SAAB 9-3 2009 Owners Manual

211
Car care
4-cyl engine: The expansion tank is trans-
parent to facilitate checking the coolant
level.
When the engine is cold, the coolant shall lie
on or just above the KALT/COLD mark on
the expansion tank (boundary between the
upper and lower sections of the tank, see
illustration).
Top up with a mixture of equal parts of
Saab-approved concentrated coolant and
clean water. We recommend that you con-
tact an authorized Saab dealer.
If the expansion tank is empty when coolant
is added, run the engine until warm so that
the thermostat opens. Top up the tank
again, as necessary. V6 engine:
The expansion tank is not trans-
parent. The cap must be unscrewed so that
the coolant level can be checked. When the
cap is screwed off there are two level mark-
ings, HOT and COLD.
When the engine is cold, the coolant shall lie
on or just above the COLD mark in the
expansion tank.
Coolant expansion tank, V6 engine Level markings, V6 engine
1HOT
2COLD
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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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213
Car care
Brake pads should only be changed at a
workshop. We recommend that you con-
tact a Saab dealer.
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 or CHF 202 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 com-
ponents constitutes a fire risk.
Power steering fluid reservoir, 4-cyl
enginePower steering fluid reservoir, V6 engine
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214 Car careBattery
The battery is maintenance free.
If frequent short journeys are made, the bat-
tery 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 215). If the
belt is damaged, the engine may overheat,
the battery may not be charged and the A/C
compressor may not work. Always connect the positive (red) cable to
the battery’s positive (+) terminal, and the
negative (black) cable
to the negative (-)
terminal of the battery. Always disconnect
both battery leads when boost charging the
battery.
A car with standard equipment specifica-
tions and a fully charged battery can be left
for up to 40 days and still have a sufficient
charge for starting. If extra equipment is
fitted, such as a mobile phone, the charge
may only be sufficient for about 15 days.
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 bat-
tery.
 The battery contains corrosive sulfuric acid. Always wear a face mask or gog-
gles 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.
Turn the two retainers a quarter turn to
unlock the battery cover.
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215
Car care
Drive belt
The alternator is situated on the right-hand
side of the engine. It is driven by a
poly-V-belt from the crankshaft pulley.
A slipping or broken poly-V-belt can
result in:
 No charge to the battery
 No A/C compressor function.
The belt tension is critical and is adjusted
automatically by the belt tensioner.
NOTICE If boost charging never use anything
but a 12-volt charger, see page 197.
• Do not connect th e battery termi-
nals, + and –, incorrectly.
 Serious damage can occur to the car’s electrical system if a battery or alterna-
tor lead is disconnected while the
engine is running.
 Exercise special care when removing and fitting the positive (+) cable so as
not to damage the battery disconnect
switch.
WARNING
 Keep hands and clothing clear of drive belts when engine is running.
 Always stop the engine before inspecting the drive belt.
 The radiator fan is electric and can start even when the engine is
switched off.NOTICESerious damage can be done to the car’s
electrical system if an alternator lead is
disconnected while the engine is running.
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216 Car careWipers and washersWiper bladesCheck and clean all wiper blades regularly.
If poor wiper performance is experienced,
clean the windshield with washer fluid. This
is particularly important if the car has been
through an automatic car wash, as these
sometimes leave a wax coating on the wind-
shield.
If wiper performance is still unsatisfactory,
fit new blades.
Windshield1 Press in the two catches (1) together.
2 Hold the wiper arm and move the wiper blade out and diagonally up.
Fitting the wiper blade 1 Align the wiper arm’s guide lug in the blade’s corresponding slot.
2 Move the blade in towards the wiper arm until the two catches grip the blade.
Check that the blade is fitted firmly.
Rear window, SportCombi1 Detach the blade from the arm by press-ing on the mounting for the blade from
below.
2 Fit the new blade by pressing the shaft of the blade into the arm's mounting.
The washer jet, which is located next to the
high-mounted brake light, is not adjustable.
Change of wiper blades, windshield
Change of wiper blades, rear window,
SportCombi
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217
Car care
Washers
The reservoir capacity is approx. 6 qts.
(5.8 liters).
When the washer fluid level drops below
1 quart (1 liter), the headlight washers (if
equipped) are deactivated. This is in order
to prioritize the windshield. The following
message is displayed on the SID:
Headlight washers are only available on
certain markets.
Fill with a mixture of washer fluid and water
as recommended by the table on
the packaging to reduce the risk of freezing
and to ensure effective cleaning (see also
page 104).
Washer jetsThe washer jets, which are adjustable, can
be cleaned with a pin if necessary.
WARNING
Take care not to spill washer fluid concen-
trate onto hot surfaces. Washer fluid con-
centrate can contain flammable ingredi-
ents such as alcohol.
Washer fluid level low.
Refill.
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218 Car careChanging bulbs
Auto checking 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 dis-
played on the SID.
Example of SID message:
The following bulbs are not checked: park-
ing lights, front fog lights, reversing lights,
license plate lighting, side marker lights and
side direction indicators.
SportCombi
The tail lights and brake lights consist of
LEDs. If approx. 3/4 of the LEDs on one side
are broken then this is indicated in the SID. If a stop light bulb fails
SportSedan:
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.
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.
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219
Car care
Wrong bulb fitted
If a low 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 274.
Xenon headlights 3Xenon headlights produce roughly two
times as much light as halogen bulbs and
have a significantly longer service life.
The lamp units consist of a gas discharge
lamp containing xenon. When the lights are
switched on a very hi gh voltage activates
the xenon gas. The lamps soon reach full
intensity.
Cars with xenon headlights have automatic
levelling. The levelling system is comprised
of two sensors, one on the front suspension
and one on the rear suspension, and a con-
trol unit by the engine bay fuse box. Head-
light alignment is adjus ted automatically to
the car’s load to prevent dazzling drivers in
oncoming traffic.
If a fault is detected in the system, the fol-
lowing message will be displayed on the
SID:
Right high beam failure.
WARNING
Xenon headlights are high tension. All
work on xenon headlights, including
changing bulbs, must be carried out by
dealer personnel.
Headlight levelling
malfunction.
We recommend you to contact a Saab
dealer to have a xenon headlight changed
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220 Car careLow beam, halogenLeft-hand side1 Lift aside the hose 3 running along the side of the battery cover.
2 Release the two retainers (a quarter of a turn counterclockwise) in the leading edge of the cover and remove the cover.
3 Pull up the washer fluid filler pipe.
4 Remove the air pipe from the front edge of the battery box.
5 Pull up the fuse panel 3 in front of the battery, see page 239.
Both sides 1 Remove the cover from t he rear of the headlight.
2 Twist the bulb holder counterclockwise and withdraw the holder from the reflector. 3 Change the bulb without touching the glass with your fingers.
Insert the bulb holder into the reflector and twist it clockwise until
it locks.
4 Refit the cover over th e rear of the headlight.
Left-hand side 5 Refit the air pipe to th e front of the battery box.
6 Refit the washer fluid filler pipe.
7 Refit the battery cover.
8 Refit the hose 3 running along the side of the battery cover.
NOTICEDo not fit bulbs with a higher rating than 55 W as this could
damage the headlight reflector. Furthermore, the car’s wiring is
not designed to cope with higher wattages.
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