SAAB 9-5 2001 Service Manual
Manufacturer: SAAB, Model Year: 2001, Model line: 9-5, Model: SAAB 9-5 2001Pages: 272, PDF Size: 14.83 MB
Page 41 of 272

41 Security
Car alarm The car alarm (anti-theft system) is acti-
vated/deactivated when the car is 
locked/unlocked by the remote control or by 
the key, see page  35.
The antenna for the alarm system is located 
in the center console. 
All the doors plus trunk lid/tailgate and hood 
are monitored by microswitches, and win-
dow-glass sensors will trigger the alarm if 
any glass is broken. Your Saab 9-5 is equipped with an Elec-
tronic starting interlock (immobilizer), see 
page 42 for details. 
The car alarm is armed 10 seconds after the 
car has been locked by the remote control. 
During this ten-second delay period, the 
doors, trunk lid/tailgate and hood may still 
be opened without the alarm being trig-
gered. 
The LED indicator on the instrument panel 
fascia will be on continuously during this 
period, at the end of which it will start to flash 
(once every other second). If a door or the trunk lid/tailgate or hood has 
been left open when the car is locked, the 
LED on the fascia will flash (three times per 
second) for ten seconds to indicate this.
Check to ensure that all the doors, plus 
trunk lid/tailgate and hood, are closed prop-
erly.
If the fault persists (LED flashing when 
renewed attempt made to activate the car 
alarm by remote control), lock the car using 
the key instead. The car alarm will not have 
been activated and you should get in touch 
with an authorized Saab dealer.
To avert inconvenience caused by the 
alarm being triggered inadvertently, make 
sure that anyone else using the car is famil-
iar with how both the car alarm and the lock-
ing system work.
If the alarm is tripped (the direction indica-
tors are flashing and the siren is on) it can 
be turned off by unlocking the car using the 
 button.
WARNING
Leaving children or pets unattended in a 
locked car is dangerous. It is also danger-
ous to leave children in a vehicle with the 
ignition key. A child or others could be 
badly injured or even killed.
IB1524
3
2 1
Remote control 1 Activate/lock 
2 Deactivate/unlock 
3 Unlock trunk/tailgate
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 42 of 272

42 SecurityActivating the car alarm The car alarm cannot be activated if the 
driver’s door is open or if the ignition switch 
is in ON position.
If, on the other hand, one of the other doors 
or the trunk or hood is open or opened and 
not closed again during the 10-seconds 
delay period, it will be excluded from the 
alarm function. 
If it is then closed, a new delay period of ten 
seconds will start, and the door (or trunk or 
hood) will once again be secured by the 
alarm system. 
As usual, the LED will be on continuously 
during the new delay period and will start to 
flash once every other second after the 
10-seconds period has elapsed. 
Window-glass sensorThe car-alarm system incorporates a 
sensor that monitors the window glass for 
the sound of breakage. The sensor is fitted 
inside the rear dome light. 
To avoid false alarms, such as the alarm 
being triggered by noise from passers by 
when the windows have been left open, or 
when children or petsare left inside the car, 
the sensor can be temporarily disabled. 
To disable the sensor 
To disable the sensor, first ensure that the 
ignition has been switched off and key 
removed from the switch. Then, press and 
hold the NIGHT PANEL button until ”DOOR 
ALARM ONLY” appears on the SID and a 
chime sounds. The car alarm must now be 
activated within three minutes, or the glass 
sensor will become active again. 
The glass sensor will be enabled again 
automatically when the car is next unlocked. 
The sensor can also be enabled again by 
repeating the procedure for disabling it. 
When the sensor has been enabled, ”FULL 
THEFT ALARM” will appear on the SID. 
If a fault is detected in the glass sensor, 
”SERVICE THEFT ALARM” will appear on 
the SID. 
Electronic starting interlock 
(immobilizer) When the key is inserted in the ignition, a 
signal is sent to the receiver. If the signal is 
verified, the engine can be started. 
Each time the key is removed from the igni-
tion, the electronic immobilizer is activated. 
This means that the car cannot be started 
without the correct key inserted in the igni-
tion and the immobilizer thus deactivated. 
If a fault is detected (e.g. in the transmitter) 
”KEY NOT ACCEPTED” will appear on the 
SID. 
In this case, you can still start the car if you 
turn the ignition key to ON and press one of 
the buttons on the key (providing that the 
receiver gets the right signal from the key).
Take the car to an authorized Saab dealer to 
have the system checked. 
The LED double-flashes when the car is 
immobilized.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 43 of 272

43 Security
Alarm signals When the car alarm is armed, it will be trig-
gered if any door, or the trunk lid or hood, is 
opened or if a window is broken.
The alarm will also be triggered if an attempt 
is made to bypass or short-circuit the igni-
tion switch, or to disconnect the battery. 
If the alarm is triggered, the following alarm 
signals will be set off: 
 Flashing of hazard warning lights for five 
minutes. 
 Siren wailing for 30 seconds. 
The alarm signals will stop if the alarm is 
deactivated (car unlocked) during the alarm 
period.
The alarm siren has a long-life battery 
(approx. 10 years), see ”SERVICE THEFT 
ALARM”, on page 45. When the battery 
goes dead, the siren must be replaced: it is 
not possible to change the batteries. 
Panic-functionIn the car alarm system is a function called 
"Panic-function". 
To activate panic function:
 Push and hold one of the buttons on the 
key for 2 seconds. Or, if you are sitting 
inside the car, push the LOCK-switch on 
the center console for 2 seconds.
These actions will trigger the alarm (hazard 
warning lights and siren).
To deactivate panic function:
 Push one of the buttons on the key, push 
the LOCK-switch in the center console, 
turn the key in the driver´s door or turn the 
ignition to ON.
When the panic-function is activated the car 
will be locked/unlocked depending upon 
which button was pushed.
When the ignition is ON the panic-function 
cannot be activated.
NOTE It is possible to inadvertently deacti-
vate the car alarm and at the same 
time unlock the car, if the button on the 
key is pressed by mistake when the 
car is still within its range. 
 When locking the car by remote con-
trol in extremely cold weather, it is 
advisable to check that the lock 
system has operated properly. To do 
so, check that the interior locking but-
tons are all down.
If not, unlock and relock the car again. 
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 44 of 272

44 SecurityOverview of functions 
Alarm signals may differ between model variants for different coun-
tries.
Some of the car-alarm functions can be reprogrammed – con-
sult your Saab dealer for further details (see page  261). Locking/ 
activation Hazard warning lights flash once and the horn 
chirps once.
The LED will come on for 10 seconds.
Unlocking/
deactivation Hazard warning lights flash twice and the horn 
chirps twice.
The LED will come on for two seconds.
Unlocking/
deactivation of 
trunk lid/tailgate 
alarm Hazard warning lights flash three times and the 
horn chirps three times.
The LED will flash three times per second for 10 
seconds.
Alarm triggered  Hazard warning lights flash for 5 min.
Siren wails for 30 seconds.
To switch off the alarm, deactivate the system in 
the normal way (unlocking).
Window-glass 
sensor The sensor detects if any window is broken and 
triggers the alarm. 
To disable the sensor, see page 42.
Key  TThe range of the key is normally 5-10 yds. 
(5-10 metres), although it can be substantially 
more than this in ideal conditions.
If the key is not working, it may be because the 
code signal has not been synchronized with that 
in the control module for the car alarm. To rectify 
this, press the unlock button on the key at least 
four times in quick succession. When it is recog-
nized, the door locks will cycle.
If a key is lost, the new one will have to be pro-
grammed (all keys must be present) to match the 
car’s unique security code. Get in touch with an 
authorized Saab dealer.Battery  for  key The battery for the key will normally have a life of 
4 years. When the battery needs changing, 
”REPLACE KEY BATTERY” will appear on the 
SID.
After fitting a new battery, press the unlock but-
ton on the key at least four times (when the car 
is in its range) in succession, so that the car 
alarm can recognize the signals from the trans-
mitter.
Car-battery 
voltage If the battery is disconnected while the alarm is 
active (car is locked), for example during an 
attempt to steal the car, the alarm will be trig-
gered.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 45 of 272

45 Security
Overview of LED signals and SID messagesSome signals may differ between model variants for different 
countries.Status LED signal
Activation (during 10-second delay). Comes on for 10 seconds.
Alarm activated (after delay). Flashes once every other 
second.
Deactivation. Comes on for 2 seconds.
Alarm not activated. Off.
Door, trunk lid/tailgate or hood open 
or opened during delay period.Flashes three times per sec-
ond for 10 seconds.
Unlocking  the  trunk  lid/tailgate. Flashes three times per sec-
ond for 10 seconds.
Closing of door, trunk lid/tailgate or 
hood after delay period.Comes on for 10 seconds.
Car immobilized but not locked.
Car alarm not activated.Flashes twice at three sec-
onds intervals.
Fault in a switch serving doors, hood 
or trunk lid.Flashing (instead of being 
on continuously) during 
delay period.
SID message Reason/action
SERVICE  THEFT  ALARM Probably a fault in one of the sensors 
or the alarm siren.
Have the car checked by an autho-
rized Saab dealer.
KEY NOT ACCEPTED Fault in key transmitter or in igni-
tion-switch receiver.
Turn ignition switch to ON and press 
the unlock button on the key. Start 
the engine. 
Have the car checked by an autho-
rized Saab dealer.
REPLACE  KEY  BATTERY Fit a new battery in the key, see page 
37.
DOOR ALARM ONLY Window-glass sensor disabled.
FULL THEFT ALARM Window-glass sensor in circuit.
 REMOTE KEY
 TRANSPONDRTurn the ignition key to position ON 
and then press the button for open-
ing the trunk lid. SID displays the 
number of keys and transmitters 
(transponders) coded to the car.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 46 of 272

46 SecurityCanada only:This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is 
subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not 
cause harmful interference, and (2) must accept any interference 
received, including interference that may cause undesired oper-
ation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manu-
facturer could void the user´s authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Opera-
tion is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may 
not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any inter-
ference, including interference that may cause undesired opera-
tion of the device.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 47 of 272

47 Instruments and controls
Instruments and 
controls  Indicator and warning 
lights .................................   48 
Instruments ........................   54 
Trip computer SID ..............    57 
Switches .............................   63 
Automatic climate control 
(ACC) .................................   70 
ECON OFF
ºF
ºC
ECON OFF
CLEAR
SET
IB1082
VOL
TREBAL ON
FA D BAS
PULL PUSH
RADIO  BAND
WB AS
SEARCH
2 13
5 46
DOLBY B NR
 
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 48 of 272

48 Instruments and controls
Indicator and warning 
lights A number of indicator and warning lights will 
come on when the ignition is switched on 
prior to starting. Under normal conditions, 
these should go out a few seconds after the 
engine has started (see page 54). 
Warning, oil pressure 
(engine oil)  
This light will come on together with   if 
the engine oil pressure is dangerously low. 
If the light flashes or comes on while you are 
driving, stop the car, switch off the engine 
and check the engine oil level (see page 
193).  NOTEUnder no circumstances must the car be 
driven when the warning light is on. Low 
oil pressure can result in serious engine 
damage. 
Main instrument panel 1 Tachometer
2 Indicator and warning lights 
3 Speedometer 
4 Indicator and warning lights 
5 Pressure gauge6 Fuel gauge 
7 Engine temperature gauge 
8 Trip meter reset button 
9 Odometer and trip meter 
2030405060 70
80
90
100
11 0
120
130
140
150
240220200180 160 140 120 100
80
60
40
20
10
9
4
5
3
2
7
8
6
1
IB1690
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 49 of 272

49 Instruments and controls
Warning, charging  
This light will come on together with   if 
the battery is discharging. If it comes on 
while you are driving, stop the car as soon 
as possible and switch off the engine.
Check the alternator drive belt (see page  
202). If the belt has broken, the engine may 
overheat (cooling system will not function 
properly), the battery will not be charged, 
the A/C compressor will not run and power 
assistance for the steering will be lost.
Brake warning light 
This light will come on together with   if 
there is insufficient brake fluid in the reser-
voir (see pages 198 / 198).
If the ABS warning light is on at the same 
time, the ABS system may be inoperative 
because of a fault (see ”Anti-lock brake 
warning”, page 50). 
Parking brake warning 
light 
This light will show when the parking brake 
is on (see page 185).
If the car is driven with the parking brake still 
on,   will also come on and a chime will 
sound. 
The parking brake is mechanical and oper-
ates on the rear wheels.  
WARNING
Never drive the car when these warning 
lights are on. Danger of brake failure! 
Have the brake system checked by an 
authorized Saab dealer. 
WARNING
 Always apply the parking brake when 
parking, see page  185.
 Always apply the parking brake before 
removing the ignition key.
 Do not apply the parking brake while 
the car is moving.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 50 of 272

50 Instruments and controls
 
Anti-lock brake warning 
This light will come on if a fault has occurred 
in the ABS system.
On certain variants   and   as well 
as   can light up to indicate a fault in the 
electronic brake force distribution system 
(distribution of the brake pressure between 
the front and rear wheels). 
Conventional braking without the ABS func-
tion will still be available.
For safety reasons, stop the car and check 
the level of the brake fluid (see page 198).If the level is normal, depress the brake 
pedal firmly two or three times. Now check 
the level again. If the level is still normal, you 
may drive the car, with considerable cau-
tion, to the nearest authorized Saab dealer 
to have the brake system checked.  
 
Airbag warning light  
This light together with   will come on if 
a potentially serious fault has occurred in 
the airbag system.
 The light will come on for about three sec-
onds when the ignition switch is turned to 
the Start or Drive position. It should go out 
after the engine has started. 
WARNING
 If the ABS is inoperative, there is a 
danger of the rear wheels locking up 
on hard braking.
 If the level of brake fluid in the reser-
voir is below the MIN mark, the car 
should be towed to an authorized 
Saab dealer.
WARNING
 If the airbag readiness light stays on 
after you start your vehicle, it means 
the airbag system may not be working 
properly. One or more of the following 
conditions may occur:
- Non-deployment of the airbags in the 
event of a crash.
- Deployment of the airbags without a 
crash.
- Deployment of the airbags in 
crashes less severe than intended.
 To help avoid injury to yourself or 
others, have your vehicle serviced 
right away if the airbag readiness light 
stays on after you start your vehicle.
ProCarManuals.com