SAAB 9-5 2002 Owners Manual

151 Starting and driving
battery. However, as soon as you have
started the engine, it is important that it
runs on all cylinders. If it is misfiring, allow
i t t o i d l e f o r u p t o f i v e m i n u t e s t o g i v e i t t i m e
to settle and run smoothly. If, after this
time, the engine still fails to run properly,
turn off the engine and get in touch with an
authorized Saab dealer for advice.  Never park the car on dry grass or other
combustible material. The catalytic con-
verter gets very hot and could therefore
start a fire.
 Never drive off if the engine is misfiring.
 If you jump start the car when the engine
is already up to normal temperature, the
engine must start to run on all cylinders.
Stop jump-starting if the engine fails to
start immediately.
Failure to follow these directions could
result in the catalytic converter and associ-
ated components being damaged, and
could represent a breach of the warranty
conditions.
3.0t V6: When starting the engine from cold
an electrical pump is activated. This pump
forces air into the exhaust system so that
the catalytic converter will reach its normal
operating temperature more rapidly. The
pump is active for 30-60 seconds.
Fuel filler flapThe fuel filler flap is opened by means of a
button on the driver’s door. The flap is
spring-loaded, so it opens slightly automat-
ically when released.
NOTEIf the car runs out of fuel, it is possible for
air to get into the fuel system. If this
happens, the catalytic converter may
overheat and be damaged.
IB1289
2
2
1
3
3
Oxygen-sensor-controlled
injection system 1 Engine control module
2 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe)
3 Catalytic converters
B466
Button for releasing filler flap
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152 Starting and drivingRefueling
Only fuel from well-known oil companies
should be used.
All Saab gasoline engines can be driven on
fuel of grade AON 87-93.
For optimum performance we recommend:
AO N 90 for 4-cylinder engines
AO N 93 for 3.0t V6 and 2.3T Aero, (see
page 250).
If fuel containing a mixture of alcohol is
used, the following restrictions apply:
Methanol: max. 5% by volume.
Ethanol: max. 10% by volume.
MTBE: max. 15% by volume.
The fuel filler cap is located in the right rear
quarter panel.
Switch off engine.
Open fuel door
Insert the fuel-pump nozzle beyond the
flange on the filler pipe. Do not withdraw the
nozzle while fueling is in progress. Stop refueling the first time the pump
turns off, indicating the tank is full.
Fuel-tank capacity: 18.5 US gal. (70 liters)
Screw on the filler cap and keep turning until
it has clicked at least three times.
The most effective way to prevent conden-
sation forming in the tank (and thus avoid
possible running problems) is to keep the
tank well filled.
Before the onset of freezing temperatures in
winter, it may be advisable to add gasoline
anti-freeze to the fuel a few times to dispel
any condensation in the system.
WARNING
 Never use fuel for any purpose other
than as engine fuel.
 Fuel is highly flammable and can
cause severe burns. Never use an
open flame in the vicinity of gasoline
and do not smoke when refuelling.
 Do not use the phone when refueling .
Gasoline fuels are highly explosive.
NOTEDo not overfill. Fuel should not come right
up the filler pipe as expansion room is
needed.
IB1755
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153 Starting and driving
Opening the fuel filler flap in an emergency,
see page 143.
Recommended fuel:The engine in your Saab 9-5 is designed to
operate on unleaded gasoline that has an
octane rating of 87 or higher. Octane rating
is determined according to the formula:
where MON is the Motor Octane Number,
and RON is the Research Octane Number.
The average of these two values is the
octane rating of the gasoline as it appears
on the pump at a retail gas station. This
value is sometimes referred to as the
"Anti-Knock Index" (AKI) or the "Average
Octane Number" (AON).
To avoid deposit formation on the fuel injec-
tors which can cause poor driveability, use
only quality gasolines that contain deter-
gents and corrosion inhibitors. Because
gasolines sold at retail gas stations vary in
their composition and quality, you should
switch to a different brand if you begin expe-
riencing driveability and/or hard starting
problems shortly after refueling your car. In
recent years, a variety of fuel additives and
alcohols or oxygenates have been blended
with gasoline. These types of gasolines may
be found in all parts of the United States and
Canada, but particularly in geographic
areas and cities that have high carbon mon-
oxide levels. Saab approves the use of such
"reformulated" gasolines in its products,
which help in reducing pollution from all
motor vehicles, provided that the following blending percentages are met by such
fuels:
 Up to 10% ethanol by volume, with corro-
sion inhibitors.
 Up to 15% MTBE by volume (methyl ter-
tiary butyl ether).
 Up to 5% methanol by volume, with an
equal amount of a suitable co-solvent and
added corrosion inhibitors.
Other, less common, fuel additives used by
some gasoline dealers are also acceptable,
provided that the resultant gasoline is not
more than 2.7% oxygen by weight.
Some Canadian and U.S. gasolines contain
an octane enhancing additive called meth-
lycyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT). If such fuel is used, your emission
control system performance may deterio-
rate and the malfunction indicator lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on. If this
occurs, return to your authorized Saab
dealer for service.
However, these blended gasolines are reg-
ulated and should never exceed these rec-
ommended blend percentages and service
station operators should know if their gaso-
lines contain detergents and oxygenates,
and have been reformulated to reduce vehi-
cle emissions. Nevertheless, if you begin to
notice a problem with the way your car starts
or runs shortly after it has been refueled, try
a different brand of gasoline.
NOTE Fill to maximum filling capacity
 Stop filling after the first time that the
nozzle trips to shut off the flow of fuel
 Filling capacity can differ between
different fuel stations and outside
temperature. Fuel tank volume when
nozzle trips to shut off, may vary by
0.5 gal. (2 liters).
 Do not fill fuel all the way up the filler
pipe. The gasoline must be allowed
room for expansion especially during
hot weather.
MON + RON
2
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154 Starting and driving
Fuel (Gasoline Engine)Use regular unleaded gasoline rated at 87
octane or higher. It is recommended that the
gasoline meet specifications which were
developed by the American Automobile
Manufacturers Association (AAMA) and
endorsed by the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Manufacturers Association for better vehi-
cle performance and engine protection.
Gasolines meeting the AAMA specification
could provide improved driveability and
emission control system performance com-
pared to other gasolines.
NOTEHigher concentrations of methanol than
listed above, or the use of methanol-
blended gasoline without suitable
co-solvents and corrosion inhibitors,
can damage your car’s fuel system,
leading to the need for repairs which are
not covered by Saab’s product warranty.
NOTEThe engine control module (ECM) mon-
itoring the engine parameters also
stores fault codes.
Under certain circumstances, this may
cause constant illumination of the
”Engine malfunction (CHECK
ENGINE)” lamp , thus indicating a
fault that must be checked by your Saab
dealer.
NOTE: always observe the following two
measures:
 Make sure that the fuel filler cap is
screwed on correctly before the
engine is started. Screw on the fuel
filler cap until you hear 3 distinct
clicks.
 Avoid driving with the fuel low level
indicator illuminated. The symbol
illuminates when less than approxi-
mately 2 gallons (8 litres) of fuel
remains in the tank.
In Canada, look for the
”Auto Makers’ Choice” label
on the fuel pump.
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155 Starting and driving
Canada Only
Be sure the posted octane is at least 87. If
the octane is less than 87, you may get a
heavy knocking noise when you drive. If it’s
bad enough, it can damage your engine. If
you’re using fuel rated at 87 octane or
higher and you hear heavy knocking, your
engine needs service. But don’t worry if you
hear a little pinging noise when you’re accel-
erating or driving up a hill. That’s normal,
and you don’t have to buy a higher octane
fuel to get rid of pinging. It’s the heavy, con-
stant knock that means you have a problem.
If your vehicle is certified to meet California
Emission Standards (indicated on the
underhood emission control label), it is
designed to operate on fuels that meet Cal-
ifornia specifications. If such fuels are not
available in states adopting California emis-
sions standards, your vehicle will operate
satisfactorily on fuels meeting federal spec-
ifications, but emission control system per-
formance may be affected. The ”Engine
malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)” indicator
on your main instrument panel may turn on
and/or your vehicle may fail a smog-check
test. See ”Engine malfunction (CHECK
ENGINE)” indicator on page 53. If this
occurs, return to your authorized Saab
dealer for diagnosis to determine the cause
of failure. In the event it is determined that
the cause of the condition is the type of fuels
used, repairs may not be covered by your
warranty. Some gasolines that are not reformulated
for low emissions may contain an
octane-enhancing additive called methylcy-
clopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT); ask your service station operator
whether or not the fuel contains MMT. Saab
Automobile AB does not recommend the
use of such gasolines. If fuels containing
MMT are used, spark plug life may be
reduced and your emission control system
performance may be affected. The malfunc-
tion indicator lamp on your instrument panel
may turn on. If this occurs, return to your
authorized Saab dealer for service.
Engine Break-In PeriodPistons, bores and bearings need time to
obtain uniform, wear-resistant surfaces.
If a new engine is driven too hard, this grad-
ual process of bedding-in will not be possi-
ble and the life of the engine will be short-
ened.
During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), do
not exceed 5,000 rpm.
In addition, refrain from driving the car at full
throttle, other than for brief instances,
during the first 1,800 miles (3,000 km). Wearing in new brake padsNew brake pads take time to bed in, about
90 miles (150 km) if the car is driven largely
under stop-and-go conditions or about
300 miles (500 km) of highway driving.
To extend the useful life of the pads, avoid
hard braking as much as possible during
this period.
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156 Starting and drivingGear changingManual transmissionTo start the engine the clutch pedal must
be fully depressed.
The gear positions are marked on the gear
lever. Before reverse (R) can be engaged,
you must lift the ring underneath the
gear-lever knob.
To change gear, fully depress the clutch
pedal and then release it smoothly. It is
inadvisable to drive with your hand resting
on the gear lever, as this can increase the
wear on the transmission.
When changing down from 5th to 4th gear,
ease the gear lever straight back, without
applying any lateral pressure. This will pre-
vent 2nd gear being engaged by mistake,
which can result in overreving and possible
damage to the engine.
Before engaging reverse, wait till the car is
at a standstill, release the accelerator and
fully depress the clutch. From neutral, press
the gear lever firmly to the right before
easing it back into reverse.
Shift-up indicator for improved fuel
economy (U.S. models only)Cars equipped with a manual transmission
have a "Shift-up" light on the instrument
panel. The light begins to work after the
vehicle is warmed up and provides you with
a good indication when to shift to a higher
gear.
It is not necessary or recommended to
follow the shift-up recommendations in all
driving conditions, for example, when driv-
ing in heavy urban traffic or steep downhill
grades.
However, shifting with the light should result
in improved fuel economy. Therefore, for
reduced fuel consumption and better
energy conservation, you should make a
habit of shifting before or when the shift-up
light comes on.Towing Towing of cars with manual transmission,
see page 180.
IB471
13
25
R
4
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157 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
The electronic control module for the auto-
matic transmission receives information on
engine torque and road speed, and also
controls the hydraulic pressure in the trans-
mission to ensure that gear changing is as
smooth as possible.
The position of the selector lever is shown
by the symbols adjacent to the lever and
also by an indicator on the main instrument
panel.
The ignition key can only be removed when
the selector lever is in the P position. When the car is stationary, the engine must
be at idling speed when the selector lever is
moved.
You must have your foot on the brake
pedal to move the lever out of park.
If the accelerator is depressed while the
lever is moved, this will result in abnormal
wear in the transmission.
WARNING
 Make it a habit to keep your foot on the
brake when selecting a drive position,
to prevent the car from creeping for-
ward (or backward if reverse is
selected).
 The car must be at a standstill before
P, R or N is selected. You have to have
your foot on the brake pedal to move
the lever out of P. If the car is still
moving when a drive position is subse-
quently selected, this could cause a
crash or damage the automatic trans-
mission.
 Never park the car with the selector
lever in a drive position, even if the
parking brake is on.
 Always select "P" position and apply
the parking brake when leaving the
vehicle unattended.
NOTEAfter selecting a drive position, pause to
allow the gear to engage before you
accelerate.
IB1756
Selector lever
IB1750
Selector-lever indicator on main instru-
ment panel
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158 Starting and drivingThe detent button on the selector lever has
to be pressed before the selector can be
moved between certain positions. Three modes for the automatic transmis-
sion can be selected: Normal, Sport and
Winter.
The Normal mode, which provides the best
fuel economy, is the default setting when
the engine is started.
When the Sport mode is selected, the
throttle angle is altered to provide more
power at the same throttle setting. The
transmission also changes up later than in
Normal mode to provide higher perfor-
mance. In this mode, the SPORT indicator
will appear on the main instrument panel
(see page 163).
The Winter mode is intended for use when
pulling away and driving on icy roads. In this
mode, the transmission starts in 3rd gear, to
provide better grip, and the WINTER indica-
tor appears on the main instrument panel.
When the ignition is turned to OFF, the auto-
matic transmission will automatically revert
to Normal mode (see page 163).
Adaptive gear-change pattern is a trans-
mission function in the Normal and Sport
modes which matches gear changing to
current driving conditions. The transmission
control module senses the load on the
engine and selects one of three available
gear-change patterns, and so avoids
unnecessary changing up or down.
Lock-up function The automatic transmission has a lock-up
function, which renders the torque con-
verter inoperative in 3rd, 4th and 5th gears,
the result of which is to reduce the engine
speed and, hence, fuel consumption.
When the lock-up function comes into oper-
ation, it may give the impression of an over-
drive being engaged.Kick-downWhen the accelerator is pressed down hard,
a change-down to the next gear will be
effected to provide maximum acceleration,
e.g. for overtaking.
The change-up to the next gear again will
take place either when the accelerator is
released or when maximum engine speed is
reached.
4
L
IB1757
PRND
4
3
L
Detent positions for selector movement
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159 Starting and driving
Park Brake Shift lockThe transmission has a security function
known as Park Brake Shift Lock. To move
the gear selector out of the P position, the
brake pedal must be depressed at the same
time as the gear selector catch (detente) is
pressed in.
Shift Lock override1 Apply the parking brake
2 Make sure the key is in position ON
3 Use a small tool such as a screwdriver
and push the lever (see picture) down-
wards so that the detent button can be
pressed approx. 10 mm
4 Move the selector out of position P to N
5 Remove the tool
6 Release the parking brake if the car is to
be moved immediately; otherwise keep
it applied
Check fuse No. 1 (see page 218). If the fuse
is OK, check the battery regarding the volt-
age.
If the problem was cured by changing the
fuse or battery, you do not have to contact a
Saab dealer.
If the fuse blows again as soon as the Shift
Lock feature is activated you should contact
your Saab dealer.
Automatic transmission,
fault indicator
If ”Automatic transmission, fault indicator”
light appears on the main instrument panel,
the system has detected a fault in the auto-
matic transmission or its control module
(see page 55).
This also means that the Limp-home mode
has been selected, to guard against further
damage being done to the transmission. In
this mode, the automatic transmission
starts in 5th gear, and gear changes (if nec-
essary) will have to be made manually.
It is not possible to select the SPORT or
WINTER mode when the Limp-home mode
is active.
You should have the automatic transmis-
sion checked as soon as possible by an
authorized Saab dealer.
The following gears will be engaged in the
respective selector positions when the auto-
matic transmission is in the Limp-home
mode:
NOTEDue to electrical problems it may not be
possible to move the selector out of the
park position, even if the ignition is ON. If
for some reason the selector has to be
moved out of the park position (i.e. to tow
the car a short distance) do as described
below.
Position R D 4 3 L
Gear Reverse 5th 5th 5th 2nd
IB1758
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160 Starting and driving
Overheated transmission fluid If the automatic-transmission fluid should
overheat, the following message will appear
on the SID:
”TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING”. If this
happens, stop the car and wait for the mes-
sage to be extinguished. Continue driving in
a locked gear that produces an engine
speed of about 3,000 rpm.
Overheating of the automatic-transmission
fluid can occur when the car is towing a
heavy load, such as a camping trailer in hilly
country, with the wrong gear selected,
resulting in abnormally frequent gear
changing. Try selecting position L, 3 or 4.
High ambient temperatures can also
increase the temperature of the transmis-
sion fluid or the oil cooler may be faulty.
Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see
also page 173).
Driving on hilly roads with a heavy
loadThe transmission fluid can overheat when
the gearbox is strained, for example, when
driving with a trailer on hilly roads with the
wrong gear is selected, resulting in many
extra gear changes. To avoid the transmis-
sion fluid overheating, always drive in
Normal mode. The adaptive gear change
patterns are then active.
High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler
can also cause the transmission fluid to
overheat. Overheating reduces the service
life of the fluid. Contact an authorized Saab
dealer (see also page 173). Towing Towing of cars with automatic transmission,
see page 180.
NOTEIf the control module has actuated the
Limp-home function for the automatic
transmission, the car will remain in 5th
gear when D is selected, making it very
sluggish. To overcome this, move the
selector lever to position L.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position L, 3, or 4) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
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