tires SAAB 9-5 2000 User Guide

201 Car care and technical information
TemperatureThe temperature grades are A (the highest),
B, and C, representing the tire’s resistance
to the generation of heat and its ability to dis-
sipate heat when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor laboratory
test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and excessive temper-
ature can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of perfor-
mance which all passenger car tires must
meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard No. 109.
Grades B and A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test wheel
than the minimum required by law.
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 on winter tires.
Tires now have a date-code marking for the
year of manufacture. The first two digits
denote the week number and the last digit
the year. The ”<” symbol points to the year.
Accordingly, a date code of 157 signifies
that the tire was manufactured in week 15,
1997.
WARNING
The temperature grade for a tire is estab-
lished for a tire that is properly inflated
and not overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive loading,
either separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire fail-
ure.
IB533
Date code
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206 Car care and technical informationFlat spottingAll tires get hot, especially on long journeys
or when the car is driven hard. After the car
has been parked with hot tires and the tires
have cooled down, a flat spot can appear in
the tire, where it is in contact with the
ground. The same can occur if the car has
not been moved for a long time.
Flat spots can give rise to vibration that can
be felt through the steering wheel, similar to
that experienced when the wheels need bal-
ancing. Flat spots of this type disappear
once the tires get hot again, usually after
10–15 miles (20–25 km) of driving at cruis-
ing speed.
Air conditioning
(A/C system)
Fault diagnosis If 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 by an authorized Saab
dealer.
Important!
When the A/C system is running, the intake
air is dehumidified, and the resultant con-
densation is drained off through two outlets
underneath the floor of the car in the vicinity
of the front doors. It is therefore perfectly
normal for water to be seen dripping from
these outlets when the car is parked. The
warmer the ambient air and the higher the
humidity, the greater will be the amount of
condensation formed.
Inadequate cooling:
a Make sure that the temperature and
air-distribution controls are in the
appropriate settings.
b Check that the condenser (forward of
the radiator) has not become clogged
with dirt and insects.
c Make sure that the drive belt for the com-
pressor is not slipping.
d Check the fuses for the ventilation fans
and compressor.
NOTE 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.
 All repairs and adjustments on the A/C
system must be carried out by a Saab
dealer authorized for this kind of work.
 Never mix R134a and R12 refriger-
ants.
WARNING
 The A/C system is pressurized. Do not
break any connections or undo A/C
system components.
 Escaping gas can cause blindness or
other injury.
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213 Car care and technical information
For long tripsBefore setting off on a long journey, it is
advisable to have your car checked over by
your Saab dealer.
Obtain a few important items to take along
on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper
blades, fuses, a Poly-Vee-belt and the like.
You can check some points yourself before-
hand:
 Make sure that the engine is in good con-
dition.
 Check that no oil or gasoline leaks out of
the engine or gearbox/transmission.
 Inspect the Poly-Vee-belt and replace it if
it shows any signs of hard wear.
 Check the battery charge.
 Check the tires for tread pattern and air
pressure, including the compact spare
wheel.
 Check the brakes.
 Check all bulbs.
 Check for the presence of the tool kit and
the jack in the car.
Recovery and/or
recycling of automotive
materialsA typical car consists of metals (65–75%),
plastics (10–14%), rubber (5%) and small
quantities of glass, wood, paper and tex-
tiles.
Some of these materials can be recycled,
while others can be recovered in chemical
processes for reuse in new products or as a
source of energy.
While the Saab 9-5 was still at the draw-
ing-board stage, Saab engineers were
giving serious consideration to how the
maximum quantity of materials could be
reclaimed from the car on its eventual
scrapping. To facilitate sorting, plastic parts,
for instance, have been marked to identify
the precise nature of the plastic.
Approximately 90% of the materials in the
car can be recycled or recovered, where
facilities exist.
Before the car is scrapped, all the oils and
other fluids that could pollute the environ-
ment should be recovered from the car. It
may be of interest in this context to learn that
the refrigerant used in the Saab 9-5’s A/C
and ACC systems (R134a) contains neither
CFCs nor any other chlorine compounds.
1 A-pillar trim: PP, PP/EPDM
2 Windshield trim: PP, PP/EPDM
3 Seals: EPDM
4 C-pillar trim: PP
5 Rear light cluster: PMMA
6 Corner infill panel: PPO/PA
7 Rear bumper, cellular core: expanded PP;
sheathing: PP/EPDM
8 Side-window casing: PP/EPDM
9 Fuel tank: PE
10 Side trim: PVC
11 A-pillar upholstery trim: PC/ABS, textile
12 Rearview mirror: ABS
13 Sill scuff plate: PP/EPDM
14 Wheel-arch liner: PP
15 Wheel cover: PA
16 Direction-indicator lamp lens: PMMA
17 Washer-fluid reservoir: PE
18 Front spoiler: PP/EPDM
19 Front bumper, cellular core: expanded PP;
sheathing: PP/EPDM
20 Fan shroud: PP
21 Radiator grille: ABS
22 Scuttle panel finisher: PC/ASA
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215 Car care and technical information
To check the aim, the vehicle should be
properly prepared as follows:
 Place the vehicle on a level pad or sur-
face.
 The vehicle should be unladen and fuel
tank full, and one person or 160 lbs.
(75 kg) on the drivers seat.
 The vehicle should not have any snow, ice
or mud attached to it.
 Tires should be inflated to the prescribed
pressure.
 Rock the vehicle to stabilize the suspen-
sion.Open the hood and locate the vertical aim
level (B) that you can see through the top of
the headlamp lens.
If you find that the headlamp needs adjust-
ment follow these steps:
1 Locate the vertical aiming device (A).
2 Turn the vertical aiming screw with a
0.24 in. (6 mm) Hexagonal Allen socket
until the bubble inside the level is cen-
tered between the two red lines (zero).3 Check the horizontal aim (1) and adjust
as necessary with a 0.24 in. (6 mm)
Hexagonal Allen socket. Turn the hori-
zontal aiming device (2) until the arrow
aligns with the zero (0) mark.
4 Recheck the vertical aim to make sure it
is still correct after the horizontal aim
adjustment. Readjust as necessary.NOTETo make sure that your headlamps are
aimed properly read all instructions
before beginning. Failure to follow these
instructions could cause damage to
headlamp parts or a not correctly aimed
headlamp.
IB1168
A
B
Vertical adjustmentA Vertical aiming device
B Vertical aim level
IB1167
1
2
Horizontal adjustment1 Horizontal aim
2 Horizontal aiming device
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219 Maintenance and owner assistance
Service record retentionService instruction coupons and record
stubs are provided in the Saab Warranties
and Service Record Booklet which accom-
panies this Owner’s Manual. The coupons
are arranged in the order that normal ser-
vice should be performed. The edge of each
coupon is shaded to correspond to the type
of service point:
 Striped - "First Service"
 Blue - Oil change/inspection service
 Black - Major service
Note that in Canada a combined service
and warranty book is used, but not service
coupons.
When scheduled services are performed,
your dealer will tear out the applicable
coupon and use it to check off the opera-
tions performed and enter it into the service
file at the dealership. The servicing dealer’s
stamp, along with the date and mileage at
which the service was done, should be
entered on the corresponding stub which
remains in your booklet. The booklet is your
permanent record of the services per-
formed. It also includes a log sheet for
unscheduled repairs.
It is advisable to retain receipts and, if pos-
sible, copies of shop work orders for all ser-
vice and repair work, wherever performed.
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
locality.
Owner assistanceWarranties and service problem
assistanceFor complete information about all applica-
ble warranties, including the New Car War-
ranty, Perforation Warranty, Vehicle Emis-
sion Warranty and Emission Perforation
Warranty, consult the Warranties and Ser-
vice Record Booklet which accompanies
this Owner’s Manual. It also contains owner
assistance information including Saab
Roadside Assistance. If the booklet is lost or
misplaced, a new one may be ordered
through a Saab dealer or by contacting
Saab.
In the U.S. there is a national Customer
Assistance Center at Saab Cars USA, Inc.
The toll-free number to call from all 50 states
is 1-800-955-9007.
In Canada, please call the Saab Customer
Assistance Centre at 1-800-263-1999.
A list of authorized Saab sales and service
dealers is available for those planning to
travel in the United States and Canada.
Canadian or U.S. travelers may call the
Customer Assistance Center in the country
in which they are traveling.
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223 Maintenance and owner assistance
(c.) Check wheel alignment if irregular or premature tire wear is apparent.
Service Intervals **
Miles = U.S. Cars
Kilometers = Canadian Cars
1,000
(1,600 km)
10,000
(16,000 km)
20,000
(32,000 km)
30,000
(48,000 km)
40,000
(64,000 km)
50,000
(80,000 km)
60,000
(96,000 km)
70,000
(112,000 km)
80,000
(128,000 km)
90,000
(144,000 km)
100,000
(160,000 km)
Service #
1234567891011
Chassis
R Ball joint clearance, outer and inner steering joints and
rubber boots""""""""""
R Front suspension, rear axle mountings; retighten"
R Shock absorbers and bushes; tightness and condition"""
R Tire pressure, tread depth and wear (c.)"""""""""""
R Rotate tires, front to rear""""""""""
R Brake pads and discs; wear and condition""""""""""
R Brake lines and hoses"""""""""""
R Brake fluid level and renewal (max. 2-year intervals)""" ! "" ! "" ! "
R Check handbrake function"""""""""""
R Power steering fluid level"""""""""""
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225 Specifications
Specifications General.............................. 226
Engine ............................... 228
Fuel.................................... 228
Electrical system.............. 230
Drive belts......................... 231
Manual gearbox................ 231
Automatic transmission .. 232
Suspension....................... 232
Steering............................. 232
Brake system.................... 233
Wheels and tires .............. 233
Plates and labels .............. 235
IB603
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233 Specifications
Brake system Wheels and tiresFootbrake (ABS) ___________________ Hydraulic disc
brakes with vacuum
servo unit. Diago-
nally split circuits;
ventilated discs on
front wheels. EBD
function, see page
146.
Handbrake _______________________ Acts on rear wheels
Brake fluid ________________________ DOT 4
Brake-fluid capacity _________________ 0.925 qts (900 ml)
Disc diameter:
Front __________________________ 11.34 in (288 mm)
Front, 9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero ___________ 12.05 in (306 mm)
Rear ___________________________ 11.26 in (286 mm)
Total friction area of brake pads:
Front __________________________ 36.3 in
2 (234 cm
2)
Rear ___________________________ 15.5 in
2 (100 cm
2)Wheel size ________________________ 6.5 x 16 or 7 x 17
9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero ___________________ Use 6.5 x 16 or
7 x 17 only
Tire size (summer tires):
6.5 x 16 wheels ___________________ 215/55 R16
7 x 17 wheels _____________________ 225/45 R17
Tire size (winter tires):
6 x 15 wheels (not 9-5 2.3 Turbo Aero) __ 195/65 R15 M+S
6.5 x 16 wheels ___________________ 205/55 R16 M+S
Recommended wheels for snow chains _ 6 x 15 (not 9-5 2.3
Turbo Aero) or
6.5 x 16
Compact spare:
Wheel ___________________________ 4 x 16
Tire _____________________________ T115/70 R16
Pressure_________________________ 60 psi (420 kPa)
Maximum life _____________________ 2,200 miles
(3500 km)
Maximum speed __________________ 50 mph (80 km/h)
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242 IndexDate code, tires _________________ 201
Dim-dipped beam ________________ 61
Direction indicators _______________ 62
Door handles ____________________ 32
Door mirrors ___________________ 108
Doors, locks & luggage compartment _ 31
Drive belt ______________________ 231
Drive belt, alternator _____________ 179
Drive belts _____________________ 231
Drive belts, length _______________ 231
Driver’s seat, programmable _______ 104
Driving in hot weather ____________ 151
Driving with a load _______________ 157EElectric heating seat _____________ 106
Electric heating, front seats ________ 106
Electric windows ________________ 110
Electrical system, technical data ____ 230
Electrically heated rear seat _______ 106
Electronic starting interlock _________ 33
Emergency operation of sunroof ____ 112
Emission control systems _________ 169
Engine bay, 4-cyl ________________ 167
Engine bay, 6-cyl ________________ 168
Engine bay, cleaning _____________ 210
Engine number _________________ 235
Engine oil, grade ________________ 229
Engine, description __________ 170, 171
Engine, technical data ____________ 228
Engine, temperature gauge _________ 53Engine-oil level, checking _________ 171
Expansion tank, coolant __________ 174
FFault codes, Audio System _________ 99
Flat spot, tire ___________________ 206
Fluid level, automatic transmission __ 173
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Sedan ____ 116
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Wagon ___ 119
Follow-me-home function __________ 61
Frequently asked questions on airbag 26
Front fog lights ___________________ 63
Frost warning ____________________ 55
Fuel __________________________ 134
Fuel consumption ________________ 54
Fuel filler flap ___________________ 126
Fuel gauge _____________________ 53
Fuel grade _____________________ 228
Fuse box under hood ____________ 196
Fuse panel _____________________ 192
Fuses _________________________ 192GGearbox number ________________ 235
Gearbox oil, checking ____________ 173
Gearbox, technical data, __________ 231
Glove compartment ______________ 113
HHandbrake _____________________ 162
Hazard warning lights _____________ 63
Head restraint __________________ 104
Headlight flasher _________________ 61
Headlights ______________________ 61
Holidaying abroad _______________ 213
Hood _________________________ 166
Horn __________________________ 107IImmobilizer _____________________ 33
Indicator and warning lights _________ 46
Indicator lights ___________________ 46
Instrument illumination _____________ 62
Instruments and controls ___________ 45
Integral child seat ________________ 21
Interior equipment _______________ 101
Interior lighting ___________________ 64
Interior rearview mirror ___________ 108KKey ___________________________ 32
Key to chassis number ___________ 236LLabels __________________________ 8
Leather upholstery, care of ________ 208
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244 IndexStarting in cold weather, ACC _______ 73
Starting in hot weather, ACC ________ 73
Steering wheel adjustment ________ 107
Steering, technical data ___________ 232
Stone-chip damage, repairing ______ 210
Storage compartments ___________ 113
Sun visors _____________________ 112
Sunroof _______________________ 111
Suspension ____________________ 232
Suspension, technical data ________ 232
Switches _______________________ 61
Systems, adjustment _____________ 237TTCS OFF _______________________ 51
Table of fuses __________________ 194
Tachometer _____________________ 52
Tailgate, opening _________________ 36
Tank gauge _____________________ 53
Technical data __________________ 225
Temperature control, ACC _________ 69
Temperature gauge, engine ________ 53
Temperature zones, ACC __________ 69
Textile carpeting ________________ 208
Through-load hatch ______________ 118
Tie Downs _____________________ 118
Tightening torque, wheel studs _____ 203
Tire markings ______________ 198, 199
Tire pressure _______________ 157, 198
Tires _____________________ 198, 233
Tools _________________________ 126Touching-in the paintwork _________ 210
Towbar attachment ______________ 152
Towbar load ____________________ 153
Towing the car __________________ 158
Towing, automatics ______________ 158
Traction _______________________ 147
Trailer weights __________________ 227
Trionic ________________________ 169
Trip computer ___________________ 54
Trip meter ______________________ 52
Trunk _________________________ 116
Trunk lid, opening ________________ 36
Turbo, points to note _____________ 132
UUnder the hood, 4-cyl ____________ 167
Under the hood, 6-cyl ____________ 168
Upholstery and trim ______________ 208
Upholstery and trim, care of _______ 208
Useful tips, ACC _________________ 75VVanity mirrors __________________ 112
Ventilated front seats _____________ 105
Viscosity, engine oil ______________ 228
WWarning labels ____________________ 8
Warning light, AIR BAG ____________ 26
Warning lights ___________________ 46
Washers ______________________ 180
Washers, windshield _____________ 181
Washing the car _________________ 209
Waxing and polishing ____________ 209
Wear indicators, tires _____________ 200
Wheels and tires ____________ 198, 233
Wheels and tires, sizes ___________ 233
Window-glass sensor, car alarm _____ 39
Windshield washers _______________ 65
Windshield wipers ________________ 65
Wiper blades, headlamp __________ 180
Wiper blades, replacing ___________ 180
Wipers and washers __________ 65, 180
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