weight SAAB 9-5 2005 Owners Manual

15 Safety
Electric heating, front seats(if equipped)
Both front seats have adjustable and ther-
mostat-controlled heating of the seat
cushion and backrest, available as an
option.
Heating is adjustable in three stages. In
position 0 it is turned off.
Head restraintThe front seats in the Saab 9-5 are equip-
ped with Saab Active Head Restraints
(SAHRs). These reduce the risk of whiplash
injury if the car is hit from behind.
In the event of a rear-end crash, the body is
forced back against the backrest. This, in
turn, causes the mechanism to press the
head restraint forward and upward, thus
limiting the backward movement of the
head.
The SAHR is a mechanical system, actua-
ted by body weight. The mechanism is built
into the top of the backrest, where it is con-
nected to the head restraint.
Therefore, the SAHR does not need to be
replaced after a minor rear-end crash.The head restraint can be raised or lowered
and is adjustable in various positions.
 Raising: grasp the head restraint on both
sides and pull it straight up.
 Lowering: press the catch on the left-hand
side of the attaching point and press down
the head restraint.
WARNING
 Adjust the head restraint so that your
head is optimally supported and the
center of the head restraint is at ear
height, thus reducing the likelihood of
neck injury in a crash.
 Raise the head restraints in the seat
that are occupied.
IB406
IB400
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126 Interior equipment and trunkLoad anchoring
Driving with the trunk lid/tailgate open, see
page 171.
WARNING
 Put heavy loads as low down and as
far forward as possible in the luggage
compartment, i.e. against the back of
the rear seat.
Never
overload the cargo net (acces-
sory). If the elastic breaks this may
cause personal injury. Do not use a
cargo net that shows signs of wear.
 Never stack cargo so high that any part
of the cargo lies above the edge of the
backrest, if a cargo guard (accessory)
is not being used.
 Always tie down the cargo so that it
cannot be thrown forward during
heavy braking or in the event of a
crash.
 Unsecured and heavy cargo can
increase the risk of injury during hard
braking, sudden avoidance maneu-
vers and in the event of a crash.
 For the best load anchoring, use the
special cargo bolts and load straps
(accessory).
 Load the cargo bolts evenly. Never
attach more than one strap to each tie
down eye.
 Provide protection on sharp edges to
prevent damage to the load straps.
 Never use the elastic floor net (acces-
sory) and elastic side net (accessory)
when the rear seat is folded down.
These nets are only intended to keep
light objects tidy, not for the anchoring
of loads.
 If possible, avoid having the rear seat
folded down when driving with a heavy
load because the anchoring possibili-
ties are restricted when the rear seat is
in this position.
That the rear seat is
in the upright position is a basic
requirement for protection against
cargo displacement in the event of
a crash.
 Cargo can intrude into the passenger
compartment during a sudden stop or
front crash if the outer safety belts are
not fastened. Check that the two red
warning-indication flags are fully
down. This shows that the backrests
are locked.
WARNING
 Match the speed and driving style
according to how the car is loaded.
The driving characteristics of the car
can be affected because the center of
gravity is altered when there is a cargo
in the luggage compartment.
 An object weighing 55 lbs. (25 kg) cor-
responds to a weight of 2200 lbs.
(1000 kg) in a head on crash at
32 mph (50 km/h).
 Adjust the car’s load (passengers and
luggage) so that the gross vehicle
weight or the axle weight is not
exceeded, see page 252.
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129 Interior equipment and trunk
Sliding load floor(accessory)
The function of the sliding floor is to facilitate
loading and unloading.
Securing loads, see page 123.
When the car is parked and the floor is
pulled out, it can bear the weight of two
people (maximum 440 lbs./200 kg).
Setting up1 Lift up the floor.
2 Fold out the support wheels.
3 Set the floor down on the support
wheels.
WARNING
To avoid personal injury take note of the
following:
 Do not leave children unsupervised
when the sliding floor is drawn out.
 Be aware of the risk of pinching when
handling the sliding floor.
 Never drive the car with the sliding
floor pulled out.
 Always use the car’s regular cargo
anchoring when transporting a cargo.
 Provide protection on sharp edges to
prevent damage to the anchoring
straps.
 The sliding floor must not be changed
or modified in any way.
 Put the sliding floor in the folded- down
position when it is not in use.
IB1220
Setting up the sliding floor
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161 Starting and driving
2 Wait until the needle has dropped back
to indicate normal temperature (roughly
midway, in the white zone) before stop-
ping the engine. If the coolant needs top-
ping up, unscrew the cap on expansion
tank
carefully
.
Top up, as necessary, ideally with a
50/50 mixture of Saab-approved coolant
and water. If only water is available, use
that, but remember to have the coolant
mixture checked as soon as possible.
3 As soon as possible, have the cooling
system checked by an authorized Saab
dealer.
Towing a trailer
Trailer hitch attachmentTrailer hitch attachments are available as
accessories. These are designed for a max-
imum trailer weight of 3500 lbs. (1588 kg),
see also page 253.
Use only the electrical trailer hitch socket
provided in the trailer hitch kit.
Saab recommends:
 Use a Saab original hitch kit attachment
which is designed and tested by Saab.
 Consult your Saab dealer regarding the
appropriate hitch kit for your car.
WARNING
 Exercise care when opening the hood
if the engine is overheated. Never
remove the expansion tank cap com-
pletely when the engine is hot.
 The cooling system is pressurized -
hot coolant and vapor can escape.
These can cause injury to your eyes
and burns. Open the cap slowly to
release the pressure before
removing it.
WARNING
 When towing a trailer, do not attempt
to negotiate a hill having a gradient in
excess of 15 %. The weight distribu-
tion over the front wheels of the car will
be insufficient to prevent wheelspin,
making further progress impossible.
 In addition, the parking brake may not
always be able to hold the car and trai-
ler securely, with the result that the
wheels can start to slide downhill.
 Always apply the trailer’s handbrake
when unhitching it. There is otherwise
a risk of personal injury or damage to
the bumper should the trailer start to
roll.
NOTICEUse only a genuine Saab trailer hitch and
wiring, since other wiring methods can
cause expensive damage to the car’s
body and electrical system.
Consult an authorized Saab dealer for
guidance on how to connect the trailer
hitch electrical system.
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162 Starting and drivingTrailer weightMaximum recommended trailer weights for
different gradients, with a view to comfort
and drivability for manual and automatic
cars, are shown on the drawing. Make sure you are familiar with the law
regarding speed limits for towing, maxi-
mum trailer weights, trailer-braking
requirements, and also any special
driving-licence provisions
(see also page 253
).
The specified trailer weights and gradients
assume that the journey starts at the hill and
therefore apply only to short periods.
Recommendations for driving in hilly
terrainThe following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in warm
weather, i.e. approximately 86
°F (30
°C).
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104
°F (40
°C).
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer weight,
lbs. (kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6–7 3300 (1500) unlimited
8–9 3300 (1500) 15 max
10–15 1870 (850) 15 max
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer weight,
lbs. (kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6–7 2000 (900) unlimited
8–9 2000 (900) 15 max
10–15 1000 (450) 15 max.
Maximum recommended trailer weights
for different gradients
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165 Starting and driving
Trailer hitch loadThe weight distribution on the trailer makes
a lot of difference to the handling properties
of the car and trailer combination. As
regards single-axle trailers, whenever pos-
sible, concentrate the load over the wheels
and keep it as low as possible.
The trailer should be loaded so that the
maximum load on the towbar ball is 5 % to
7 % of the trailer weight with a maximum
permissible tongue weight of 110–165 lbs.
(50–75 kg).
Note that this load must be added to the total
load for the car. If this now exceeds the
specified load capacity, the load in the lug-
gage compartment will have to be reduced
by a corresponding amount.
WARNING
When you connect the trailer be sure to
attach its safety chains to the holes as
illustrated.
IB106
Distribution of load in trailer aLight
b Moderate
cHeavy
Attach the safety chains to the holes as
illustrated.
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168 Starting and driving
Driving at nightBear in mind the following points when
driving at night:
 Nighttime driving requires your full con-
centration.
 Do not rush. Count on your journey taking
slightly longer.
 The number of drivers under the influence
of drugs is likely to be greater at night than
during the day.
 Do not stare at the headlights of onco-
ming vehicles.
 Avoid driving at night if you have poor eye-
sight. Night vision deteriorates with age.
 Keep your car's headlights, windows and
mirrors clean. Also, if you wear glasses,
make sure they are clean.
 Make sure you are well rested before star-
ting a long journey. Take a break every
other hour.
 Only eat light meals. Heavy meals have a
tendency to induce tiredness.
Driving with a loadThe driving characteristics of the car are
affected by the way it is loaded.
 Place heavy loads as far forward and as
low as possible in the trunk.
 Secure the load to the tie downs, see
page 123.
 The load should be such that the car´s
total weight or axle weight are not
exceeded, see page 252.
 Heavy loads mean that the car’s center of
gravity is further back. As a result, the car
will sway more during evasive steering.
 Never exceed the permissible load in the
roof box, even if there is room for more.
 Ensure that the tire pressure is correct –
slight overinflation is preferable to under-
inflation.
 The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance from
the vehicle in front.
 Roof loads can negatively affect tele-
communication.Tire pressure, see page 262 and back
cover.
IB1295
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226 Car care and technical informationLoading Your VehicleThis is an example of what your vehicle´s
Tire-Loading Information/Certification label
might look like. It is located on the B-pillar
and shows how much weight your vehicle
may properly carry. The label tells you the
proper size, and recommended inflation
pressures for the tires on your vehicle. It
also gives you important information about
the number of people that can be in your
vehicle and the total weight that you can
carry. This weight is called the Vehicle
Capacity Weight, and includes the weight of
all occupants, cargo and all nonfactory-
installed options.
Tire Terminology and DefinitionsAir Pressure:
The amount of air inside the
tire pressing outward on each square inch of
the tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:
This means the combi-
ned weight of optional accessories, for
example, automatic transmission, power
steering, power brakes, power windows,
power seats, radio and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:
The relationship of a tire´s
height to its width.
Belt:
A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread.
Cords may be made from steel or other rein-
forcecing materials.
Bias Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which the
ply cords that extend to the beads are laid at
alternate angles substantially less than 90
degrees to the centerline of the tread.
Cold Inflation Pressure:
The amount of air
pressure in a tire, measured in pounds per
square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa), before
a tire have built up heat from driving. See
“Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 217.
Curb weight:
This means the weight of a
motor vehicle with standard and optional
equipment including the maximum capacity
of fuel, oil and coolant, without passengers
and cargo.
DOT Markings:
A code molded into the
sidewall of a tire signifying that the tire is in
compliance with the U.S. Department of
Transportation motor vehicle safety stan-
dards. The DOT code includes the Tire
Identification Number (TIN), an alphanume-
ric designator which can also indentify the
tire manufacturer, production plant, brand
and date of production.
GVWR:
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating see
“Loading Your Vehicle” on page 226.
GAWR FRT:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the front axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle”
on page 226.
GAWR RR:
Gross Axle Weight Rating for
the rear axle, see “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 226.
Intended Outboard Sidewall:
The side of
an asymmetrical tire that must always face
outward when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa):
The metric unit for air
pressure. There are 6.9 kPa to one psi.
Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire:
A tire used
on light duty trucks and some multipurpose
passenger vehicles.
Load Index:
An assigned number ranging
from 1 to 279 that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
This label can only be found on vehicles
sold in the U.S.
Vehicles sold in Canada have the tire
information label in the glovebox, see
page 262.
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227 Car care and technical information
Maximum Load rating:
The load rating for
a tire at the maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle Weight:
The
sum of curb weight; accessory weight;
vehicle capacity weight; and production
options weight.
Maximum Permissible Inflation Pres-
sure:
The maximum cold inflation pressure
to which a tire may be inflated.
Normal occupant weight:
The number of
occupants a vehicle is designed to seat mul-
tipled by 150 pounds (68 kg). See “Loading
Your Vehicle” on page 226.
Occupant Distribution:
Designated sea-
ting positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall: The side of a
asymmetrical tire that has a particular side
that faces outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that contains a
whitewall bears white lettering or bears
manufacturer, brand and or model name
molding on the other sidewall of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire:
A tire used on
passenger cars and some light duty trucks
and multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation Pressure:

Vehicle manufacturer´s recommended tire
inflation pressure shown on the tire label,
see “Inflation - Tire Pressure” on page 217
and “Loading Your Vehicle” on page 226.
Radial Ply Tire:
A pneumatic tire in which
the ply cords that extend to the beads are
laid at substantially 90 degrees to the cen-
terline of the tread.
Rim:
A metal support for a tire or a tire and
tube assembly upon which the tire beads
are seated.
Sidewall:
The portion of a tire between the
tread and the bead.
Speed rating:
An alphanumeric code
assigned to a tire indicating the maximum
speed at which a tire can operate.
Traction:
The friction between the tire and
the road surface. The amount of grip provi-
ded.
Treadwear Indicators:
Narrow bands,
sometimes called “wear bars”, that show
across the tread of a tire when only
2/32 inch of tread remains. See “When It Is
Time for New Tires” on page 219.
Tread Width:
The width of the tire´s tread.
UTQGS:
Uniform Tire Quality Grade Stan-
dards, a tire information system that provi-
des consumers with ratings for a tire´s trac-
tion, temperature and treadwear. Ratings
are determined by tire manufacturers using
government testing procedures. The rating
are molded into the sidewall of the tire. See
“Uniform Tire Quality Grading” on
page 221.
Vehicle Capacity Weight:
Is the number of
designated seating positions multipled by
150 pounds (68 kg) plus the rated cargo
load. See “Loading Your Vehicle” on
page 226.
Vehicle Maximum Load on the Tire:
Load
on an individual tire due to curb weight,
accessory weight, occupant weight and
cargo weight.
Vehicle label:
A label permanently
attached to a vehicle showing original
equipment tire size and the recommended
cold inflation pressure. See “Loading Your
Vehicle” on page 226.
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228 Car care and technical informationSteps for Determining Correct
Load Limit1 Locate the statement “The
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed
XXX pounds” on your vehicle´s
label.
2 Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will
be riding in your vehicle.
3 Subtract the combined weight of the
driver and passengers from
XXX kilograms or XXX pounds.
4 The resulting figure equals the avail-
able amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity. For example, if the
“XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb. passengers
in your vehicle, the amount of avail-
able cargo and luggage load capac-
ity is 650 lbs. (1400–750 (5x150) =
650 lbs.).5 Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not
safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
6 If your vehicle will be towing a trailer,
load from your trailer will be trans-
ferred to your vehicle. Consult this
manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and
luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
Winter tiresWinter (snow) tires are recommended for
winter climates where the majority of your
driving will be done on snow and ice. Winter
tires should be fitted to all four wheels to
maintain a proper balance. Your Saab
dealer can advise you of to the correct size
tire for your car (if different from the original
size) and also supply Saab approved winter
tires pre-mounted on steel or alloy rims.
Winter tires normally use a different speed
rating compared to summer/all season tires.
Make sure not to exceed the stated speed
rating on the tires you use.
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