sensor SAAB 9-5 2003 User Guide
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SAAB, Model Year: 2003, Model line: 9-5, Model: SAAB 9-5 2003Pages: 288, PDF Size: 16.78 MB
Page 63 of 288

63 Instruments and controls
Speedometer
(U.S. speedometer shown)The speedometer receives signals from the 
wheel sensors in the ABS system. 
If the NIGHT PANEL mode has been 
selected, the scale will be illuminated up to 
87 mph (140 km/h). The remainder of the 
scale will be illuminated if the speed of the 
car exceeds 84 mph (135 km/h).
Fuel gauge Fuel-tank capacity, 18.5 US gal. (70 liters). 
The fuel gauge shows the amount of fuel left 
in the tank. When this is down to about 
2.5 gal. (10 liters), a warning light on the 
main instrument panel will come on (see 
page 59). 
Use the Saab Information display (SID) to 
check the approximate distance that can be 
traveled on the remaining fuel 
(see page 65).
Temperature gauge The temperature gauge shows the temper-
ature of the coolant. The needle should be 
in the middle of the scale when the engine 
is at normal operating temperature. 
If the needle approaches the red zone, 
which can occur in very hot weather or when 
the engine is under a heavy load, drive in the 
highest gear possible, keep the engine revs 
low and avoid shifting down.
If the needle enters the red zone, the   
warning light will come on and an alarm 
chime will sound. 
2030405060
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
240
260220200180160
140 120 100
80
60
40
20
10
IB1851
IB345
IB343
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Page 75 of 288

75 Instruments and controls
Wipers and washers There are three intermittent wiper positions.
Moving the control stalk to the 
spring-loaded position between 0 and 2 will 
produce a single sweep of the wipers.
The wipers are designed for optimal clean-
ing at all driving speeds. At higher speeds, 
it may be possible to detect a slight ”sweep-
ing” sound. This may be due to the 
increased air pressure on the blades at 
higher speeds.Headlight washersIf low beam is on, the headlights are washed 
every fifth time the windshield washers are 
used or if 2 minutes have elapsed since the 
windshield was last washed. The headlight 
washers cannot be activated separately. 
The headlight washers are of the high-pres-
sure type, which means that other parts of 
the car may become wet if you activate the 
washers while the car is stationary.Rain sensing wipers (option)
The rain sensor automatically controls the 
windshield wipers. The sensor is located on 
the windshield beside the rearview mirror.
The system varies between single sweeps 
of the windshield and continuous wiping 
depending on how much water or snow 
there is on the windshield.Activate the system by lifting the control 
stalk to position 1. The wipers make one 
sweep for reference to see how much water 
and snow is on the windshield. In future, the 
sensor compares the amount of water and 
snow on the windshield with this reference 
value. 
When the engine has been switched off, 
the control stalk must be moved to posi-
tion 0 and back to position 1 to reactivate 
the sensor.
Set the sensitivity using the control on the 
wiper stalk (the same control as used for 
wiper delay on cars not fitted with a rain sen-
sor). The sensor has three sensitivity set-
tings. It is most sensitive when in the upper-
WARNING
Turn the rain sensor off if the ignition is 
ON when clearing snow and ice from the 
windshield, to avoid personal injury.
NOTICETo avoid damaging the windshield 
wipers, turn the rain sensor off before 
washing the car in an automatic carwash.
IB359
0
41
2
3
0 OFF 
1 Intermittent operation
2 Low speed 
3 High speed 
4 Washers
12
IB569
Control for setting wiper delay1 Long delay
2 Short delay
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Page 76 of 288

76 Instruments and controlsmost position (1). When a higher degree of 
sensitivity is selected, the wipers make one 
sweep of the windshield for reference.
The rain sensor has a daylight and a night 
time mode. The sensor measures the 
amount of available light and automatically 
selects the appropriate mode. The sensor is 
more sensitive at night. The function of the 
rain sensor is impaired by dry snow.Rear-window wiper (9-5 Wagon)The rear-window wiper and washer are 
operated with the same stalk switch as used 
for washing and wiping the windshield and 
headlights.
This stalk has two additional switches, 
ON/OFF and  .
The ON position provides intermittent wip-
ing.
The   position provides washing and 
wiping. After a few sweeps the wiper stops 
or reverts to intermittent wiping, if this has 
been chosen. About 15 seconds after com-
pletion of the washing/wiping of the rear 
window, the wiper makes a single sweep to 
wipe away any remaining washer fluid.
A spring-loaded position between the OFF 
and ON positions allows for a single sweep 
of the rear-window wiper.
Intermittent wiping of the rear window 
occurs when reverse gear is engaged if the 
windshield wipers are in position 1, 2 or 3, 
see page  75.
For how to adjust the rear window washer 
jet on the 9-5 Wagon, refer to page  212.
2 1
IB1207
Rear-window wiper1 Intermittent wiping
2 Washers
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Page 78 of 288

78 Instruments and controls
The system has five sensors: 
 Outdoor temperature sensor
 Interior temperature sensor
 Sun sensor (mounted on top of the fascia)
 Two blended-air temperature sensors 
(mounted inside the front floor vents)
Note If anything is placed over the sun sen-
sor, the ACC system will not function prop-
erly. 
Panel vents The panel vents swivel universally, so that 
air can be directed as desired. In winter, for 
instance, the outer vents can be directed 
onto the door windows for enhanced 
demisting. 
The flow of air through the panel vents can 
be controlled individually for each vent by 
means of the adjacent control. The climate 
control system works best if the panel vents 
are open. If you find the air cold or that it is 
drafty, start by directing the air away from 
the body. If the center vent is aimed up, it will 
cool the interior temperature sensor and 
you may need to adjust ACC up or down, 
depending upon temperature desired.
IB362
Panel vent 
IB368
1
2
1 Interior-temperature sensor 
2 Sun sensor 
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Page 86 of 288

86 Instruments and controlsCondensation 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. Greater amounts of con-
densation will result in warmer, more humid 
ambient air.
Formation of ice and mist in 
extremes of weather It is only in the most extreme conditions that 
icing and misting of window glass are likely 
to be a problem, e.g. in torrential rain or 
severe cold coupled with high relative 
humidity, or when passengers are perspir-
ing heavily or wearing wet clothes. 
The following measures are recommended 
if such problems should occur: 
1 Select AUTO and 70°
F (21°C) for both 
temperature zones. 
2 Select Defroster. 
If this is not enough... 
3 Increase the fan speed. 
If this is not enough... 
4 Select a higher temperature. 
The following measures are recommended 
if the occupants feel that it is cold and drafty 
in the car:
1 Make sure that all the air vents are fully 
open, including the center rear vent. 
If this is not enough...
2 Direct the air flow away from the body 
(but not towards the interior temperature 
sensor). 
If this is not enough...
3 Raise the temperature setting a degree 
or two. If this is not enough...
4 Lower the fan speed.
Fault diagnosis and maintenance, 
see page 242.
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Page 129 of 288

129 Interior equipment and trunk
Rearview mirrors with auto dimming 
function (accessory/option)The autodimming is activated and deacti-
vated with a short push on button 2.
If the mirror is equipped with Garage Door 
Opener (option) the letter 1 is displayed on 
compass bearing display briefly when auto 
dimming is activated. When deactivating 
the letter 0 is displayed.
The interior rearview mirror has two sen-
sors, one forward-facing and one rear-fac-
ing. They also activate and deactivate the 
auto dimming feature on door mirrors.
The system is activated when the for-
ward-facing sensor detects that it is dark 
outside and the rear-facing sensor detects. 
For example, if the car following has not 
dimmed its headlights. The rearview mirrors 
are then darkened to prevent the strong light 
source from dazzling the driver. This dark-
ening is stepless.
The mirrors return to their normal states 
when the strong light source diminishes.
The auto dimming function can be turned 
OFF with the switch on the lower edge of the 
rear-view mirror.
NOTE
Towing a trailer can cause the system to 
malfunction, as the rear-facing sensor may 
sense light from the trailer.
1 Forward-facing sensor
2 ON/OFF switch, auto dimming function
3 Rear-facing sensor
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Page 156 of 288

156 Starting and driving
AON 93. One of the advantages of the 
system is that it enables the engine to 
be run safely on lower-grade fuel, 
although not lower than AON 87. 
 The maximum boost pressure is 
adjusted automatically to the knocking 
or pinging tendency of the engine. 
Occasional, short-lived knocking when 
the engine is under a heavy load is per-
fectly normal; the extent will depend on 
the grade of fuel in the tank. 
 Isolated instances of knocking are 
more likely to occur with low-octane 
fuel. This controlled form of knocking, 
followed by a reduction in the boost 
pressure, is a sign that the wastegate is 
functioning and is perfectly safe for the 
engine.
 
Important considerations with cata-
lytic convertersThe catalytic converter is an emission-con-
trol device incorporated in the car’s exhaust 
system. It consists of a metal canister with a 
honeycomb insert, the cells of which have 
walls coated in a catalytic layer (mixture of 
precious metals). 
To ensure that the catalytic converter con-
tinues to function properly, and also to avoid 
damage to the converter and its associated 
components, the following points must be 
observed: 
 Have the car serviced regularly in accor-
dance with the service program. The fuel 
and ignition systems are particularly 
important in this context. 
 Always be alert to any misfiring of the 
engine (not running on all cylinders) and 
any loss of power or performance. At the 
first sign of a malfunction, reduce speed 
and take the car to an authorized Saab 
dealer as soon as possible. 
 If the engine fails to start (in very cold 
weather or if the battery is flat), the car can 
be push started (manual gearbox only) or 
started using jumper cables to a donor 
NOTICE If the engine sounds strange there is a 
fault in the system. Have the car 
checked without delay by an autho-
rized Saab dealer. 
 The use of fuel with too low an octane 
rating can cause serious engine dam-
age.
WARNING
If the engine is being run with the car on a 
rolling road or dynamometer, longer than 
for a standard state emission inspection, 
to ensure adequate cooling, air must be 
blown into the engine compartment and 
under the car at a rate equivalent to the 
ram-air effect that would be obtained at 
the corresponding road speed.
NOTICEUse only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gas-
oline is detrimental to the catalyst and 
oxygen sensor and will seriously impair 
the function of the catalytic converter. 
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Page 157 of 288

157 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.
NOTICEIf 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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Page 173 of 288

173 Starting and driving
 
ABS brakes
ABS (antilock braking system) modulates 
the brake pressure to the respective 
wheels. Wheel sensors detect if a wheel is 
about to lock, and the control module 
reduces the pressure to that wheel and then 
increases it once more until the tendency is 
detected again. 
The brake system is equipped with an Elec-
tronic Brake-force Distribution device 
(EBD), which distributes the brake pressure 
between the front and rear wheels, in such 
a way as to achieve optimum braking perfor-
mance irrespective of the car’s speed and 
load.
WARNING
 It is prudent to try your brakes from 
time to time, especially when driving in 
heavy rain, through water collected on 
the road, in snow, on a wet road sur-
face or in salty slush. In such condi-
tions, the brakes may take longer than 
normal to take effect. To rectify this, 
touch the brake pedal periodically to 
dry the brakes out.
 The same applies after the car has 
been washed or when the weather is 
very humid. 
 Avoid parking the car with wet brakes. 
Before parking, and if the traffic condi-
tions allow, brake quite heavily so that 
the brake discs and pads warm up and 
dry.
 The brakes are power assisted and it 
should be kept in mind that the servo 
unit only provides the power assis-
tance when the engine is running. 
 The brake pressure required when the 
engine is off,(e.g. when the car is 
being towed) is roughly four times the 
normal pedal force required. The 
pedal also feels hard and unrespon-
sive.
WARNING
 The additional safety afforded by the 
ABS system is not designed to allow 
drivers to drive faster but to make 
normal driving safer. 
 To stop as quickly as possible, without 
loss of directional stability, whether 
the road surface is dry, wet or slippery, 
press the brake pedal down hard- 
without letting up (do not pump the 
pedal), declutching simulta-
neously, and steer the car to safety. 
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Page 175 of 288

175 Starting and driving
Traction Control SystemHow the system works The 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 sensors to detect 
when the front (driving) wheels are rotating 
faster then the rear wheels. It then monitors 
whether one driving wheel is rotating faster 
than the other. If so, the faster wheel is 
retarded until both wheels are rotating at the 
same speed. 
If the two front wheels are rotating at the 
same speed but are turning faster than the 
rear wheels, the torque from the engine is 
reduced to eliminate the difference. 
To ensure that the system works as 
designed, the dimensions of all four tires 
must be the same.
The process continues until all the wheels 
are rotating at the same speed. 
The advantages of the TCS system become 
most apparent when the cohesion between 
the front wheels and the road surface is so 
low that one or both of the wheels would 
lose their grip were the car not equipped 
with the TCS, e.g.:  When the car is pulling away or accelerat-
ing with the front wheels on different sur-
faces (e.g. one slippery and one dry). The 
TCS then functions like an electronic dif-
ferential lock. 
 When the car is pulling away or accelerat-
ing on a slippery road, in which case the 
TCS eliminates wheelspin. The same 
applies when the car is reversing. 
 On cornering, if there is a tendency for the 
inner front wheel to rotate faster than the 
other wheels. 
 On overtaking. 
TCS OFF The   indicator on the main instrument 
panel will come on: 
 If a fault has been detected and the 
system has therefore been switched off. 
 If there is a fault in the ABS system. 
 If the system has been switched off man-
ually. 
The indicator light will also come on for 
4 seconds when the ignition key is turned to 
ON, while an internal system check is per-
formed. TCS indicator The indicator light will come on for 
4 seconds when the ignition key is turned to 
ON, while an internal system check is per-
formed. 
The   light in the tachometer comes on 
when the system is operative, i.e. when the 
wheels are not rotating at the same speed. 
The fact that the TCS system is operative 
indicates that the limit for grip has been 
exceeded and that the driver must exert 
greater care. 
WARNING
When driving normally, TCS will help to 
improve the stability of the car. This does 
not mean that car can be driven faster. 
The same care and prudence as normally 
applied should be displayed on cornering 
and when driving on slippery roads.
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