convertible
_______ 71
Electrical system, technical data ____ 272
Electrically adjustable seats
________ 19
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
__ 171
Electronic steering wheel lock
______ 148
Emergency opening of the narrow
backrest
_____________________ 144
Emergency operation of the sunroof
_ 128
Engine bay, cleaning
_____________ 252
Engine heater
__________________ 180
Engine immobilizer
_______________ 49
Engine number
_________________ 278
Engine oil, checking
_____________ 202
Engine oil, grade
________________ 270Engine oil, volume
_______________ 271
Engine temperature gauge
_________ 84
Engine, description
______________ 199
Engine, technical data ____________ 270
Engines
_______________________ 271
Event Data Recorders (EDR)
______ 266
Extra electrical socket
____________ 132
FFacilitating entry to rear seat,
Convertible
____________________ 67
Factors affecting fuel consumption
__ 179
Filler cap
______________________ 154
Filling a portable fuel container
_____ 155
Filling up
______________________ 153
Flat spots, tires
_________________ 235
Floor jack
______________________ 249
Folding down the rear seat
________ 140
Front fog lights
__________________ 98
Front towing eye ________________ 190
Fuel container
__________________ 155
Fuel gauge
_____________________ 85
Fuel grade _____________________ 271
Fuel information
________________ 155
Functions, car alarm ______________ 53
Fuse panel in luggage compartment
_230
Fuse table
_____________________ 229
Fuses
________________________ 227
GGDO, garage door opener
_________ 136
Gear selector indicator, automatic trans-
mission
_______________________ 86
Gearbox number
________________ 278
General safety instructions, Convertible
56
Glovebox
______________________ 132
Glovebox lighting
________________ 224
HHandbrake
_____________________ 173
Hazard warning lights
_____________ 99
Head restraint, Convertible
_________ 68
Head restraints
__________________ 21
Headlight flasher _________________ 97
Headlight levelling ________________ 96
Headlights
______________________ 96
Heated door mirrors
_____________ 107
Hood
_________________________ 198
Horn __________________________ 122
Horn button
____________________ 122
IIf a tire goes flat
_________________ 240
Ignition switch
__________________ 146
Immobilizer
_____________________ 49
Important considerations for driving
_ 150
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