ABS SAAB 9-3 2009 User Guide

173 Starting and driving
All-wheel drive (XWD)3Essentially, the system consists of a PTU
(Power Take off Unit), propeller shaft, RDM
(Rear Drive Module which contains an elec-
tronically controlled plate clutch, final drive
gear and differential) and driveshafts. This
system enhances driving characteristics
and stability. The system is always active
and cannot be deactivated. It works
together with the ESP system and the
engine and transmission control modules.
When driving at a constant speed, approx.
95% of the torque is distributed to the front
wheels and approx. 5% to the rear wheels.
The torque is distributed steplessly and
instantaneously between the front and rear
wheels, depending on the driving condi-
tions. If the car is fitted with eLSD (electron-
ically controlled plate clutch between the
rear wheels), the torque can also be distrib-
uted individually to the relevant rear wheel.For optimum system function, the car’s tires
should not have varying degrees of wear.
When the XWD system requires service,
the following message is shown on the SID:
When the service message is displayed,
the XWD system may have limited func-
tionality (or be completely disabled in
some cases, i.e. the car switches to
front-wheel drive). Contact a workshop
for information. We recommend that you
contact an authorised Saab dealer.
Traction Control
System (TCS)Anti-spin systemHow the system worksThe Traction Control System (TCS) is
designed to prevent wheelspin. This
enables the car to achieve the best possible
grip and, hence, maximum tractive effort,
together with greater stability.
The TCS system uses information from the
ABS system’s wheel speed sensors to
determine whether any wheel is spinning. If
any wheel is spinning, this is reduced on
all-wheel drive cars initially by changing the
torque distribution, secondly by reducing
the engine torque, and thirdly with the aid of
the wheel brakes. On front-wheel drive cars,
wheelspin is reduced initially by reducing
the engine torque, and secondly with the aid
of the wheel brakes. Service XWD.
WARNING
When driving normally, the TCS system
helps to improve the car’s stability, and
driveability under slippery road and
extreme driving conditions. The TCS
must not be regarded as a system to
enable the driver to maintain higher
speeds. The same precautions must be
adopted as normal for safe cornering and
driving on slippery roads.
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174 Starting and drivingThe advantages of the TCS system are
most apparent when road surface friction is
so low that a lot of wheelspin can occur rap-
idly:
 When the car is pulling away or accelerat-
ing with the front wheels on different
surfaces (e.g. one slippery and one dry),
the TCS functions like an electronic differ-
ential lock, making sure that both wheels
rotate at the same speed. The system
also functions when the car is reversing.
 When cornering, if the inside front wheel
rotates faster than the other wheels.TCS OFF
lights up if:
 The system has been switched off
manually. It cannot be switched off if the
car is travelling faster than 35 mph
(60 km/h).
 There is a fault in the ABS system
 A fault has been detected and the
system has therefore been switched
off and at the same time the following
message is shown on the SID:
TCS indicatorWhen the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the lamp is lit for about 4 seconds
while the system performs self-diagnosis.
The light comes on when the TCS is
operative, that is when one of the wheels
has lost its grip.
The fact that the TCS is operative indicates
that the limit for grip has been exceeded and
that the driver must exercise greater care.Temporarily turning the TCS offThe TCS is switched on automatically when
the engine is started.
It may be necessary to switch off the system
if the car has become bogged down, for
instance.
If a fault is detected in the ABS, the TCS will
be switched off automatically.
The cruise control system (if active) will
automatically be disengaged if the TCS is
operative.Disengage the system in Settings.
1Select Settings using the steering
wheel buttons, or .
2 Hold the SET button depressed until a
chime sounds.
3Select TCS.
4 Press the SET button.
5Select ON or OFF.
End by pressing the SET-button.
Go back/undo using the CLR-button.
Traction control failure.
Contact service.
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175 Starting and driving
Electronic Stability
Program ESP
®
Anti-skid system
The ESP
® system employs both the
antilock braking system (ABS) and the trac-
tion control system (TCS). It is a system that
helps the driver to stabilize the car in
unusual circumstances that can otherwise
be more difficult to handle.
How the ESP
® system works
The ESP
® system can help to prevent the
car from skidding by braking one or several
wheels independently of the driver. The
engine output is then also reduced to pre-
vent the driving wheels from spinning. The
car has sensors that measure wheel speed,
yaw rate, lateral acceleration, steering
wheel position and braking pressure. The
values provided by these sensors are used
to calculate the actual direction of the car,
the intentions of the driver and whether the
ESP
® system should be engaged.
If this direction does not agree with that
intended by the driver, calculated from the
steering wheel position, the ESP
® system is
engaged.
The ESP
® system improves the driver’s
chances of retaining control over the car in
a critical situation.
WARNING
When driving normally, the ESP
® system
helps to improve the car’s stability and
maneuverability under slippery road and
extreme driving conditions. The ESP
®
system must not be regarded as a system
to enable the driver to maintain higher
speeds. The same precautions must be
adopted as normal for safe cornering and
driving on slippery roads must be
adopted.
The illustration shows how the system
brakes one or more wheels (and with var-
ying braking force for each wheel) in order
to increase the car’s chances of following
the direction in which the driver wants to
drive.
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176 Starting and drivingESP
® system OFF
lights up if:
 The system is turned off manually. The
car must be travelling slower than 35 mph
(60 km/h). The TCS is also disengaged.
 A fault is detected in the ABS-system.
 A fault has been detected in the
system and the system has therefore
been switched off. The following
message will be displayed on the SID:
ESP
® system indicator light
When the ignition switch is turned to the ON
position, the lamp is lit for about 4 seconds
while the system performs self-diagnosis.
The light comes on for a short period of
time when the ESP
® system is operative.
Operation of the ESP® system indicates
reduced cohesion between the tires and the
road, and that extra care should be taken by
the driver during continued driving.
Temporarily turning ESP
®
system off
The ESP
® is switched on automatically
when the engine is started.
It may be necessary to switch off the system
if the car has become bogged down, for
instance.
The ESP® system is always engaged
during braking, even if it has been switched
off manually with the ESP
® button.
The cruise control system (if active) will
automatically be disengaged if the ESP
®
system is operative.Disengage the system in Settings.
1Select Settings using the steering
wheel buttons, or .
2 Hold the SET button depressed until a
chime sounds.
3Select ESP.
4 Press the SET button.
5Select ON or OFF.
End by pressing the SET-button.
Go back/modify using the CLR-button.
Stability control failure.
Contact service.
NOTICEChanges to the chassis, such as a
change of wheels, shock absorbers or
springs, could affect the function of the
ESP
® system.
Always consult a workshop before chang-
ing any chassis components. We recom-
mend that you contact a Saab dealer.
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205
Car care
Bosch ME9 engine management
system, V6 engineThe Bosch ME9 engine management
system is a system that combines sequen-
tial multiport fuel injection, electronic distrib-
utorless ignition and turbocharger boost
pressure control into one system and intake
camshaft phasing control.
The ME9 engine control module (ECM)
monitors many different engine parameters
such as:
 Charge air pressure
 Intake air temperature
 Crankshaft position
 Engine coolant temperature
 Throttle position
 The oxygen content of the exhaust gases.
By processing all of this information, the
ME9 system can contro l fuel injector open-
ing duration, ignition timing, intake camshaft
phasing and turbocharger boost pressure to
provide excellent engine performance while
maintaining low emissions and fuel con-
sumption.
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 va lve. The hydrocar-
bon/air mixture passes through the evap
canister purge valve and into the engine
where it is burned. “ Refueling”, see
page 156.
When refueling, make sure you screw the
filler cap on and keep turning until it has
clicked 3 times.
NOTICEThe ME9 engine management system
continuously monitors the operation of
these systems and has on-board diag-
nostic capabilities (OBD II). If the Service
Engine Light also known as CHECK
ENGINE light in the main instrument illu-
minates, the ME9 ECM has detected a
problem. The car will continue to operate,
but performance may be diminished. You
should have your car checked by a work-
shop as soon as possible. We recom-
mend that you contact a Saab dealer.
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212 Car careBrake/clutch fluid and
brake padsCheckingBrake fluid should be changed according to
the service program. Refer to the Warranty
and Service Book.
The brake and clutch fluid reservoir is trans-
parent to facilitate checking of the fluid level.
The fluid level should lie between the MAX
and MIN marks.If the level drops too low, the following
message appears on the SID:
Top up as necessary with
DOT 4 brake
fluid. Do not use DOT 5 fluid.
Use only new brake fluid from a sealed
container.
The brake fluid level will fall somewhat as
the brake pads wear. The MAX level in the
reservoir corresponds to the amount of
brake fluid required with new brake pads. If
the fall in fluid level is moderate, due to
normal brake pad wear, topping up is not
necessary.
If the brake fluid should require chang-
ing, this must be carried out at a Saab
dealer. We recommen d that you contact
a Saab dealer. 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.
WARNING
Brake fluid deteriorates as it becomes
old. Because it is hygroscopic, it absorbs
water from the air and, in time, could allow
vapor to form in the brake system, thus
reducing its performance. It is therefore
important that brake fluid be changed reg-
ularly, as specified in the service pro-
gram.
Brake fluid level low.
Make a safe stop.
Brake fluid reservoir
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244 Car care
Uniform Tire Quality GradingQuality grades can be found where applica-
ble on the tire sidewall between tread shoul-
der and maximum section width. For exam-
ple:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA
Temperature A
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety Administra-
tion, which grades tires by treadwear, trac-
tion and temperature performance. (This
applies only to vehicles sold in the United
States.) The grades ar e molded on the side-
walls of most passenger car tires. The Uni-
form Tire Quality Grading system does not
apply to deep tread, winter-type snow tires,
space-saver or temporary use spare tires,
tires with nominal rim diameters of 10 to 12
inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some limited-pro-
duction tires.
While the tires available on General Motors
passenger cars and light trucks may vary
with respect to these grades, they must also
conform to federal safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire Perfor-
mance Criteria (TPC) standards.
NOTICEWide wheels and tires with side walls that
are too low can:
 Be damaged in potholes, etc.
 Cause springs, shock absorbers and
wheel bearings and body mountings
to be overloaded
 Affect the function of the ESP
®.
The speed and load limits of the tires
must not be exceeded; see page 249.
Wheels larger than 18" must not be fitted
on the Saab 9-3 for reasons above. The
permissible offset is 1.61 inch (41 mm).
WARNING
Mixing tires could cause you to lose con-
trol while driving. If you mix tires of differ-
ent sizes or types (radial and bias-belted
tires), the vehicle may not handle prop-
erly, and you could have a crash. Using
tires of different sizes may also cause
damage to your vehicle. Be sure to use
the same size and type tires on all wheels.
It’s all right to drive with your compact
spare temporarily, it was developed for
use on your vehicle. See “Compact
spare” on page 256.
WARNING
If you use bias-ply tires on your vehicle,
the wheel rim flanges could develop
cracks after many miles of driving. A tire
and/or wheel could fail suddenly, causing
a crash. Use only radial-ply tires with the
wheels on your vehicle.
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266 Car careSafety beltsCheck the function of the safety belts regu-
larly as follows:
 Hold the diagonal strap and pull it sharply. The safety belt should lock and it should
not be possible to withdraw it further.
Check the anchorage points in the floor.
They must not have suffered rust damage.
If a belt is worn or has any fraying edges, it
should be replaced.
Safety belts must not co me into contact with
substances such as polishes, oil or chemi-
cals. If the belts get dirty, wash them with
warm water and a detergent or have them
replaced.
Upholstery and trimTo remove fluff and hairs from the seats,
door armrests and headlining, use a
vacuum cleaner, a moist lint-free cloth, or a
clothes brush. Remove spots and dirt using
a cloth moistened with lukewarm soapy
water.
When using a stain remover, always work
from the outside toward s the center to avoid
leaving a ring. If a soiled ring or spot should
remain, it can usually be removed using
lukewarm soapy water or water alone.
Spots left by liquids, such as soft drinks or
thin oil, must be removed at once with an
absorbent material, such as kitchen towel-
ling. Then clean with a stain remover.
White spirit is recommended for removing
grease and oil stains. A medium stiff brush
may also be used.
Cleaning and caring for leather
upholsteryThe principal reason for treating leather
upholstery is to maintain its elegant appear-
ance and to provide it with a protective film.
Discolor at ion caused by dust and wear
mainly affects the lighter shades, although
this is not detrimental to the leather, indeed,
the patina resulting from use is often consid-
ered desirable in leather. But if the leather is
allowed to become too grubby, it can start to
look shabby. Vacuum the leather regularly
with a soft brush attachment to remove
loose dirt and dust.
The leather upholstery should be cleaned
and reconditioned twice a year in conjunc-
tion with spring and autumn inspections. In
very warm, dry climates the leather may
need more regular reconditioning. Use con-
ventional leather care products. Follow the
instructions on the packaging.
Do not use harsh polishing agents, cleaning
agents, sprays, coarse soap or hot water.
Semi-Anilin is a leather that is colored
throughout which only has a thin protective
finish and is accordingly more sensitive than
a surface colored l eather and therefore
need more care to keep the protection and
ageing properties.
WARNING
If the car is involved in a crash, the safety
belts, belt pretensioners and other asso-
ciated components must be inspected.
We recommend that you contact a Saab
dealer.
Never make any alterations or repairs to
the safety belts your self. We recommend
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287 Technical data
Fuel
EnginesElectrical system
Brake system
Hydraulic unit for soft top, ConvertibleFuel tank capacity ___________________ 16.05 U.S. gal.
(61 l)
Gasoline Octane
Use regular unleaded gasoline with a
posted octane of 87 or higher.
Although not required, use higher octane fuel for optimum perfor-
mance - 90 octane for the 2.0T engine and 93 octane for the
2.8 V6.
Gasoline with a lower octane rating can be used, although not
lower than 87 octane. However, engine performance will fall
slightly and heavy loading and laboring should be avoided. For
further information on fuel, see page 158.
2.0T
Rating, SAE at 5300 rpm ____________ 210 hp (155 kW)
Maximum torque, SAE at 2500-4000 rpm 221 ft.lb. (300 Nm)
2.8 V6
Rating, SAEat 5500 rpm _____________ 280 hp (206 kW)
Maximum torque, front-wheel drive, SAE
at 1800-5000 rpm __________________ 262 ft.lb. (355 Nm)
Maximum torque, all-wheel-drive models,
SAE at 1900-4500 rpm ______________ 295 ft.lb. (400 Nm)Voltage ___________________________ 12 V
Battery capacity ____________________ 60 Ah
Foot brake (ABS) ___________________ Hydraulic disc
brakes with vacuum
servo unit. Diago-
nally split circuits;
ventilated discs on
front wheels (some
variants also have
ventilated rear
discs). EBD function
(see page 171).
Park brake_________________________ Acts on rear wheels
Brake fluid _________________________ To DOT 4.
Do not use DOT 5.
Oil capacity _______________________ 0.6 qt. (0.6 l)
Oil type __________________________ CHF 11S93_US_MY09.book Page 287 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM
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297 Index
IndexAABS brakes
____________________ 171
ACC
_________________________ 107
Adjustment, steering wheel
________ 118
Air filter
_______________________ 209
Airbag
_________________________ 32
All-wheel drive (XWD)
____________ 173
Anchorage eyes, SportSedan
______ 139
Anti-corrosion treatment
__________ 271
Antilock braking system __________ 171
Anti-spin
______________________ 173
Ashtrays ______________________ 134
Autochecking of lights, warning and
indicator lights
__________________ 87
Autodimming
___________________ 123
Automatic climate control (ACC)
____ 107
Automatic closing of moonroof
_____ 129
Automatic closing of windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi _____ 120
Automatic transmission
___________ 162
Automatic transmission, Sport mode

163
BBattery
_______________________ 214
Bedding-in of new brake pads
_____ 160
Before towing a trailer
____________ 191
Belt height, SportSedan and
SportCombi
____________________ 14Brake fluid, grade
_______________ 287
Brakes
________________________ 170
Braking _______________________ 170
Bulb changing
__________________ 218
Bulb table
_____________________ 232
Buying new tires
________________ 243
CCabin lighting, Convertible
_________ 79
Cabin lighting, SportSedan and
SportCombi
___________________ 131
Calibrating front electric windows with
pinch protection
________________ 78
Calibration of windows, SportSedan
and SportCombi _______________ 121
Car alarm
______________________ 56
Car transport ___________________ 196
Care of air conditioning
___________ 273
Cargo guard
___________________ 148
Cargo guard, SportWagon
________ 148
Cargo net, SportCombi
___________ 145
CHECK ENGINE light _____________ 83
Change of address notification
_____ 280
Changing a tire
_________________ 258
Changing bulbs _________________ 218
Changing the battery, remote control
_54
Changing wiper blades
___________ 216
Checking the number of remote
controls
_______________________ 53
Checks before towing a trailer
_____ 191
Child safety
_____________________ 24Child safety locks, rear doors
_______ 52
Child seats
______________________ 24
Cigarette lighter
_________________ 134
Cleaning the engine bay
__________ 267
Cleaning upholstery
______________ 266
Closing the soft top manually,
Convertible
____________________ 68
Closing the soft top, Convertible
_____ 64
Clutch interlock
_________________ 161
Comfort opening of moonroof
______ 129
Comfort opening of windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi _____ 119
Compact spare
_________________ 256
Compact spare wheel fitted, driving
with
_________________________ 258
Compass
______________________ 127
Convertible _____________________ 61
Convertible, washing
_____________ 268
Coolant
_______________________ 210
Cornering headlights
______________ 99
Crash memory, see EDR
_________ 282
Cruise control
__________________ 169
Cup holder
_____________________ 133
DDate codes, tires
________________ 253
Deactivating rear windows,
SportSedan and SportCombi
_____ 121
Deactivating the passenger door
window button, Convertible
________ 78
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