SAAB 9-5 2004 Owners Manual
Manufacturer: SAAB, Model Year: 2004, Model line: 9-5, Model: SAAB 9-5 2004Pages: 288, PDF Size: 16.91 MB
Page 101 of 288

101 Saab 9-5 Audio System
Programmable 
functionsVolume-preset modeTo select the volume-preset mode, press 
and hold the WB button at the same time as 
you switch the Audio System on.
Use the   button to select the 
desired function. 
The following volume settings can be 
preselected: 
STARTVOL – maximum volume level 
when the Audio System is switched on 
 TEL VOL – preset volume level when an 
in-car phone is activated 
 SP D VOL – speed-dependent volume. 
The Audio System will automatically 
adjust the volume level to compensate for 
background noise, such as road noise, 
which increases with vehicle speed. 
 LOUDNESS ON/OFF – boosting of the 
highest and lowest frequency ranges to 
enhance the sound image when the 
volume is set to a low level. 
Adjusting the volume The default setting for START VOL is 
volume setting 9, and that for TEL VOL is 
volume setting 14 (the highest volume set-
ting is 30).
Maximum START VOL 
TELVOL
To change the volume setting:
– Press and hold the WB button at the 
same time as you switch on the Audio 
System.
– Adjust the volume
– Wait 10 seconds or press one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the new 
volume setting.
Speed-dependent volume 
(SP D VOL) ON/OFF To change the default setting:
The default setting for this function is ON. 
– Press and hold the WB button at the 
same time as you switch on the Audio 
System. 
– Select SP D VOL using   
– Select ON/OFF using the VOL control. 
– Wait 10 seconds or press one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the new 
default setting. 
WARNING
These functions should only be carried 
out when the car is stationary.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 102 of 288

102 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemLoudness ON/OFF To change the default setting: 
The default setting for this function is ON. 
– Press and hold the WB button at the 
same time as you switch on the Audio 
System. 
– Select LOUDNESS using   
– Select ON/OFF using the VOL control. 
– Wait 10 seconds or press one of the but-
tons on the bottom row of the Audio Sys-
tem, e.g. RADIO/BAND, to save the new 
default setting. 
Steering-wheel controls To facilitate use of the Audio System and to 
promote safer driving, most of the functions 
can be operated using the integral remote 
controls on the steering wheel. Control functions: NXT: 
RADIO mode: preselect buttons 
1⇒2⇒...⇒ 6⇒1⇒... 
TAPE mode: Play other side of tape.
CD mode: Inoperative.
CD-changer mode: Select CD in magazine 
1⇒2⇒...⇒ 6⇒1⇒... 
<< SEEK >>: 
RADIO mode: Auto/manual tuning.
TAPE mode: 
Music search/Fast forward or rewind.
CD/CD-changer mode: 
Track search/Rapid play.SRC (source)
Press repeatedly to switch between 
RADIO ⇒ TAPE ⇒ CD ⇒ (CD changer) 
⇒RADIO ⇒... 
VOL +/–: 
Volume adjust.
IB385
Audio System controls on steering wheel 
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 103 of 288

103 Saab 9-5 Audio System
Security lock The Audio System is equipped with an elec-
tronic security lock. The special code is 
unique to the car in which the Audio System 
is fitted. 
Each time the Audio System is switched on, 
a check is made to ensure that the codes 
match. 
If not, the following will appear on the dis-
play: 
If a CD changer has been installed, it will 
also have been security coded. If the security code for the CD changer does 
not match when the changer is selected, the 
following will appear on the display: 
If a CD changer is to be retrofitted or if you 
wish to move the main Audio System 
module and/or CD changer to another car 
(Saab 9-5), you 
must 
consult an authorized 
Saab dealer so that the modules can be 
given the correct security codes. 
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 104 of 288

104 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemTechnical data 
 These specifications comply with the new IHF Standard
 Since the policy at Saab is one of continual improvement, we retain the right to alter 
specifications and design without prior notice. 
 Dolby noise reduction is produced under licence from Dolby Laboratories Licensing 
Corporation 
 ”Dolby” and the double-D symbol   are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licens-
ing Corporation
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer for compliance 
could void the user´s authority to operate the equipment.
Tone controls 
Bass  ______________________ ±10 dB at 100 Hz 
Treble  _____________________ ±10 dB at 10,000 Hz 
Power output 
Premium __________________ 150 W
110 W at 1 % THD (total har-
monic distortion) and 13.5 V
Prestige __________________ 200 W
150 W at 1 % THD (total har-
monic distortion) and 13.5 V
Radio module 
Radio system  _______________ PLL dual-synthesizer tuner
Number of presets:
FM  ______________________ 3 x 6 
AM  ______________________ 2 x 6 
Frequency range:
FM ______________________ 87.9–107.9 MHz 
AM ______________________ 530–1710 kHz 
Tuning steps:
Automatic seek tuning:  _______ FM 200 kHz
AM 10 kHz
Manual tuning:  _____________ FM 200 kHz
AM 10 kHzFrequency range (FM)  ________ 40–15000 Hz
±1 dB 
Distortion (FM)  ______________ < 0.5 % 
Cassette player 
Fast forward/rewind  __________ < 120 seconds (C-60) 
Frequency range _____________ 40–16000 Hz
±2 dB 
Wow and flutter  ______________ 0.2 % WRMS 
Signal-to-noise ratio  __________ 45 dB 
Dolby B NR effect  ____________ 8/16 dB 
CD player and CD changer 
1-bit system and 8 x oversampling 
Frequency range _____________ 20–20000 Hz
±0.5 dB 
Distortion __________________ < 0.008 % 
Dynamics  __________________ > 80 dB (1 kHz) 
CD-changer capacity __________  6 discs
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 105 of 288

105 Saab 9-5 Audio System
Antennas The Audio System has three antennas 
incorporated in the rear window; two for FM 
diversity and one for AM. 
The car has a factory-fitted roof antenna for 
a mobile phone/OnStar. Roof loads may 
negatively affect telecommunication.
Multipath propagation Multipath propagation occurs when radio 
waves from an FM transmitter are reflected 
by, e.g. large buildings, causing them to 
arrive slightly later than the direct waves. 
This can create interference to radio recep-
tion. To avoid this problem as much as pos-
sible the system is equipped with two FM 
antennas, so called FM diversity.
NOTICERefrain from placing hard or sharp 
objects on the rear parcel shelf, to avoid 
damaging the antenna leads. 
Do not use sun protective film which con-
tains metal particles on the rear window, 
this can be the cause of radio interfer-
ence.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of head injuries in the 
event of a crash, the headliner and pillar 
trims incorporate energy absorbing mate-
rial. These areas must not be modified in 
any way. Work on these areas must only 
be carried out at an authorized Saab 
dealer.
IB386
IB389
IB1743
Accessories and other equipment must 
not be fitted to the surfaces marked as 
these are where the airbags inflate in the 
event of a crash
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 106 of 288

106 Saab 9-5 Audio SystemAdjusting the frequency steps North 
America/Europe If the car is taken from North America to 
Europe, the radio’s frequency steps can be 
adjusted. 
 Press and hold   (mid-segment) 
and switch the radio on at the same time. 
The preset stations will be cancelled and 
replaced by default frequencies.
Fault codesThe Audio System has a built-in diagnostics 
function. If a fault is detected, a fault code is 
generated to help dealer technicians to 
diagnose the fault. Below are the codes for 
some faults that you might be able to rectify 
yourself.
 OnStar SystemYour vehicle may be equipped with OnStar, 
a vehicle telematics communications and 
navigation system. Please consult the sep-
arate chapter in this owner’s manual, page 
107.
NOTICEGreat care should be exercised in trying 
to rectify a fault. If you are at all unsure, 
contact an authorized Saab dealer. 
Fault code  Possible cause 
CD/CDC 
ERROR 
12/17/19 CD is dirty, loaded 
wrong side up or defec-
tive.
TAPE ERR 01  Tape broken or 
mechanical fault in 
deck.
TAPE ERR 
02/03 Tape snarled up or 
mechanical fault in 
deck.
TAPE ERR 11  Cassette jammed: can-
not be loaded/ejected.
WARNING
The CD player/CD changer is classified 
as Class 1 laser equipment 
 Service and repair work must only be 
carried out by authorized technicians. 
 If the casing is damaged, hazardous 
laser radiation can occur. NOTICEAll work on the Audio System must be 
carried out by an authorized Saab dealer.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 107 of 288

107 OnStar - Telematics
OnStar - Telematics
Using OnStar _________   108OnStar is Easy______________   108
OnStar Services Button _______   108
Emergency button ___________   109
White dot button ____________   109
System status light __________   109The OnStar Center _____   110Connecting to the OnStar center   110
Your personal identification number 
(PIN) ____________________   110
 
The OnStar Safe & Sound 
Plan ________________  110
Automatic notification of air bag 
deployment _______________   110
Emergency services _________   110
Roadside assistance _________   111
Stolen vehicle tracking ________   111
Accident Assist™ ____________   111
Hands-free communication ____   111The OnStar Premium 
Services Plan ________   111Route support ______________   111
Ride Assist _________________   111
Information and Convenience ser-
vices ____________________   111
Online Concierge services_____   112
Additional Services____   112Personal Calling: ___________   112Virtual Advisor: _______   116
OnStar Subscriber 
Website ____________  117
Limitations ___________  117
Additional Information _   118Warranty _________________   118
A Note About Privacy ________  118
Transferring OnStar _________  118
OnStar Subscription Information  118
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 108 of 288

108 OnStar - TelematicsYour new vehicle may come equipped with 
advanced telematics hardware. OnStar 
telematics is a sophisticated in-vehicle 
system allowing convergence of wireless 
communications, GPS (Global Positioning 
System) satellites and advanced vehicle 
electronics.
You should activate immediately to ensure 
you receive your full year of service, as your 
prepaid subscription begins at the time of 
delivery.
Here’s how to activate your OnStar ser-
vice:
1 Push the blue OnStar button located in 
your Saab. After a prerecorded mes-
sage explaining the benefits of OnStar, 
you will be greeted by a live OnStar advi-
sor. The advisor will activate your 
OnStar service.
2 Provide the information requested by 
the advisor to activate your account and 
set up your personal profile. This will 
take approximately 10–15 minutes. You 
can also provide OnStar with customer 
and driver information on their website 
at www.onstarenrollment.com. You will 
receive an e-mail confirmation with an 
OnStar account number. Once you have 
received this information, complete the 
enrollment process from the car by 
pushing the blue OnStar button.
Using OnStarWelcome to OnStar. This section gives you 
all the information you need to get started 
using OnStar, including descriptions of all 
OnStar services. It also introduces the 
added services of Personal Calling, Virtual 
advisor, and the Onstar Subscriber website. 
For a complete explanation of these addi-
tional services, please see pages 112,  116 
and 117.
NOTE: In order for OnStar to operate, the 
car audio system must be switched on.OnStar is EasyIf your new Saab has OnStar, it’s easy to 
start using your OnStar system. In fact, 
pressing the OnStar button is usually all you 
need to do. Once you are connected, an 
OnStar advisor will help you with the ser-
vices in your plan.
Inoperative if battery is discharged or 
disconnected.
OnStar is powered by your vehicle´s battery 
and will not operate if the battery is dis-
charged or disconnected.
Potentially inoperative if vehicle is in a 
crash
If your vehicle is in a crash, some compo-
nents could be damaged or disconnected, 
potentially rendering OnStar inoperative.Your onboard OnStar System consists of 
three buttons:
OnStar Services Button
Press this button, and you are 
connected to an OnStar advi-
sor. You will hear a chime, fol-
lowed by the words 
”Connecting to OnStar.” Allow 
20–30 seconds for initial con-
nection to the OnStar Call 
Center. An advisor will then 
help you with any of the ser-
vices included in your OnStar 
plan.
If cellular service is unavail-
able, OnStar will generate a 
fast busy tone. The OnStar 
system will retry calls a num-
ber of times before returning 
to the ready mode. To cancel 
the automatic dialing, press 
the White dot button.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 109 of 288

109 OnStar - Telematics
System status lightSolid Green — Indicates the OnStar 
system in the vehicle is powered ON and 
ready to make calls or receive calls from the 
OnStar Center. 
Blinking Green — The light blinks green to 
indicate a call is being connected or in 
progress. If you notice this light blinking 
while you are not on a call, press the White 
dot button.
Red — This signals that your OnStar 
system may not be functioning properly. 
Press the OnStar button to attempt to con-
tact an OnStar advisor. If the connection is 
made, the advisor will assist you in making 
sure your OnStar system is operating prop-
erly. If you cannot contact the OnStar Cen-
ter, please take your car to the nearest Saab 
dealer for diagnosis and service.The OnStar Center is the heart of your ser-
vice — staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a 
week with knowledgeable OnStar advisors. 
Even on weekends and holidays, there is 
always someone ready to help.
OnStar uses sophisticated Global Position-
ing System (GPS) satellites to locate your 
Saab, and wireless technology to provide 
the communications link and seamless inte-
gration into your Saab. This system allows 
the OnStar advisors to pinpoint your Saab´s 
location precisely. This way, advisors can 
provide you with a range of helpful services 
to protect you and your Saab. Plus, with the 
Premium Services Plan* included for 12 
months with your Saab, advisors can also 
access an extensive database to assist you 
with directions, making reservations and 
other convenience services.
*) New retail deliveries only.
Emergency button
In an emergency, press this 
button to connect with an 
OnStar advisor. Your call will 
be given the highest priority, 
and you will hear a tone fol-
lowed by the words ”Connect-
ing to OnStar Emergency.” An 
advisor will locate your Saab, 
find out what kind of assis-
tance you require, and con-
tact the nearest emergency 
services provider who can 
dispatch ambulance, fire, 
police or other emergency 
services. Please use this but-
ton only for true emergencies.
White dot button
Press this button at the end of a 
call. You’ll hear the words 
”OnStar Request Ended.” 
Also, press this button to 
answer a call from the OnStar 
Center, or cancel a call if one 
of the other buttons is acci-
dentally pressed. This button 
is also used to access OnStar 
Personal Calling services 
which are described on page 
112.
ProCarManuals.com 
Page 110 of 288

110 OnStar - TelematicsThe OnStar CenterConnecting to the OnStar centerIn addition to using the 3-button system 
found in your Saab, there are two other 
ways to connect to the OnStar Center.
Toll-Free Call
To take advantage of your OnStar services 
from outside your Saab, you can call OnStar 
toll-free at 1-888-4-OnStar 
(1-888-466-7827). Remember to have your 
Personal Identification Number (PIN) 
handy.
Automatic Notification
A priority signal will be sent to the OnStar 
Center with your exact location if an airbag 
deploys.(Vehicle electrical system and cellular service 
must be operable.)
Your personal identification number 
(PIN)When you signed up with OnStar, you were 
asked to provide a Personal Identification 
Number (PIN). You’ll need your PIN to 
access many of OnStar’s services. If, for 
example, your vehicle has been stolen, an 
OnStar advisor will ask for your PIN in order 
to provide assistance.
Changing your PIN is easy. Call the OnStar 
Center and provide the advisor with your 
current number, and he or she will assist 
you in setting up a new number. If you have 
forgotten your PIN, just call the OnStar Cen-
ter. For security reasons, we will send your 
PIN to you in the mail.
The OnStar Safe & 
Sound PlanThe OnStar Safe and Sound Plan is one of 
three plans you can purchase.* With it, you 
have access to a complete range of ser-
vices providing you with an unsurpassed 
level of safety and security — 24 hours a 
day, 7 days a week. And you have it all at 
the touch of a button.
So whether you’re on a lonesome country 
road or stuck in highway traffic, you have at 
your disposal a complete range of services 
providing you with unsurpassed security. 
And you have it all at the touch of a button.Automatic notification of air bag 
deploymentShould your front air bags deploy, a priority 
signal will be sent to the OnStar Center with 
your Saab´s location (as long as cellular 
service and the vehicle’s electrical system 
are operable). An advisor will attempt to 
contact you to assess the nature of your 
emergency, and then notify the appropriate 
emergency services provider.Emergency servicesShould you require emergency assistance, 
press the red emergency button and On 
Star or an advisor will contact the nearest 
emergency services provider with your 
exact location and your request for help.* New retail deliveries only.
ProCarManuals.com