check engine SAAB 9-3 2005 Owner's Guide

207 Car care
The foot brake and parking brake are self-
adjusting.
It is not possible to detect, through abnormal
pedal or parking brake lever travel, whether
the brake pads are worn and need replac-
ing. It is therefore essential that brake pads
be checked regularly, as specified in the
service program.
Brake pads should only be changed at a
Saab dealer. To ensure optimum brake
performance, use only Saab genuine
brake pads.
Power steeringCheck the level of the power steering fluid in
the reservoir regularly, in accordance with
the service program.
The wheels should point directly forwards
during this check.
Clean round the cap before unscrewing it.
Wipe the dipstick. To check the level, screw
down the cap completely and then remove
it again.
The oil level should lie between the MAX
and MIN marks when the oil temperature is
about 68°F (+20°C). If the oil is colder, the
level will be lower, and at a higher tempera-
tures the level will be higher.
Top up with “CHF 11S power steering fluid”.
NOTICEAvoid spilling brake fluid onto paintwork,
since it can cause the paint to bubble and
lift. If any brake fluid is spilled, the area
should be flushed with large quantities of
water as quickly as possible.
WARNING
Power steering fluid on hot engine
components constitutes a fire risk.
Power steering fluid reservoir
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208 Car careBattery
Check the charge state and electrolyte level
of the battery regularly.If frequent short journeys are made, the
battery may need extra charging. This can
be done with a battery charger or by taking
the car for a long run.
If the battery is not being charged while the
engine is running, the following message
will appear on the SID:
Check the drive belt (see page 210). If the
belt is damaged, the engine may overheat,
the battery may not be charged and the A/C
compressor may not work.
WARNING
 When working on the battery, highly
explosive gas can build up. A spark
could ignite this gas that collects
around the battery.
Therefore, always avoid sparks and
open flames in the vicinity of 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 onto 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.
 Battery posts, terminals and related
accessories contain lead and lead
compounds. Wash your hands after
handling
NOTICEA discharged battery can freeze and frac-
ture. Batteries should therefore always be
stored away from sub-zero temperatures.
Battery not charging.
Make a safe stop.
Contact Saab dealer.
Checking the battery electrolyte level.
Level correct if level indicator dark.
Battery should be changed if indicator is
light
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213 Car care
Changing bulbsAutochecking of lightsThe bulbs that are most important from the point of view of traffic
safety are monitored by the car’s electrical system. If one of these
bulbs should fail, a message will be displayed on the SID.
Example of SID message:
The following bulbs are not checked: parking lights, front fog lights,
reversing lights, license plate lighting, side marker lights and side
direction indicators.If a stop light bulb fails
If a stop light bulb fails, the adjacent taillight will act as a stop light to
ensure traffic safety. Change the broken bulb when possible.
All rear light bulbs are of the same type and rated 21 W, with the
exception of the license plate lighting which is rated 5 W.
Wrong bulb fitted
If a dipped or main beam bulb of too high a rating is fitted, a bulb
failure message will be shown on the SID (a too high wattage bulb
can damage the reflector).
If the following message is displayed but the bulb shines, it is most
likely that an incorrect bulb has been fitted.
Note:
When changing bulbs, fit the same type of bulb (e.g. Long-Life)
as that removed.
Headlight aiming, page 258.
WARNING
Before changing a bulb in the engine bay, switch off the engine
to avoid the danger of fingers and hands being injured by moving
parts.
The radiator fan can cut in even when the engine is switched off.NOTICESwitch off the ignition before changing a bulb, to avoid possible
short-circuiting.
Left low beam failure.
Right high beam failure.
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227 Car care
Fuses
The fuses are housed in three fuse panels:
one behind a hatch on the left-hand end of
the dash, one in the engine bay (additional
small unit in front of battery) and one on the
left-hand side of the trunk. There is space
for spare fuses in the hatch on the left-hand
end of the dash.
To check if a fuse has blown, first remove it
from the panel. If the filament is broken, the
fuse has blown.
WARNING
To avoid the risk of short-circuiting and/or
fire breaking out in the electrical system,
the following should be heeded:
 Always consult an Saab dealer before
modifying or adding any electrical
equipment. Failure to do so can result
in the electrical system being
damaged.
 Never replace a fuse with one having
a higher rating than specified (see
page 229). The color of the fuse indi-
cates its amperage.
 If the same fuse blows repeatedly,
have the electrical system checked by
an Saab dealer.
 If a MAXI fuse blows, it means that
there is a major fault in the electrical
system. Have the car checked without
delay by an Saab dealer.
Sound fuse / Blown fuse
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257 Car care
Air conditioning (A/C)
TroubleshootingIf a fault occurs in the A/C system, there are
a number of checks you can perform your-
self. If the fault persists, however, have the
system checked at a Saab dealer.
Note:
When the A/C system is running, the intake
air is dehumidified. The resultant condensa-
tion that forms on the evaporator is drained
off under the car. When the car is parked,
this may result in a small puddle forming on
the ground. The warmer the air and the
higher the relative humidity, the more con-
densation will be produced.Inadequate coolinga Check that the controls for temperature
and air distribution are correctly set; see
“Manual climate-control system” on
page 103.
b Check that the condenser (in front of the
radiator) has not become clogged with
dirt and insects.
c Make sure that the compressor drive
belt does not slip (see page 210).
d Check the fuses for the ventilation fans
and compressor (see page 229).
Maintenance The compressor drive belt should be
inspected under the regular service
program.
 Clean away dirt and insects from the
condenser and radiator to prevent clog-
ging. When washing the car, use the hose
to spray the radiator and condenser
(located in front of the radiator) from both
sides (both from the front of the car and
from inside the engine bay). Do not use a
pressure washer.
Caution: Do not hose down the radia-
tor and condenser while the engine is
hot.
Other than in extremely cold weather, do not
screen the radiator, e.g. with netting, as this
will greatly diminish its cooling capacity.
 Applicable to the manual climate control
system - During cold months the air condi-
tioning should be switched on once or
twice a month and run for 5–10 minutes
during highway driving once the engine is
warm.
This action saves the gaskets in the
compressor from being spoiled. The
compressor uses a lubricant that circu-
lates with the coolant.
WARNING
 All repairs and adjustments to the A/C
system must be carried out at a Saab
dealer authorized for this kind of work.
 The A/C system is pressurized. Do not
break any connections or undo A/C
system components.
 Escaping gas can cause eye injury or
other personal injury.NOTICE The A/C system is designed for use
with R134a refrigerant.
 Refrigerant handling requires special
equipment and special procedures for
charging and draining the system.
 Never mix R 134a with other refriger-
ants.
NOTICEDo not use a pressure washer when
cleaning the condenser or radiator due to
the risk of damage.
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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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266 Customer Assistance and InformationVehicle Data Collection and
Event Data RecordersYour vehicle, like other modern motor vehi-
cles, has a number of sophisticated com-
puter systems that monitor and control sev-
eral aspects of the vehicle’s performance.
Your vehicle uses on-board vehicle comput-
ers to monitor emission control components
to optimize fuel economy, to monitor condi-
tions for air bag deployment and, if so
equipped, to provide anti-lock braking and
to help the driver control the vehicle in diffi-
cult driving situations. Some information
may be stored during regular operations to
facilitate repair of detected malfunctions;
other information is stored only in a crash
event by computer systems commonly
called event data recorders (EDR).
In a crash event, computer systems, such
as the Air Bag Sensing and Diagnostic
Module (SDM) in your vehicle may record
information about the condition of the vehi-
cle and how it was operated, such as data
related to engine speed, brake application,
throttle position, vehicle speed, steering
wheel angle, lateral acceleration, safety belt
usage, air bag readiness, air bag perfor-
mance, and the severity of a collision. This
information has been used to improve vehi-
cle crash performance and may be used to
improve crash performance of future vehi-
cles and driving safety. Unlike the data
recorders on many airplanes, these on-
board systems do not record sounds, such
as conversation of vehicle occupants.To read this information, special equipment
is needed and access to the vehicle or the
SDM is required.
Saab will not access information about a
crash event or share it with others other than
 with the consent of the vehicle owner or, if
the vehicle is leased, with the consent of
the lessee,
 in response to an official request of police
or similar government office,
 as part of Saab’s defense of litigation
through the discovery process, or
 as required by law.
In addition, once Saab collects or receives
data, Saab may
 use the data for Saab research needs,
 make it available for research where
appropriate confidentiality is to be main-
tained and need is shown, or
 share summary data which is not tied to a
specific vehicle with non-Saab organiza-
tions for research purposes.
Others, such as law enforcement, may have
access to the special equipment that can
read the information if they have access to
the vehicle or SDM.
If your vehicle is equipped with OnStar®,
please check the OnStar® subscription ser-
vice agreement or manual for information
on its operations and data collection.
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279 Technical data
1 Region ________Y = Nor thern Europe
2 Country _______S = Sweden
3 Manufacturer ___3 = Saab Automobile AB
4 Product line ____F = 9-3
5 Model series ___B = 9-3 Linear
D = 9-3 Arc
F = 9-3 Aero6 Body version ___4 = 4-door
7= Conver tible
7 Gearbox _______5 = 5-speed manual
6 = 6-speed manual
9 = 5-speed automatic
8 Engine variant __S = 2.0t
Y = 2.0 Turbo
9 Check digit_____0-9 or X
10 Model year ____5 = 2005
11 Factory _______1 = Trollhättan
6 = Graz
12 Serial number __000001-999999 Position: 1234567891011 12
||||||||| | | |
Vehicle identifi-
cation number:Y S 3 F D 4 9 Y X 5 1 016584
||||||
1 2 3 4 5 6 = identification codes for certain chassis components
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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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