traction control SAAB 9-7X 2009 Owners Manual

Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols that may be found on
the vehicle and what they mean. For more information
on the symbol, refer to the index.
0:Adjustable Pedals
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls or OnStar®
$:Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B:Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.:Fuel Gage
+:Fuses
i:Headlamp High/Low-Beam Changer
j:LATCH System Child Restraints
*:Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
F:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid
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Headlamp Washer
For vehicles with headlamp washers, they clear debris
from the headlamp lenses by soaking the lens with
uid, waiting for about ve seconds, then rinsing away
the loose debris.
The headlamp washers are located under the
headlamps. The headlamp washers activate for one
wash-wait-rinse cycle when the front windshield washer
button is pressed for the rst time after the vehicle is
turned on. The headlamps washers then activate
automatically for one cycle after every four front
windshield washes.
The headlamps must be on to be washed. If the
headlamps are off, only the front windshield will be
washed.
The headlamp washers use the same uid bottle as the
windshield washer. However, the headlamp washers
will run out of uid before the windshield washer. If the
windshield can be washed, but not the headlamps,
check the uid level. SeeWindshield Washer on
page 3-9for more information.
Cruise Control
With cruise control, a speed of about 25 mph (40 km/h)
or more can be maintained without keeping your foot
on the accelerator. Cruise control does not work
at speeds below about 25 mph (40 km/h).
If the brakes are applied, the cruise control shuts off.
{CAUTION:
Cruise control can be dangerous where you
cannot drive safely at a steady speed. So, do not
use the cruise control on winding roads or in
heavy traffic.
Cruise control can be dangerous on slippery
roads. On such roads, fast changes in tire
traction can cause excessive wheel slip, and you
could lose control. Do not use cruise control on
slippery roads.
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speed. When going downhill, you might have to brake
or shift to a lower gear to keep the vehicle’s speed
down. When the brakes are applied this disengages
the cruise control.
Ending Cruise Control
To turn off the cruise control, do one of the following:
Step lightly on the brake pedal,
move the cruise control switch to9,or
shift the transmission to N (Neutral).
If your vehicle has the StabiliTrak feature, cruise
control will turn off if road conditions cause
StabiliTrak to activate.
If the accelerator pedal is held longer than
60 seconds, cruise control will turn off.
The cruise control will turn off automatically if the
traction control system or StabiliTrak system activate,
if your vehicle has either feature.
Erasing Speed Memory
The cruise control set speed memory is erased when
the cruise control or the ignition is turned off.
Headlamps
The exterior lamp control is located in the middle
of the turn signal/multifunction lever. SeeTurn
Signal/Multifunction Lever on page 3-6.
O(Exterior Lamp Control):Turn the control with this
symbol on it to operate the exterior lamps.
The exterior lamp control has the following four positions:
O(On/Off):Turns off the Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) and Automatic Headlamps. Turning the
control to this position again turns the automatic
lighting system back on. This feature is not available
for vehicles rst sold in Canada.
AUTO (Automatic):Automatically turns the exterior
lamps on and off depending upon how much light
is available outside of the vehicle.
;(Parking Lamps):Turns on the parking lamps
together with the following:
Sidemarker Lamps
Taillamps
License Plate Lamps
Instrument Panel Lights
5(Headlamps):Turn the control to this position to
turn on the headlamps, together with the previously
listed lamps and lights.
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StabiliTrak®Indicator Light
This warning light should
come on briey when the
engine is started.
During most driving conditions, this light will not come
on. If the StabiliTrak
®System is actively controlling
the stability and/or traction of the vehicle, this light will
ash. This is normal.
This light will come on if any portion of the system has
been manually turned off or a problem is detected
in the system.
If your vehicle has a Driver Information Center, a
message will appear also, seeDIC Warnings and
Messages on page 3-45andStabiliTrak
®System on
page 4-6for more information.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gage
This gage shows the engine coolant temperature.
If the gage pointer moves into the red area, the engine
coolant has overheated.
If you have been operating your vehicle under normal
driving conditions, you should pull off the road, stop your
vehicle and turn off the engine as soon as possible.
SeeEngine Overheating on page 5-34.
United StatesCanada
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If the message is still displayed, or appears again when
you begin driving, the brake system needs service.
See your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE CHARGING SYS (System)
This message displays if there is a problem with
the battery charging system. Under certain conditions,
the charging system light may also turn on in the
instrument panel cluster. SeeCharging System Light
on page 3-30. The battery will not be charging at
an optimal rate and the vehicle will lose the ability to
enter the fuel economy mode. The vehicle is safe
to drive, however you should have the electrical system
checked by your dealer/retailer.
SERVICE STABILITRAK
If this message displays, it means there may be a
problem with the StabiliTrak system. If this message
appears, try to reset the system by performing the
following: stop; turn off the engine; then start the engine
again. If this message still comes on, it means there
is a problem. You should see your dealer/retailer
for service. The vehicle is safe to drive, however, you
do not have the benet of StabiliTrak, so reduce
your speed and drive accordingly.
SERVICE TIRE MONITOR
On vehicles with the Tire Pressure Monitor System
(TPMS), this message displays if a part on the TPMS
is not working properly. The tire pressure light also
ashes and then remains on during the same ignition
cycle. SeeTire Pressure Light on page 3-34. Several
conditions may cause this message to appear. SeeTire
Pressure Monitor Operation on page 5-69for more
information. If the warning comes on and stays on,
there may be a problem with the TPMS. See your
dealer/retailer.
STABILITRAK ACTIVE
This message displays anytime the StabiliTrak system
activates to maintain vehicle stability. Any combination of
engine speed management, brake traction control,
and stability control displays this message.
STABILITRAK NOT READY
This message may display if driving conditions delay
StabiliTrak system initialization. This is normal. Once the
system initializes, this message will no longer be
displayed on the DIC.
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STABILITRAK OFF
This message displays when you press the StabiliTrak
button for more than ve seconds or when stability
control has been automatically disabled. The StabiliTrak
button is located on the transmission shift handle.
To limit wheel spin and realize the full benets of the
stability enhancement system, you should normally
leave StabiliTrak on. However, you should turn
StabiliTrak off if your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud,
ice, or snow and you want to rock your vehicle to
attempt to free it, or if you are driving in extreme off-road
conditions and require more wheel spin. SeeIf Your
Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on
page 4-20. To turn the StabiliTrak system back on,
press the StabiliTrak button again.
The message may display if the brake system warning light
is on. SeeBrake System Warning Light on page 3-31.
The message turns off as soon as the conditions that
caused the message to be displayed are no longer
present.
TIGHTEN FUEL CAP
This message may display and a chime may sound if
the vehicle’s fuel cap is not tightened properly. Fully
reinstall the fuel cap. SeeFilling the Tank on page 5-8.The diagnostic system can determine if the fuel cap has
been left off or improperly installed. A loose or missing
fuel cap allows fuel to evaporate into the atmosphere.
This message remains on until it is manually cleared
from the DIC display. The DIC message is also
cancelled if the ignition is turned off.
The DIC message and the Service Engine Soon light
may come on again during a second trip if the fuel cap is
still not tightened properly. SeeMalfunction Indicator
Lamp on page 3-34for more information.
TRACTION CONTROL OFF
This message displays when you momentarily press
the StabiliTrak button located on the transmission
shift handle. In this mode, stability control and the
brake-traction control are functional. Engine speed
management will be modied and the driven wheels can
spin more freely. For more details on this mode, see
StabiliTrak
®System on page 4-6.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for 3/4 of a mile (1.2 km). Move the turn
signal/multifunction lever to the off position.
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Your Driving, the Road, and
the Vehicle
Driving for Better Fuel Economy
Driving habits can affect fuel mileage. Here are some
driving tips to get the best fuel economy possible.
Avoid fast starts and accelerate smoothly.
Brake gradually and avoid abrupt stops.
Avoid idling the engine for long periods of time.
When road and weather conditions are appropriate,
use cruise control, if equipped.
Always follow posted speed limits or drive more
slowly when conditions require.
Keep vehicle tires properly inated.
Combine several trips into a single trip.
Replace the vehicle’s tires with the same TPC Spec
number molded into the tire’s sidewall near the size.
Follow recommended scheduled maintenance.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the
unexpected.” The rst step in driving defensively is to
wear your safety belt — SeeSafety Belts: They Are for
Everyone on page 1-10.
{CAUTION:
Assume that other road users (pedestrians,
bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be
careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they
might do and be ready. In addition:
Allow enough following distance between you
and the driver in front of you.
Focus on the task of driving.
Driver distraction can cause collisions resulting in
injury or possible death. These simple defensive
driving techniques could save your life.
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Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows the driver to steer and brake at the same
time. In many emergencies, steering can help more than
even the very best braking.
Brake Assist
This vehicle has a Brake Assist feature designed to
assist the driver in stopping or decreasing vehicle speed
in emergency driving conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake control module to
supplement the power brake system under conditions
where the driver has quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly stop or slow down
the vehicle. The stability system hydraulic brake control
module increases brake pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates. Minor brake pedal
pulsations or pedal movement during this time is normal
and the driver should continue to apply the brake pedal
as the driving situation dictates The Brake Assist feature
will automatically disengage when the brake pedal is
released or brake pedal pressure is quickly decreased.
StabiliTrak®System
The vehicle has the StabiliTrak system which combines
antilock brake, traction and stability control systems and
helps the driver maintain directional control of the vehicle
in most driving conditions.
Traction control activates when the controller senses
wheel spin. StabiliTrak will selectively apply the brakes
and reduce engine torque to help regain traction.
Stability control activates when the controller senses a
discrepancy between the intended path and the direction
the vehicle is travelling. StabiliTrak selectively applies
braking pressure at any one of the vehicle’s brakes to
help guide the vehicle in the intended direction.
When you rst start the vehicle and begin to drive away,
the system performs several diagnostic checks to insure
there are no problems. The system may be heard or felt
while it is working. This is normal and does not mean
there is a problem with the vehicle. If driving conditions
delay system initialization, the STABILITRAK NOT
READY message may be displayed on the Driver
Information Center (DIC). If this is the case, the vehicle
does not need servicing.
For more information on the stability messages, see
DIC Warnings and Messages on page 3-45.
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When the StabiliTrak
system is both on and
actively controlling the
stability of the vehicle, the
StabiliTrak light will blink for
the duration of the event.
The system may be heard or felt while it is working.
This is normal.
The StabiliTrak disable
button is located on the
transmission shift handle.
The StabiliTrak system has three modes of operation:
STABILITRAK ON, TRACTION CONTROL OFF,
and STABILITRAK OFF.
STABILITRAK ON — The vehicle will default to
STABILITRAK ON every time the driver starts the
vehicle. The StabiliTrak light will be off and no DIC
messages will be displayed.TRACTION CONTROL OFF — The driver can modify
the engine speed management system by momentarily
pressing the StabiliTrak button on the transmission shift
handle. The StabiliTrak light will come on and TRACTION
CONTROL OFF will be displayed. Momentarily pressing
the StabiliTrak button again will return the system to the
STABILITRAK ON mode.
STABILITRAK OFF — The driver can turn off StabiliTrak
by pressing the StabiliTrak button for more than
ve seconds. The StabiliTrak light will come on and
STABILITRAK OFF will be displayed. For vehicles
without a DIC, the StabiliTrak indicator light will come
on. Momentarily pressing the StabiliTrak button
again will return the system to the STABILITRAK ON
mode. See StabiliTrak Off below for more information.
Traction Control Off
In this mode, stability control and brake-traction control
are functional. Engine speed management will be
modied and the driven wheels can spin more freely.
This can cause the brake-traction control to activate
more frequently. If the controller detects excessive wheel
spin in this mode, the StabiliTrak indicator light may
blink and the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message may be
displayed to warn the driver that damage may occur
to the transfer case.
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StabiliTrak Off
In this mode, both stability control and part of the
traction control system are disabled. The vehicle will still
have brake-traction control, but will not be able to use
the engine speed management system. System
noises maybe heard as a result of the brake-traction
control coming on. If the controller detects excessive
wheel spin in this mode, the StabiliTrak indicator
light may blink and the STABILITRAK ACTIVE message
may be displayed to warn the driver that damage
may occur to the transfer case.It is recommended to leave the system on for normal
driving conditions, but it may be necessary to turn the
system off if the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice or
snow, and you may want to “rock” the vehicle in an
attempt to free it. It may also be necessary to turn off the
system when driving in extreme off-road conditions where
high wheel spin is required. SeeIf Your Vehicle is Stuck
in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-20for more
information.
The following chart describes the StabiliTrak system
events and the corresponding messages and lights that
will be displayed on the instrument panel cluster.
StabiliTrak Indicator
Light DIC Message Event
Off NoneStabiliTrak On mode (System is fully enabled, but is not
actively controlling vehicle stability).
Solid Traction Control Off Traction Control Off Mode
Solid StabiliTrak OffStabiliTrak Off Mode (StabiliTrak indicator light will ash
when system rst enters this mode).
Blinking StabiliTrak ActiveStabiliTrak system activates using engine speed
management, brake traction control, and/or stability control.
Solid Service StabiliTrak StabiliTrak system is disabled due to a system fault.
Solid StabiliTrak Not Ready StabiliTrak system is disabled due to a failure to initialize.
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