Saab 1992 900 User manual

Saab 900
. ,~ ..
Owner's Manual M 1992
•-

Owner's Manual
Saab 900 -1992
(i",
"'Saab Automobile AB 1991
Technlcal PubliGitlons. Saab Automobile AB Trollhanan. Sweden
Primed by- Vastergorlands Tryckerl AB, Skara

-
Main instrument panel Windshield washer stalk Cabin fan
Driver's seal healer rheostat
(900S, Turbo)
Fog light switch (optional)
~ Air distribution control
Tum signal/high beam stalk Hazard warning
Horn contects
Rear window defogger
Heated rear view mirrors
(900S. Turbo only)
Recirculation swItch
AC switch
Ignition key

--
2
Sun visors/vanity mirror,
36
Instruments and Starting and driving
Magazine pockets . . , . 36
controls Sunroof 36
Rear view mirrors, 37 Ignition and gear selector
lock. 50
Power windows 38 Starting the engine
50
Instruments 6 Audio equipment . , ,
...... 38 Running In . 52
Warning and indicator lights.
7 58ab anti-theft security system, 39 Gear selector lever 52
Lighting switches. . ...
10
Gear changing.
53
Wiper and washer controls
13
Braking 55
Climate control sYstem. 14
Parking 56
Doors, locks and Catalytic converter precautions. 56
luggage compartment Cruise control
57
Interior equipment
58
Economical driving
Driving
In winter weather 56
Doors and locks.
44
Seats.
20
Driving with the compact spare
Central locking system
44
Seat belts
22
wheel fitted 59
Saab 900 Sedan trunk with
Child safety. 24
Towing a trailer 60
central locking.
46
Towing a disabled vehicle. 61
Supplementary restraint Cargo space expansion
47
system. 26
Hood. 48
Convertible lop operation
instructions.
28
Ashtrays. 34
Cigarette lighter
35
Glove compartment. 35

Car care and technical
information
Engine. 64
Emission control systems. 64
Turbocharger and APe system
with intercooler 68
Fuel. 69
Engine oil 69
Transm'lss"lOn oil 71
Coolant 72
Steering 73
Brakes (ASS) 74
Battery _ 76
Booster cable connections 76
Alternator 77
Ignition systems 77
Wipers 78
Headlights. bulbs 80
Fuses 83
Wheels and tires 84
Air conditioning 88
Appearance care _ 89
Rust prevention 92
Maintenance and
owner assistance
Maintenance schedule. 94
Owner assistance. 95
Reporting safety defects. 96
Vehicle maintenance program 97
Specifications
General, 102
Engine oil 103
Engine 103
Fuel supply 104
Cooling system 104
Electrical
system 105
Fuses and relays 105
Replacement bulbs 107
Manual transmission 108
Automatic transmission 108
Brake system 108
3
Suspension 109
Power steering 109
Wheel
alignment,
109
Wheels and tires,
110
Car identification.
111
Index . .112
Troubleshooting and
Service Station
Information . . . . .
.. 114

4
. .,
Introduction
Your Saab is a product of Saab Automobile
AS which has its main production and de-
velopment center in Tro!lhattan, Sweden.
Certain Saab models are produced in Fin-
land.
Jmportalion and distribution
01 Saab auto-
mobiles, spare parts and accessories in
the
United States are handled exclusively by
Saab Cars USA, Inc., headquartered in
Orange, Connecticut
In Canada, importation and distribution 01
Saab automobiles, spare parts and acces-
sories are handled exclusively
by General
Motors of Canada
ltd., headquartered in
Oshawa, Ontario.
This manual lor
the Saab 900 provides
some practical advice on driving and caring
for your car. A technical description of the
various systems
is given in a special sec-
tion. The manual also describes the most
important differences between model ver-
sions.
" !,' I, I
fl. _ _' .: • I
' •• 1 I. " _ .: I •
'. -.(
CAUTION!
Indicates the potential for damage to your
Saab if you
do not follow the directions in
the caution.
NOTE
Provides helpful information.
Read through the manual before taking the
car out for
the first time, then keep it iii the
car for future reference.
A list of contents is provided lor each sec-
tion of
the manual and there is also a com-
prehensive index
at the back.
Also supplied with the car are a Warranties
& Service Record Booklet. Audio System
Manual and a tire warranty folder.
You
should also become familiar with this ma-
terial.
Since
the policy at Saab Automobile AS is
one of continual improvement, we retain the
right
to incorporate modifications and alter
specifications during production without
prior notice.
Best Wishes.
Saab Automobile AB
NOle, The radIO shown in some 01 lhe photographs In this
manual dillers Irom thaI which Is standard equipmenl
on
U,S. and Canadlall modals. A Sepo.ro.le audio manual Is
provided,
NOle:
Tl1e slaerlng wheel shown in some of the photo-
graphs
In lhis mallual differs from lhal Which Is stlllldard
Oil U.S.
alld CanadIan models,

5Instruments and controls
Instruments
and controls
Instruments 6
Warning and indicator lights 7
Lighting switches ......... 10
Wiper and washer controls ... 13
Climate control system. . . . . . 14

6 Instruments and controls
Instru1ment panel
2 34 25
Combination instrument
1 Clock and tachometer
2 Warning and indicator lights
3 Turn signal indicator lamp
4 Speedometer, odometer and trip
meier'
5 Pressure gauge (Turbo)
6 Tomperature gauge
7 Fuel gauge
8 Dimmer, instrument panel lighting
9 Reset button tor trip meter
10 Clock adjustment knob
• U.S speedometer/odomeler shown.
Canadian speedometer/odometor displays
km/h and
km only.
Fuel gauge
This gauge accurately measures the quan-
tity of fuel remaining in the tank.
Temperature gauge
The temperature gauge indicates the tem-
perature
of the coolant. After the initial
warming-up period, the needle should gen-
erally indicate normal running temperature.
If the needle repeatedly approaches the red
zone, stop the car immediately and check
the coolant level.
CAUTION I
Do not operate the engine at full throttle
until the needle on the temperature gauge
has entered the green zone.

7Instruments and controls
Speedometer, odometer and trip
meter
The speedometer indicates road speed on
the primary scale in miles per hour. A sec-
ondary scale in orange indicates kilometers
per hour. The odometer records the dis-
tance
in miles, and lhe trip meter in miles
and tenths.
The reset button for the trip meter is located
in the lower section of the meter. Push to
reset.
Pressure gauge, Turbo
The pressure gauge indicates the charging
pressure
in Ihe inlet manifold. At lowengine
loads and during engine deceleration, a
vacuum will be present in the manifold.
In
such cases, movement of the needle will be
within the white zone.
At increased loads or
engine speeds, the turbo compressor will
increase the charging pressure in the inlet
manifold.
In this case, the needle will move
into the orange zone.
The charging pressure will not normally be
high enough
to cause the needle to enter
the red zone, since the engine is equipped
with a charging pressure regulator (waste-
gate). However, under full load and with
sufficiently high fuel octane, the needle may
briefly enter the red zone. There is also an
overpressure safety switch
10 protect
against excessive pressure which could
damage the engine.
Tachometer and clock
The tachometer indicates the speed of the
engine in thousands of revolutions per
minute. The RPM range for economical op-
eration is indicated
in green on the tachom-
eter. Driving within this range aids in
achieving best possible fuel economy. The
needle should only be allowed to enter the
broken red zone for brief periods. It must
never enter the red zone. A safety device
limits engine speed
to approximately 6000
rpm.
Warning and indicator
lights
All of the waming lights and some of the in"
dicator lights will come on as the ignition
switch
is turned to start the vehicle. The
lights should then all extinguish within a few
moments afterthe engine hasbeen started.
I (!) I High beam indicator light
This light will glow when the headlights are
switched to high beam.
BRAKE FLUID Warning
Light

....
8 Instruments and controls
The BRAKE FLUID warning light will illumi-
nate when the fluid level in brake fluid res-
ervoir falls too low. If
the light comes on,
stop the car at the nearest safe opportunity
and check the level of the brake fluid
in the
reservoir. Ifthe BRAKE FLUID warning light
remains
on, the car should not be driven
and should
be checked and corrected im-
mediately by an authorized Saab dealer.
NOTE!
The fluid level gradually lowers as the
brake pads wear. Blinking of the light may
indicate that the pads are due for replace-
ment.
~ ANTI LOCK Warning
~ Light
The ANTI LOCKwaming lightwill illuminate
when a problem
or fault occurs in the anti-
lock braking system. When the ANTI LOCK
warning light illuminates and the BRAKE
FLUID warning light does not, the anti-lock
braking system will deactivate and the
ve-
hicle will revert to a standard braking sys-
tem withoul the benefit of the anti-lock fea-
tures. The car should be checked and
corrected immediately by an authorized
Saab dealer.
Handbrake indicator light
This light will glow when the handbrake is
applied.
Chalige warning light
This light will come on when the battery is
not being charged. If the light comes on
while you are driving, stop at the earliest
safe opportunity, switch off the engine and
check the condition of the alternator drive
belt. A loose or missing belt can affect en·
gine cooling and the charging system.
Indl,cator light, electric
rear window defroster
This light will glow when the rear window
defroster is switched on. The light wilt au-
tomatically extinguish after approximately
10 minutes \0 prevent unnecessarytemper.
ature loading ot the rear glass. The light
also indicates heated mirror operation.

9
,,' Shift indicator light
(U.S models only)
This light is fitted to cars with manual trans-
mission. The light tells you when
you can
get better fuel economy by shifting to a
higher gear. See page 53.
Fuel control system
warning light
This light will come on if there is an electri-
cal malfunction in the fuel injection system.
In the eventof aserious malfunction, aback
up system
in the conlrol unit will lake over,
enabling the car
to continue ils journey wilh
somewhat diminished performance. This
lighl may also indicale
an emission conlrol
syslem fault
or, in naturally-aspirated cars,
a faull
in the ignition system.
Should the "Check engine" light illuminate
and stay on, please have the problem
checked
by your Saab dealer as soon as
possible.
Oil pressure warning
light (engine oil)
This light will come on if the engine oil pres-
sure drops
too low. If 1he light blinks or
comes on while you are driving, stop the car
immediately, switch off the engine and
check
the oil level. If the oilligh1 stays on,
do not drive the vehicle under any circum-
stances, even if the oil level is correct, as
severe engine damage can result.
[i] Low fuel warning light
This lamp will glow continuously when the
quantity of gasoline in the fuel tank is less
1I1an approximately 1.8 U.S. gallons (7 Ii-
lers). Refuel at your next oppurtunity.
If tho fuel tank has run dry,
a11east1 .5 gal-
lons
(6 liters) of fuel will have to be added
for the engine
to be started when the car is
standing on level ground. If the car is on a
slope,
as much as 3 gallons (11 liters) may
have
to be added.
Instruments and controls
Cruise control indication
CRurSE
This light indicates tha1 the cruise control
switch is in the
ON position. If 1he RESU ME
portion of the cruise control switch is de-
pressed while the light is on
the car may re-
vert to a preViously set speed.
Supplementary Restraint
System
A blinking or steady glow indicates a fault
in the Supplementary Restraint System.
The system should
be checked and cor-
reeled immediately
by a Saab dealer. When
the light remains on, the SRS (driver'S side
airbag) may not
be activated in an accident.
The light is illuminated for a lew seconds
when the ignition
is turned to the start or
drive position.
In the event of a collision severe enough to
deploy the SAS, the SRS warning light will
flash for 5 seconds and then remain
lit.

10 Instruments and controls
Lighting switches
Headlight switch
The headlight switch has three positions:
The lighting is off.
-Parking lights on.
-Headlights and parking
lights
On.
-
Daytime Running Lights (optional
in the U.S, standard in Canada)
On cars equipped with the optional Daytime
Running lights the three headlight switch
positions provide the fOllowing combina-
tions with the ignition switch in the on po-
sition:
1_ Daytime running lights
III Daytime running lights
_ Headlights and parking lights Switch for headlights, parking lights
SG 910
and optional daytime running lights
Daytime Running Lights are essentially
identical to the regular low beam headlights
except that they cannot be switched \0 a
constant high beam. The high-beam "flash"
function remains, however. Your Saab
dealer
can activate this feature by installing
an extra cost system relay.
The Canadian Federal Government
be-
lieves that Daytime Running Lights are a
useful feature,
in that they make your vehi-
cle more visible
to pedestrians and other
drivers during daylight hours. Daytime
Run-
ning Lights are standard on new vehicles
sold in Canada.

Instruments and controls 11
Fog lights (If equipped)
The fog lights are located under the front
bumper
and are provided with protective
covers. Keep the lights covered when
n01
in use.
The
fog light switch is located below the
headlight switch. To tum
on the fog lights,
rotate
the headlight switch to either the
parking light or headlight position and push
in the fog light switch. The fog lights will n01
be illuminated when the high beams are
switched
on. Push and release the fog light
switch and/orrotate the headlamp switch
to
the off position to tum off the fog lights.
Use of fog lights are sUbject to applicable
state/provincial law. Operation with parking
lights may
be restricted. Amber-colored
lenses are available
as an extra-cost alter-
native where preferred or required. See
your Saab dealer for details.
CAUTION
Use care when parking close to curbs or
snow banks. Contact with the
fog lights
will damage them.
_ Hazard warning
When the switch is pushed on, all direction
indicator lights flash simultaneously. The
hazard warning lights should be used
if the
car constitutes a danger or obstruction to
other road users. The switch flashes
red
when in use.

'" ------:;;:-=---------------~-------------
12 Instruments and controls
Headlight dimmer, high beam
flasher, and turn signal control
The spring loaded lever is moved towards
the steering wheel to switch from high
beam or vice versa. The same action pro-
vides a warning high beam flash when the
headlights are switched off. A blue indica-
tor light glows whenever the high beams
are
on. The turn signals and cornering
lights are operated by moving the lever in
the direction
in which the steering wheel is
turned. "Lane change" detents are pro-
vided.
1 Flash headlight, high beams
2 Left turn signal
3 Right turn signal
SG966A
Instrument panel lighting
The instrument panel lighting is switched on
and off with the headlight switch. Separate
dimmer controls are supplied for the instru-
ment lighting and control lighting.
InterIor illumination
The interior illumination comprises three
lights located: above the front seats, behind
the rear view mirror, and beside the ignition
switch.
On Convertible models the overhead light
is replaced by two side reading lights
in the
rear speaker panels. The switch
on the con-
sole between the front seats has three po-
sitions:
Forward: Lighting on continously
Middle: Lighting off
Rear: Lighting comes
on when a door is
opened
900S and Turbo models are equipped with
a time delay shut-off for the interior lights.
The lights will remain on for about 15 sec-
onds after
the doors have been closed or
unlil the ignition key is turned on, which
ever occurs first.
Be certain that the interior lights are
switched off when parking the car.
-
Rear reading light (operated by inte- SG 935
rior light SWitch), Convertible
Interior illumination switch
SG 879

Instruments and controls 13
Wiper and washer
controls
The control lever for the windshield wipers
and washer has the following positions:
o
Off position
1 Windshield wiper, intermittent opera-
tion. The wipers will make a sweep
at
intervals of a few seconds. This func-
tion
is particularly useful in light driz-
zle, fog or road spray.
2 Windshield wipers, low speed
3 Windshield wipers, high speed
4 Windshield washer
SG 878
Adjustment of washerjets SG 898
The windshield washer pump will operate
as long as the lever is held loward the steer
..
ing wheel. It the lever is pulled when in the
"wipers-off' position, the washer pump and
the wipers (both windshield and headlight)
will actuate. The wipers will automatically
make a few sweeps after the lever is re-
leased. .
Headlight washers and wipers
The headlight washers and wipers operate
in conjunction with the windshield washers.
Whenever the stalk switch
is pulled towards
the driver, both the windshield and head-
light washers will function.

14 Instruments and controls
Climate control system
-=- Electrically heated rear
.un. window, rear view
mirrors
The rear window defroster grid and outside
rear view mirror heating elements are con-
trolled by means of a push switch near the
center of the instrument panel.
An indicator light glows when the heating is
on. Pushing the switch a second time will
turn off
the defrosters.
The defrosters will also automatically turn
off after approximately 10 minutes of oper-
ation or when the ignition is switched
oH,
whichever occurs first. Do not switch on the
window heating before starting the engine.
Damage to the rear window may result if
the
defroster is operated for a long period of
time when the rear window is dry.
Do not use abrasive cleansers on the inside
of the rear window which may damage the
electrical continuity of
the grid. Avoid plac-
ing hard or sharp objects on the rear win-
dow shelf as the heating wires may easily
be damaged.
-.wiI Seat heater rheostat
Iill!II (driver's side)
The temperature regulation of the driver'~
seat heater is controlled or switched off by
means of the rheostat located below the
headlight switch. The switch has three se.!-
lings of heat output. Choose the one that IS
most comfortable.
The backrest and cushion of
the passen-
ger's seats have thermostat-controlled
electric heating elements that warm up au-
tomatically when the ignition is switched on.
The thermostat ensures that
the heaters
are switched off when the temperature
ex-
ceeds 82°F (28°C).

Instruments and controls 15
Ventilation system
The Saab 900 has a sophisticated flow
through ventilation system. Airenters at the
right hood louver and exits at the rear quar-
ter panel grilles and/or behind the rear
bumper. All incoming air passes through
the AC evaporator, and except for air chan-
neled to the center panel vent, then passes
through the heatercore. All system controls
are located
in the center of the instrument
panel. The three panel vents are adjustable
directionally and have individual thumb
wheel shut
oH switches (0 = Off).
1 Fan switch
2 Temperature control
3 Air distribution control
Air vents
1 Defroster vents
2 Side vents
3 Central panel vents (unheated air only)
4 Floor vents
Control functions
See the chari on the following page for rec-
ommended climate conlrol settings.
4
Ell Fan switch
The heater fan has four speeds. Speeds
one,
two and Ihree are controlled by the fan
switch. Speed four (maximum) is automat-
ically used when the air distribution selec-
tor
is moved to the "Max Vent" position. The
fan may
be completely shut off by selecting
"0"
on the distribution selector.

----- ,.-
16 Instruments and controls
Temperature control
All incoming air except that channeled to
the center panel vent passes through the
heater core. The temperature control regu-
lates the amount of heat added to the air by
controlling the flow of heated engine cool-
ant through
the core. Turning the rotary
knob clockwise increases the temperature.
The 6 o'clock position (blue spot) turns off
the coolant flow permitting unheated air 10
reach all vents.
l1li Air distribution selector
The rotary switch controls distribution of the
incoming air. Clockwise from {) o'c1ock the
positions are
"Off' (fresh air intake closed, fan off), Max
Vent
(fan on fourth speed), Panel Vent,
Floor Vent, Floor, Bi-Level and Defrost.
Air Conditioning
Saab air conditioning is standard on 900
models. Vehicles equipped with AC have
an AC on(oH switch and a recirculation
switch on the instrument panel. an auxiliary
electric radiator cooling
fan and a high cool-
ant temperature cut-oul.
The electronic fuel injection system also
has
an AutomaticIdle Control system which
automatically adjusts
the idle regardless of
the engine load. The compressor is a cy-
cling clutch type.
Run the air conditioner a
few minutes occasionally during the winter
to ensure proper compressor seal lubrica-
tion.
" , i
\ ~ , • I "'" , • I ~ •
. -, ,
. .
Switches for the air conditioning system
1 On/oH
2 Air recirculation
....
• AC On/Off switch
Push in to engage AC compressor. Com-
pressor will not switch
on below 38°F (3°C).
Push a second time to turn the compressor
off. Starting of the air conditioner compres-
sor is delayed for a short period of time
when the engine is started. in order
to avoid
applying additional load to the engine.
H Rec'irculation switch
The recirculation switch closes the fresh air
intake and opens the recirculation flap
to
recirculate the air inside the car. This fea-
ture is intended for use when maximum
cooling
is required or to avoid exhaust
fumes being drawn into the ventilation sys-
tem when the car
is in slow moving traffic.
NOTE!
Do n01 use recirculation in cold weather
as this may cause ice or mist to form on
the windshield and side windows.

Instruments and controls 17
Climate system tips
Defogging windows· Switching on the AC
compressor in combination with turning up
the temperature control will accelerate de-
fogging. The recirculation sWitch should
be
off.
Defrosting windshield -For maximum ef-
fect. turn the temperature control fully
clockwise and the air distribution control to
twelve o'clock. Increase the fan speed as
the air begins to warm up.
Heat
plus fresh air -On a long winterdrive,
cool air directed toward the face can help
fight drowsiness. Select the nine o'clock
position on the air distribution control and
adjust the center panel vent to suit.
AC modulation -For maximum cooling,
engage both the
AC and recirculation
switches and select the seven o'clock po-
sition
on the air distribution control.
The temperature control should be fully
counter clockwise to the blue spot. As the
desired comfort level
is reached, switch the
air distribution to eight o'clock, disengage
the recirculation and adjust fan speed to
suit.
To maintain comfort on moderate
days, add heat to the outer vents by turning
up the temperature control part way. Direct
the fully cold
ai rfrom the centervont toward
the rear, between the front seats, or close it
with the thumb wheel switch on the vent it-
self.

Defroster vents
open.
Floor and defroster
vents open.
Floor vents open.
Central panel venl
closed.
Maximum air flow for
rapid cooling. All
panel vents fully
open. Floor vents
closed. The fan runs
automatically at max-
imum speed.
All panel vents fully
open. Floor vents
closed.
Floor vents and centrol panel
vents fully open.