check engine SAAB 9-5 2003 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: SAAB, Model Year: 2003, Model line: 9-5, Model: SAAB 9-5 2003Pages: 288, PDF Size: 16.78 MB
Page 6 of 288

6Engine compartment, 
4-cyl engine
IB1737
Engine ______________________  202
Checking the oil level ___________  203
Oil changing__________________  204
Engine oil, specification _________  261
Braking______________________  172
ABS brakes __________________  173
Brake and clutch fluid ___________  207
Brake system _________________  265
Brake pads ___________________  265
Fuses _________________  226
Changing a fuse _________  228
Relays ________________  229
Table of fuses ___________  226Temperature gauge ______  63
Driving in hot weather_____  181
Driving in cold weather ____  179
Coolant________________  206
Coolant capacity_________  260
Power steering fluid _______  208
Steering, technical data ___  265
Wipers and washers ______  75
Washers _______________  213
Washer jets ____________  213
Jump starting _________________  191
Battery ______________________  209
Charging/replacing the battery____  210
Manual transmission ___________  162
Automatic transmission _________  163
Automatic transmission, 
technical data ________________  264
Manual gearbox, technical data ___  264
Important considerations for driving  155
Turbo unit  ___________________  199
Engine, technical data __________  260Ignition switch ___________  152
Drive belts ______________  211
Spark plugs _____________  263
Catalytic converter _______  156Warning labels __________  8
V.I.N. number  ___________  269
Engine number  __________  269
Gearbox number _________  269
Color code______________  269
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Page 7 of 288

7
Engine compartment, 
3.0t V6
IB1738
Warning labels __________  8
V.I.N. number  ___________  269
Engine number __________  269
Gearbox number  ________  269
Color code  _____________  269Ignition switch ___________  152
Drive belts ______________  211
Spark plugs _____________  263
Catalytic converter _______  156Important considerations for driving  155
Turbo unit  ___________________  199
Engine, technical data __________  260
Automatic transmission _________  163
Automatic transmission, 
technical data ________________  264
Braking______________________  172
ABS brakes __________________  173
Brake and clutch fluid ___________  207
Brake system _________________  265
Brake pads ___________________  265Jump starting _________________  191
Battery ______________________  209
Charging/replacing the battery____  210
Fuses _________________  226
Changing a fuse _________  228
Relays ________________  229
Table of fuses ___________  226Temperature gauge ______  63
Driving in hot weather_____  181
Driving in cold weather ____  179
Coolant________________  206
Coolant capacity_________  260
Power steering fluid _______  208
Steering, technical data ___  265
Wipers and washers ______  75
Washers _______________  213
Washer jets ____________  213
Engine ______________________  202
Checking the oil level ___________  203
Oil changing__________________  204
Engine oil, specification _________  261
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Page 49 of 288

49 Security
Activating 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 pets are left inside the car, 
the sensor can be temporarily disabled. 
To disable the sensor 
To disable the sensor, first turn off the igni-
tion and remove the key from the switch. 
Next, press and hold the NIGHT PANEL 
button until ”DOOR ALARM ONLY” appears 
on the Saab Information Display (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 Saab 
Information Display (SID). 
If a fault is detected in the glass sensor, 
”SERVICE THEFT ALARM” will appear on 
the Saab Information Display (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 
Saab Information Display (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.
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Page 52 of 288

52 SecurityOverview 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 
45.
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. Saab Information 
Display (SID) displays the number of 
keys and transmitters (transpon-
ders) coded to the car.
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Page 56 of 288

56 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 62). 
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 
203). NOTICEUnder no circumstances must the car be 
driven when this 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 
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Page 57 of 288

57 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  
211). 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 207).
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 58). 
Parking brake warning 
light 
This light will show when the parking brake 
is on (see page 195).
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 at once 
by an authorized Saab dealer. 
WARNING
Always apply the parking brake when 
parking, see page  195.
Always apply the parking brake 
before removing the ignition key.
Do not apply the parking brake while 
the car is moving.
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Page 58 of 288

58 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 207).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.
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Page 59 of 288

59 Instruments and controls
CHECK message indicator 
This light indicates that there is a message 
in the Saab Information Display (SID). A 
chime will also sound 
(see page 69). 
Central warning light 
This light will come on and a chime will 
sound if a fault has been detected in any 
system that is critical to safety. Any of the 
following can activate the central warning 
light and alarm: 
 Airbag system.
 Low oil pressure in engine.
 Parking brake is on (when car is moving).
 Brake fluid level low.
 Fault detected in ABS system.
 Electronic brake force distribution (distri-
bution of brake pressure between front 
and rear wheels).
 Engine overheating.
 Alternator not charging properly.
Engine malfunction 
(CHECK ENGINE)
This light indicates a malfunction in the 
fuel-injection or ignition system. The car 
may still be driven with care and with some-
what diminished performance (see page 
155).
Indicator, fuel 
This light comes on when there is less than 
about 2.5 gallons (10 liters) of fuel left in the 
tank.  
WARNING
An illuminated ”Engine malfunction 
(CHECK ENGINE)” indicator light indi-
cates an engine-related problem. While 
your car may be able to be driven with the 
”Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)” 
indicator light illuminated (Limp-home 
mode), you are advised to have your car 
serviced at an authorized Saab dealer as 
soon as possible. 
Continued driving without this problem 
being corrected might cause serious 
further damage to your car and create 
unsafe driving conditions. The operator 
should be prepared to take action if such 
unsafe conditions arise (e.g.brake 
smoothly, engage neutral, stop in a suita-
ble place, switch off the engine, etc.).
NOTICEThe car should be checked immediately 
at an authorized Saab dealer to prevent 
more serious faults from arising.NOTICEIf the car runs out of fuel, air can be drawn 
in with the fuel, which, in turn, can cause 
the catalytic converter to be damaged by 
overheating. 
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Page 60 of 288

60 Instruments and controls
Indicator, cruise control 
This light shows when the cruise-control 
system is active (see page 171). 
Indicator, high beam 
This light shows when the headlights are on 
high beam (see page 71).
Indicator, rear fog light 
This light shows when the rear fog light is on 
(see page 72). 
The rear fog light is switched off automat-
ically when the engine is switched off. When 
the fog light is next needed, it will have to be 
switched on manually again.
The rear fog light consists of one light so it 
should not be mistaken for brake lights.
Bi-Xenon headlight fault 
indicator
(certain variants only)
This light indicates that there is a fault in the 
Bi-Xenon headlight system, which consists 
of xenon headlights and an automatic level-
ling system.
If a fault arises in the Bi-Xenon headlight 
system, the headlights will be angled down 
to avoid dazzling drivers in oncoming traffic. 
Adjust your speed accordingly as visibility 
will be reduced.
Indicator, open door 
If a door has not been closed properly, the 
pictogram will indicate the door concerned 
(or tailgate). 
Indicator, SPORT-mode
automatic transmission
This light will come on in cars with automatic 
transmission when the S (SPORT) button 
on the selector lever has been pressed 
(position N or D) see page 170. 
In this mode, the gear changes occur later, 
at higher engine revs, giving the engine and 
transmission a sportier feel. 
To cancel the SPORT mode, press the S 
button on the selector lever again. The 
mode is also deselected automatically 
w h e n  t h e  s e l e c t o r  l e v e r  i s  m o v e d  t o  P ,  R ,  M  
or L.
Indicator, WINTER-mode
automatic transmission
This light shows when the WINTER mode 
has been selected in cars with automatic 
transmission (see page 170). 
In the WINTER mode, the car pulls away in 
3rd gear, to help prevent wheelspin on an 
icy road. 
To cancel the WINTER mode, press the W 
button.
NOTICEIf the Bi-Xenon headlight fault indicator 
lights up, have your car checked as soon 
as possible at an authorized Saab dealer.
If you do not rectify the problem, nighttime 
visibility will be poor since the range of the 
headlights is reduced.
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Page 61 of 288

61 Instruments and controls
Automatic transmission, 
fault indicator
On a car with an automatic transmission, 
this warning symbol is illuminated if a fault 
has been detected in the transmission.
Switch the ignition off and on again to check 
if the fault persists.
Even if the fault persists, it is still possible in 
most cases to drive the car (see page 165).
Have the automatic transmission checked 
by an authorized Saab dealer as soon as 
possible. 
Indicator TCS/ESP OFF
 (option, certain models 
only)
The indicator light goes on when the Elec-
tronic Stability Program/Traction Control 
System is switched off with the TCS/ESP-
button.
IMPORTANT: the system is automatically 
engaged every time the engine is started 
(see page 175). 
The indicator light also goes on when there 
is a fault in the system. In this case the light 
cannot be turned off by means of the 
TCS/ESP button. If a fault is indicated, have 
the system checked by an authorized Saab 
dealer.
See also ”Traction Control System (TCS)”, 
on page 175 and “Electronic Stability Pro-
gram (ESP) on page  176.
Indicator TCS/ESP
 (option, certain models 
only)
The TCS/ESP indicator light is located in the 
tachometer and will be illuminated when 
TCS/ESP regulation is occurring, i.e. when 
there is insufficient traction between the 
tires and the road surface to provide the grip 
required for the acceleration called for. The 
driver can also sense that the engine is not 
responding normally to the accelerator.
Operation of the TCS/ESP indicates 
reduced traction between the tires and the 
road, and that extra care should be taken by 
the driver.
In normal driving, the TCS/ESP will help to 
improve both ride comfort and safety, but 
must not be regarded as a system to enable 
the driver to drive at or maintain a higher 
rate of speed. The same precautions for 
safe cornering and driving on slippery roads 
must still be applied (see page 175).
NOTICEIf 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, select posi-
tion L to prevent unnecessary wear on the 
transmission. The transmission then 
starts in 2nd gear. When the car is moving 
you can select position D.
When the indicator light is on, the car 
must not be driven with a trailer attached.
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