SAAB 9-3 2008 Owners Manual

1
Owner’s Manual
Saab 9-3 M2008
© Saab Automobile AB 2007Service Readiness, Saab Automobile AB, Trollhättan, Sweden
Printed in Sweden
Safety 11
Security 47
9-3 Convertible 61
Instruments and controls 81
Interior equipment 119
Starting and driving 151
Car care 203
Customer Assistance and Information 279
Technical data 285
Index 303
93_US_M08.book Page 1 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

2IntroductionThis manual provides practical guidance on
driving and caring for your Saab.
Although this manual describes the most
important differences between model vari-
ants, it does not specify the equipment or
features included on individual models.
Importation and distribution of Saab auto-
mobiles, spare parts and accessories are
handled exclusively by Saab Cars USA, Inc.
in the United States and by General Motors
of Canada Limited in Canada.
We recommend that you read through the
manual before taking the car out for the first
time and keep it in the car for future refer-
ence.To find a specific item, use the overviews
given on page 3–7. A list of content is given
at the beginning of each section of the
manual, and there is also a comprehensive
index at the back of the book.
Supplied with the car is a Warranty and Ser-
vice Record booklet which contains impor-
tant warranty information and specifies the
regular maintenance to be carried out. Also
included is a Quick Reference Guide, an
Infotainment System manual, tire warran-
ties and (U.S. customers), a dealer directory
with Roadside Assistance Program infor-
mation.
Since the policy at Saab is one of continual
improvement, we retain the right to incorpo-
rate modifications and to alter specifications
during production without prior notice.3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all
cars (can depend on model variant, engine
variant, market specification, options or
accessories).
If you have any questions concerning your
car, its equipment, the warranty conditions,
etc., your Saab dealer will be pleased to
help, or you may call the Saab Customer
Assistance Center in the U.S. at
1-800-955-9007 or email them at
[email protected]. In Canada,
please contact the Saab Customer Assis-
tance Center at 1-800-263-1999.
Enjoy the road ahead!
Saab Automobile AB
Saab Automobile AB does not accept liability for
any damage caused by the fitting of spare parts,
exchange parts or accessories that are not
approved by Saab Automobile AB.
WARNING
Failure to heed warnings may cause per-
sonal injury.NOTENOTICE texts warns of potential damage
to the car if the recommendations are not
followed.
93_US_M08.book Page 2 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

3
Instrument panelChanging bulbs __________ 222
Front fog lights___________ 100
Headlight levelling ________ 98
High/low beam __________ 99
Parking lights____________ 98
Rear fog light ____________ 101Cruise Control ___________ 171
Direction indicators _______ 101
High/Low beam switch ____ 99
Fuel gauge __________________ 89
Odometer and trip meter ________ 90
Speedometer ________________ 87
Tachometer __________________ 87
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
Turbo gauge _________________ 88
Warning and indicator lights _____ 82
Saab Information Display (SID) ___ 89Power Outlet _________________ 136
Cigarette lighter _______________ 136
Washers and wipers ______ 103
Washer fluid ____________ 221
Replacing wiper blades ___ 220Automatic climate control __ 107
Hazard warning lights_____ 102
Seat heating, ACC _______ 114
Car care and maintenance _ 274
93_US_M08.book Page 3 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

4ExteriorMoonroof_______________ 130
Touching up paintwork ____ 270
Washing _______________ 267
Waxing and polishing _____ 270
Anti-corrosion treatment ___ 271
Service program _________ 280
Body __________________ 270Brake lights _____________ 229
Light switches ___________ 97
Taillights _______________ 229
Changing bulbs __________ 222Towing _________________ 197
Towing hook eyes ________ 197
Towing a trailer __________ 190Folding down the rear seat _ 138
Lighting ________________ 229
Load-through hatch _______ 140
Spare wheel ____________ 142
Tools __________________ 142
Trunk __________________ 138
Maximum loads _______________ 286
Mounting holes for roof carriers ___ 194
Roof load ____________________ 194
Hood _______________________ 204
Washing the engine bay_________ 267
Central locking __________ 48
Child safety locks ________ 52
Lock buttons ____________ 48
Trunk lock ______________ 51High/Low beam switch ____ 97
Direction indicators_______ 101
Front lights _____________ 224
Headlight levelling (xenon) _ 98
Headlight switches _______ 97
Headlight washers _______ 221
Changing bulbs _________ 222Economical motoring _____ 185
Fuel filler door __________ 159
Fuel gauge _____________ 89
Fuel grade _____________ 291
Refueling ______________ 159
Braking _____________________ 172
Changing wheels ______________ 262
Spare wheel _________________ 260
Tire pressure ________________ 296
Tires _______________________ 244
Wheels _____________________ 294
Winter driving ________________ 187
93_US_M08.book Page 4 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

5
InteriorAirbag _________________ 32
Steering wheel adjustment _ 120
Steering _______________ 293
Interior rearview mirror _________ 125
Vanity mirror _________________ 134
Door mirrors__________________ 124
Safety belts ____________ 12
Airbag_________________ 32
Child safety locks ________ 52
Child seats _____________ 24
Safety belt care _________ 266Glove box ______________ 136
Storage compartments ____ 136Automatic transmission ___ 165
Changing gears _________ 164
Manual transmission _____ 164
Safety belts __________________ 12
Child seats __________________ 24
Folding down the rear seat ______ 138
Rear seat ____________________ 138
Seat adjustment ______________ 18
Seat heating _________________ 114
Upholstery care _______________ 266
Interior light switches ___________ 133
Moonroof ____________________ 130
Interior lighting: changing bulbs ___ 235
Ignition switch ________________ 152
Starting the engine ____________ 154
Power Outlet _________________ 136
Break-In Period _______________ 163
Driving in hot/cold climates ______ 187
Parking brake_________________ 179
Parking _____________________ 179
Fuses _________________ 237Electric windows _________ 12193_US_M08.book Page 5 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

6Engine bay, 4-cylColor code______________ 297
Engine number __________ 297
Gearbox number _________ 297
Warning labels __________ 8
Vehicle identification number 297Ignition system __________ 291
Alternator_______________ 219
Drive belt _______________ 219
Exhaust emission control __ 157
Simple troubleshooting (ACC) 274
Spark plugs _____________ 291
Turbo gauge ____________ 88Engine oil: checking level __ 210Automatic transmission _________ 165
Transmission: technical data _____ 292
Manual transmission ___________ 164
Battery ______________________ 216
Jump starting _________________ 200
Battery charge ________________ 216
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 290
Engine: description ____________ 205
Engine: technical data __________ 289
Important considerations for driving 156
Wash/wipe stalk switch____ 103
Washer fluid ____________ 221
Washer jets ____________ 222
Topping-up fluid _________ 221
Power steering ________________ 215
Fluid: checking/topping up _______ 215
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 212
Driving in hot climates __________ 189
Radiator _____________________ 289
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
Fuse table _____________ 242
Changing a fuse _________ 237
Fuses _________________ 237
Relays ________________ 242ABS brakes_____________ 172
Brake pads _____________ 214
Brake system ___________ 293
Brake fluid______________ 214
93_US_M08.book Page 6 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

7
Engine bay, 2.8 V6Power steering___________ 215
Fluid: checking/topping up__ 215Vehicle identification
number ________________ 297
Color code ______________ 297
Engine number __________ 297
Warning labels___________ 8
Gearbox number _________ 297Ignition system __________ 291
Exhaust emission control __ 157
Drive belt _______________ 219
Simple troubleshooting (ACC) 274
Alternator_______________ 219
Turbo gauge ____________ 88
Spark plugs _____________ 291Automatic transmission _________ 165
Manual gearbox_______________ 164
Gearbox: technical data_________ 292
Oil grade and viscosity__________ 290
Engine: description ____________ 205
Engine oil: topping up __________ 210
Engine: technical data __________ 289
Important considerations
for driving ___________________ 156Engine oil: checking level________ 210
Battery ______________________ 216
Jump starting _________________ 200
Battery charge ________________ 216
Wash/wipe stalk switch ____ 103
Topping-up fluid _________ 222
Washer jets_____________ 222
Washer fluid ____________ 222Fuse table ______________ 239
Changing a fuse _________ 239
Fuses _________________ 237
Relays ________________ 242ABS brakes_____________ 173
Brake pads _____________ 293
Brake system ___________ 172
Brake fluid______________ 214
Cooling system, coolant capacity__ 289
Coolant: checking/topping-up ____ 212
Driving in hot climates __________ 189
Temperature gauge ____________ 88
93_US_M08.book Page 7 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

8
CoolantNever open when engine hot!
Radiator fanRadiator fan may start at any
time.
Battery No sparks, flames or smoking
 Shield eyes, explosive gases can cause blindness or injury
 Sulphuric acid can cause blindness or severe burns
 Flush eyes immediately with water. Get medical help fast
 Do not tip battery. Do not open battery
 NO SPARKS, FLAMES OR SMOKING
 SHIELD EYES
 KEEP OUT OF REACH FROM CHILDREN
ACID
 SEE OWNER’S MANUAL
 EXPLOSIVE GASWarning labelsA/C systemRefrigerant at high pressure.
Do not loosen or remove the A/C system fittings before discharging the A/C
system. Improper service methods may cause personal injury.
System to be
serviced by qualified personnel only. For instructions consult dealer man-
ual.
The A/C system complies with SAE J639.
Charge: 4 cyl. - 680 g and 6 cyl. - 650 g R134a.
Compressor oil: 150 cc PAG oil SP-10 alt.
Saab oil 4759106
Maintenance FreeP/N 127 93 95512V 60Ah 580A (EN)
000 A-12102-EP
LEVEL INDICATORDARK OK
CLEAR LOW
CANADA
NETTOYER LE BOUCHON
DE REMPLISSAGE
AVANT DE L’ENLEVER.
UTILISER SEULEMENT
DU LIQUIDE DOT 4 PROV-
ENANT D’UN CONTE-
NANT SCELLÉ.
93_US_M08.book Page 8 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

9
Changing wheelsUse only on specified vehicle. Safe working load
2425 lbs. (1100 kg). Use on level firm ground only. Do
not get under a vehicle that is supported only by a jack,
use vehicle support stands.
Contact a Saab dealer if a
xenon headlight requires
replacement.
This label is only found on
cars with xenon headlights.
EVEN WITH ADVANCED AIR BAGSChildren can be killed or seriously injured by the air
bag.
The back seat is the safest place for children.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front.
Always use seat belts and child restraints.93_US_M08.book Page 9 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com

10
No sparks,
flames or
smokingBuckle up
Refer to
the Owner’s
ManualAirbag
Shield eyesNever place a
rear-facing
child seat in
this seat
Keep out of
reach of
childrenElectric
windows
Battery acid
contains sul-
phuric acidDeactivating
of rear window
switches
Risk of
explosive gasCentral
locking, lock
Central
locking,
unlock
Trunk lid,
opening
HeadlightsWindshield
wipers
Direction
indicatorsWindshield
washers
Parking lights Defroster
Hazard warn-
ing lightsRear window
heating
Front fog lights Cabin fan
Rear fog light
Coolant tem-
peratureRadiator fan
No charge to
batteryFuel
Foot brakeAutomatic Tire
Pressure
Monitoring
System
Coolant level
Engine oil
pressure
ABS brakes
TCS/ESP
®
Example of symbols that can be found in your car93_US_M08.book Page 10 Friday, May 11, 2007 11:37 AM
ProCarManuals.com