Saab 2000 9-3 User manual

1
Owner’s Manual
Saab 9-3 M2000
© Saab Automobile AB 1999
Service Readiness, Saab Automobile AB, Trollhättan, Sweden
Printed in Sweden
Safety 11
Security 29
Convertible 41
Instruments and controls 53
Saab 9-3 Audio System 89
Interior equipment, trunk 111
Starting and driving 133
Car care 167
Maintenance and owner assistance 211
Technical data 219
Index 233

2
Introduction
Thismanualprovidespracticalguidanceon
driving and caring for your Saab.
The Saab 9-3 is available with a 2.0l
turbo-engine, 185 hp or 205 hp or a 2.3l
turbo-engine, 230 hp.
Although the manual describes the most
important differences between model vari-
ants, it does not include precise specifica-
tions of the different variants. Some differ-
ences also occur to meet special legal
requirements in different countries.
Importation and distribution of Saab auto-
mobiles, spare parts and accessories are
handled exclusively by General Motors of
Canada Limited in Canada and by Saab
Cars USA, Inc. in the U.S.A.
We recommend that you read through the
manualbeforetaking the caroutforthefirst
timeandthatyoukeepitinthecarforfuture
reference.
To find a specific item, use the overviews
given on pages 3-6. A list of contents is
givenatthebeginningofeachsectionofthe
manual, and there is also a comprehensive
index at the back of the book.
Supplied with the car is a Warranties and
Service Record booklet and a tire warranty
folder which specifies the regular mainte-
nance to be carried out. The book also con-
tains important warranty conditions.:
Since the policy at Saab is one of continual
improvement, we retain the right to incorpo-
ratemodificationsandtoalterspecifications
during production without prior notice.
Ifyouhaveanyqueriesconcerningyourcar,
its equipment, the warranty conditions or
the like, your Saabdealer willbe pleased to
help.
Best wishes,
Saab Automobile AB
The fitting of accessories that are not approved
by Saab Automobile AB can damage other parts
of the car.
The specifications, design particulars and illus-
trations included in the manual are not binding.
WARNING
WARNINGtextswarnagainstthedanger
of injury if the specified instructions are
not followed.
NOTE
NOTE texts warn of potential damage to
the car if the recommendations are not
followed.
IB730

3
Instrument panel
High/low beam ________________ 71
Parking lights __________________ 71
Daytime running lights ___________ 71
Changing bulbs _______________ 181
High/low beam control stalk 71
Direction indicators _______ 72
Cruise Control __________ 148
Rear fog light ___________ 73
Front fog lights___________ 73
Instrument lighting ________ 74
Warning and indicator lights _____ 54
Tachometer __________________ 59
Speedometer _________________ 59
Odometer and trip meter ________ 59
Gauge showing turbo pressure ___ 60
Fuel gauge __________________ 61
Temperature gauge ____________ 60
IB731
Ashtrays ___________________ 123
Cigarette lighter ______________ 123
Trip computer
(Saab Information Display, SID) __ 62
Night panel __________________ 63
Clock ____________________ 64, 70
Washers and wipers ______ 74
Rear-window wiper _______ 75
Replacing wiper blades __ 179
Audio system____________ 90
Cassette player __________ 96
CD player ______________ 99
Hazard warning lights _____ 72
Climate control system:
manual _______________ 76
Climate control system:
automatic _____________ 80
Car care ______________ 167
Seat heating controls ____ 118
Steering-wheel-mounted
controls, Audio System __ 105

4
Exterior
Sunroof _______________ 120
Convertible _____________ 42
Washing the car ________ 201
Waxing and polishing ____ 202
Touching-up of paintwork _ 202
Anticorrosion treatment ___ 203
Service program ________ 215
Taillights ______________ 183
Stop lights _____________ 183
Light switches ___________ 71
Changing bulbs _________ 181
Towing ________________ 160
Towrope attachment eyes _ 160
Towing a trailer _________ 156
Trunk lid lock ___________ 125
Lowering the rear seat ____ 125
Trunk _________________ 128
Spare wheel ___________ 130
Tools _________________ 130
Lighting _______________ 183
Driving with a roof rack load ____ 158
Mounting of roof rack __________ 158
Maximum loads ______________ 220
Hood release handle __________ 168
Engine compartment: washing __ 201
Central locking __________ 30
Interior locking buttons ____ 31
Trunk lock ______________ 33
Child safety lock catch ____ 33
Car alarm (Anti-theft alarm) 35
Headlight switches _______ 71
High/low beam control stalk 71
Turn signal & lane change
indicators ______________ 72
Headlamp wipers _______ 180
Changing bulbs ________ 181
Fuel filler door __________ 138
Refuelling _____________ 138
Fuel grade ____________ 224
Fuel gauge _____________ 61
Fuel economy __________ 153
Tires & Rims_____________ 192 / 227
Driving in cold weather ________ 154
Brakes and braking ___________ 149
Compact spare wheel _________ 195
Changing a wheel ____________ 196

5
Interior
Power steering _________ 226
Steering-wheel adjustment 118
Airbag _________________ 22
Internal rearview mirror ________ 124
Door mirrors ________________ 124
Vanity mirror ________________ 122
Safety belts _____________ 12
Safety-belt care ________ 199
Airbag _________________ 22
Child seats _____________ 18
Child safety lock catch ____ 33
Glove compartment _____ 123
Gear changing _________ 141
Manual transmission ____ 141
Automatic transmission __ 141
IB1353
Seat adjustment ________ 112
Safety belts _____________ 12
Seat heating ___________ 118
Rear seat _____________ 125
Folding down the rear seat 125
Child seats _____________ 18
Upholstery: cleaning _____ 200
Interior lighting switch _________ 121
Interior lighting: changing bulbs __ 185
Center console ______________ 119
Electric windows _____________ 119
Sunroof ____________________ 120
Convertible __________________ 42
Ignition switch _______________ 134
Starting the engine ___________ 135
Engine break-in period ________ 140
Parking ____________________ 151
Driving in hot/cold weather _____ 154

6
Engine bay: turbo
Warning labels ___________ 7
V.I.N. number __________ 229
Engine number _________ 229
Gearbox number ________ 229
Color coding ___________ 229
Ignition system _________ 225
Drive belt ______________ 179
Alternator _____________ 179
Spark plugs ____________ 225
Catalytic converter ______ 137
Simple fault tracing
(A/C, ACC) ____________ 207
Turbo-compressor ________ 60
Pressure gauge __________ 60
Important considerations
for driving _____________ 136
Technical data: engine ___ 223
Manual transmission __________ 173
Automatic transmission ________ 173
Transmission oil ______________ 173
Gearbox: technical data ________ 226
Battery _____________________ 177
Battery charge _______________ 177
Jump starting ________________ 162
IB733
Engine: description ____________ 168
Engine oil, level control
and topping up _______________ 172
Engine oil: changing ___________ 172
Oil grade, viscosity ____________ 223
Washer fluid ___________ 180
Topping up with fluid _____ 180
Washer jets ___________ 180
Wiper/washer control stalk _ 74
Steering servo _______________ 177
Fluid checking
and topping up ______________ 177
Coolant, checking
and topping up ________ 174
Coolant, changing ______ 175
Temperature gauge ______ 60
Driving in hot weather ____ 156
Driving in cold weather ___ 154
Fuse panels ___________ 187
Changing a fuse ________ 187
Table of fuses __________ 189
Relays _______________ 191
Brake system ________________ 227
Brake fluid __________________ 176
Brake pads __________________ 176
ABS brakes _________________ 149

7
WL4
Coolant:
Never open while engine is hot.
Escaping coolant under pressure can cause
serious injuries.
WL3
Drive belt:
Danger! Moving belt
WL2
Radiator fan:
The radiator fan can cut in even
afterenginehasbeenswitchedoff.
Battery:
Contains corrosive sulphuric acid (40%)
• FLAMMABLE GASES formed when car is running and during charging of battery
• Always wear eye and face protection when working on the battery
• Smoking, open flames and sparks can all cause battery to explode
• Consult the manual before using jumper cables.
• Battery acid can cause SERIOUS BURNS
• Keep battery upright
• Avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing
• In the event of an accident, flush affected area promptly with water and seek medical help.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
Warning labels
WL1
A/C system:
Refrigerant at high pressure.
Do not undo or remove any connections in the A/C system
untilthesystemhasbeenemptied.Workingthewrong way
mayresultin injury.Workonthe A/C system mustbeleft
toqualifiedpersonnelonly.Forworkinginstructions,see
the Workshop Handbook.
The A/C system complies with SAE J639.
Refrigerant: 770 g of R134a.
Compressor oil: 150 cc PAG Oil SP-10, or
SAAB oil 4759106 SP-10.
WL36
• AVOID SPARKS, AVOID OPEN FLAMES, NO SMOKING
• KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
• SEE MANUAL
• PROTECT YOUR EYES
• FLAMMABLE GAS
• ACID

8
Long loads
AlwaysSECURE LOAD to prevent itfromshift-
ing during transport.
An unsecured load could cause passenger
injuriesinbrakingsituationsorintheeventofa
collision.
Cover sharp edges with a protective wrap.
• Max. weight 30 lbs. (15 kg).
• Max. length 6 ft. (2 metres).
See your Owner’s Manual before securing
loads.
IB989
Belt beam
Warning for pinch risk due to
movable parts when beam is in
unlocked position.
WARNING
WL9
Wheel changing:
Intended for the Saab 9-5 and 9-3. Use the jack
only on firm, level ground. Use blocks. Max. jack
load:2200 lbs.(1000 kg). For furtherinformation,
see the manual.
IB994
AIR BAG
WARNING
Flip visor over
50 10 111
WARNING
DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur.
• Children 12 andunder can be killed by the air bag.
• The BACK SEAT is the SAFEST place for children.
• NEVER put a rear-facing child seat in the front.
• Sit as far back as possible from the air bag.
• ALWAYS use SEAT BELT and CHILD RESTRAINTS
IB1195
USA
CANADA
USA
CANADA

9
WL16
Childlocksafetycatch
Locked.
Thedoorcannotbeopened
from inside.
IB963
Jack
–Thejack isdesignedsolelyforuse inchanging awheel
or fitting snow chains.
– The car must be standing level and the jack must be
positioned on a firm, level surface.
– Never crawl underthe car while it is raised on the jack.
USE
1 Apply the parking brake and engage first or reverse
gear;if thecarhasautomatictransmission,selectP.
2 Fit the jack at the jacking point nearest to the wheel
that is to be changed.
3 Wind up the jack until the car just begins to lift.
4 If there is a wheel cover, remove it by inserting a
screwdriver behind it and prying it off.
5 Loosen the wheel bolts by half a turn, using the tool
in the toolkit.
6 Windupthejacksothatthewheelclearstheground.
Unscrew all the wheel bolts and take the wheel off.
7 Fit the spare wheel and tighten the wheel bolts
enough for the bolts and wheel to seat correctly.
8 Lower the car. Tighten the wheel bolts in the
sequence shown by the figure.
IB934
Soft top, Saab 9-3
Convertible
Pushthehandleinbefore
driving away.
Therewouldotherwisebe
a risk of injury.
Keep hands away from moving parts of the
convertible top.
Failure to do so may cause personal injury.
Do not raise or lower top with passengers in
the rear seat.
Personalinjurymayresultfromheadcontact
with top.

10

11
Safety
Safety belts...................... 12
Child safety...................... 18
Airbag (Supplemental
RestraintSystem"SRS") 22
IB1301

12 Safety
Safety belts
Three-point inertia-reel safetybelts are pro-
vided for all seats.
Research has established that it is danger-
ous for rear-seat passengers not to wear
their safety belts.
Otherwise, in the event of an accident, the
rear-seat passengers can be thrown for-
ward against the front-seat backrests,
imposing much higher stresses on the
front-seat passengers and belts and result-
inginneedlessinjurytoeveryone inthecar.
Safety-belt reminder
Whentheignitionisswitchedon,the”fasten
belts”reminderwilllightupfor 6 secondsor
until the driver and any passengers are
wearing their belts. An audible alarm will
alsosoundforsixsecondsoruntilthedriver
has fastened his belt.
WARNING
Safety belts must be worn at all timesby
all car occupants. Child safety, see page
18.
Check that the tongue of the belt lock
engages properly.
The A-pillar area (area beside the wind-
shield) and the headlining of your Saab
containpaddingdesignedtoreducehead
injuries (3 or 5-door only). No modifica-
tions to these areas should be made
unless done so by your authorized Saab
dealer.
WARNING
For safety reasons, you should adjust
safety belts only while the car is station-
ary.
FASTEN BELTS
IB1302

13Safety
Safety-belt pretensioners
The belts of the front seats are fitted with
automatic pretensioners, which are acti-
vated in the event of a severe frontal colli-
sion or very violent rear-end collision. They
serve to reduce the forward movement of
the body by tensioning the belt.
The belt pretensioners do not activate in
lessseverefrontalcollisions,nortosidecol-
lisions, or rollovers.
Correct position for safety belt
• The lap part of the belt should be pulled
as tightly as comfortable and as low as
possible across the hips, so that it is just
touching the top of the thighs. The shoul-
der beltshould be well in on the shoulder
but not touching the neck.
• Checktoensurethatthebeltisnottwisted
or rubbing against any sharp edges.
• There should not be any slack in the belt.
Pull the belt tight – particularly important
when thick outer clothing is worn.
• Refrainfromtiltingthebackrestmorethan
necessary, as the safety belt provides
better protection when the seat is in the
more upright position.
• Only one person per safety belt!
• For most of the time a safety beltis worn,
theretractorwillallowthewearerfreedom
ofmovement.Theretractor locksupauto-
matically if the belt is jerkedor withdrawn
sharply, the car tilts, the brakes are
applied hard or a collision occurs.
WARNING
If the car is involved in a collision, the
safetybelts, belt pretensionersand other
components must be inspected by an
authorized Saab dealer and replaced as
necessary.
Never make any alterations or repairs to
thesafetybeltyourselfbutvisitanauthor-
ized Saab dealer.
WARNING
Proper positioning of the safety belt is
extremely important. An out of position
safetybeltcanresultinthewearersliding
underneath the belt in a collision (subma-
rining) and injury can result from the lap
portion cutting into the abdomen.
WARNING
If two people share a belt,they risk injury
by being crushed together in the event of
an accident.
IB816
Sit correctly before putting the belt on

14 Safety
• Children who have grown out of a child
seat should be restrained by the car’s
standardthree-pointbelts.Makesurethat
theshoulderbeltis notin contactwiththe
neck or throat.If it is, a booster seat/cush-
ion may be necessary.
Front seat belts
Fastenthebeltbypullingthebeltandinsert-
ing the tongue in thebuckle. Check that itis
securely fastened.
Because the lower belt-anchorage points
are on the seat, the belt buckle follows the
movement of the seat during seat adjust-
ment.
Grasp the shoulder belt close to the buckle
and pull the belt towards the shoulder to
tighten the lap belt part.
Thebeltmustbeasfarinontheshoulderas
possible.
To release the belt, press the red button on
the belt buckle, as illustrated.
See page 199 for the checking of belt func-
tion, cleaning etc.
WARNING
Never fasten the safety belt with the
shoulder belt behind the body or pull the
belt off the shoulder and under the arm.
IB817
To fasten the belt
IB1305
Press the red button to release the belt.

15Safety
Belt guide
The belt guide on the door pillar can be set
to five different heights.
Set the guide as high as possible without
causing the belt to chafe against the throat.
In the case of a short person the guide can
be lowered until the belt comes about an
inch (a few centimetres) from the throat but
still provides safe restraint.
Raise the belt guide by pushing it upwards
to the desired position. To lower it, the
release button must first be depressed.
Checkthatithasengagedinitsnewposition
by pulling up and down.
Safety belt use during pregnancy
Pregnant women must always wear a
safety belt to protect both themselves and
the unborn child.
Thelapportionofthebeltshouldbewornas
low as possible across thehips – below the
abdomen throughout the pregnancy.
IB818
The belt guide on the door pillar
IB819

16 Safety
Safety belts, rear seat
Three-point safety belts are provided for all
three rear-seat passengers (2 for Convert-
ible model).
Fasten the belts by pulling the belt across
youandinsertingthetongueintothebuckle.
Check that it is securely fastened.
Grasp the shoulder belt close to the buckle
and pull the belt towards the shoulder to
tighten the lap belt part.
Thebeltmustbeasfarinontheshoulderas
possible.
Press the red button on the belt buckle to
release the belt.
WARNING
• Make sure that the belt does not
become trapped when the backrest is
folded down or raised (see page 125).
• Ifyoumustcarryanitemofluggageon
a seat, ensure that it is held securely
by the safety belt. This will reduce the
risk of injury by flying objects in the
event of an accident.
• Protect the belt from sharp edges.
IB960
Safety belts, rear seat (the central head restraint is an accessory)
IB821
Securing a load on the rear seat

17Safety
WARNING
Safety belts are designed to bear upon
thebonystructureofthebody,andshould
be wornlow across the front of the pelvis
or the pelvis, chest and shoulders, as
applicable; wearing the lap section of the
belt across the abdominal area must be
avoided.
Safety belts should be adjusted as firmly
as possible, consistent with comfort, to
providetheprotectionforwhichtheyhave
been designed. A loose belt will greatly
reduce the protection afforded to the
wearer.
Careshouldbetakentoavoidcontamina-
tionofthewebbingwithpolishes,oilsand
chemicals, and particularly battery acid.
Cleaning may safely be carried out using
mild soap and water. The belt should be
replaced if webbing becomes frayed,
contaminated or damaged.
Itisessentialto replacetheentireassem-
bly after it has been worn in a severe
impactevenifdamagetotheassemblyis
not obvious.
Belts should not be worn with straps
twisted.
Eachbeltassemblymustonlybeusedby
oneoccupant;itisdangeroustoputabelt
around a child being carried on the occu-
pant´s lap.
WARNING
No modifications or additions should be
madebytheuserwhichwilleitherprevent
thesafetybeltadjustingdevicefromoper-
ating to remove slack, or prevent the
safety belt assembly from being adjusted
to remove slack.

18 Safety
Child safety
The same attention must be given to child
safety in the car as is given to adults.
Children travel most safely when properly
restrained, but restraints must be suitable
for the size of the child. Always follow the
child seat/booster cushion manufacturer´s
instructionswheninstallingthesedevicesin
your vehicle.
Make sure you are acquainted with the
legal requirements for seating children
in the car.
Make sure that it is possible to fita child
restraint in accordance with the manufac-
turer’s child seat instructions
Whenfittingchildseatsincarsyoumust
alwaysreadtheinstructionssuppliedby
the manufacturer.
Lockable belt tongue
In fitting a child seat that is intended to be
secured in position by thelap portion of the
safetybelt,makeuseofthelockingfunction
of the buckle.
Locking the lap portion of the belt lessens
the risk that the seat will work loose while
the car is in motion.
Thebuttonforthelockingfunctionislocated
on the back of the buckle.
1 Position the child seat in the back of the
car.
2 To activate the locking function, move
the locking button on the tongue of the
belt to the position marked
”CHILD SEAT” (item 1 in the figure) in
order to activate the locking function.
3 Secure the base of the child seat with
thelapportionof thesafetybeltinaccor-
dance with the installation instructions
accompanying the child seat.
4 Grasptheshoulderpartofthesafetybelt
andpullitupwardstotightenthe lappor-
tion against the child seat.
5 Check for correct locking function by
pullingonthelapportionofthebelt.The
belt must not unreel.
WARNING
• Children must always be suitably
restrained in the car.
• NEVER put a child seat in the front.
• Children12andundercanbekilledby
the airbag.
• TheBACKSEATistheSAFESTplace
for children.
• Sit as far back as possible from the air
bag.
IB822
Locking the lap belt
1 Locked
2 Unlocked

19Safety
Child tether anchorages
Child restraints with a tether strap must be
anchored according to law.
WARNING
Child tether anchorages are designed to
withstand only those loads imposed by
correctly fitted child restraints.
Under no circumstances are they to be
used for:
• Adult safety belts.
• Harnesses.
• Attaching other items or equipment to
the vehicle.
• Load securing device.
IB1314
Attaching tether strap hook to anchorage,
Convertible.
The tether strap is not a part of the tether
child anchorage.
IB1362
Child tether anchorage, Coupé and 5-
door models.
The tether strap is not a part of the child
tether anchorage.

20 Safety
Integrated booster seat
(accessory)
Integrated booster seats are available as
part of the rear seat backrest.
This child restraint is designed for use by
children who weigh between 33 and 80 lbs.
(15 and 36 kg) and are between 38 and 54
inches (970 and 1370 mm) in height.
A child sitting in an integrated booster seat
must use the car’s regular lap and shoulder
belt. Regardless of the child’s weight and
age, proper contact between child and belt
is vital. Always make certain that the seat is
undamaged and is kept clean so that it will
function properly.
This child restraint system conforms to all
applicable motor vehicle safety standards.
Folding out
1 Press in the latches and lift and remove
the car’s regular head restraint. Turn it
180°andremountit.Makecertainthatit
is locked securely in place.
2 Lift up the booster seat’s headrest.
3 Pull out the upper part of the opener
strap and lower the seat itself.Make cer-
tain that it is locked in the lowered posi-
tion.
Fasten the belt
• Seethatthechildis seatedas farbackas
possible against the back support.
• Adjusttheboosterseat’sheadsupportso
that its center is at ear height.
• To attach the belt, pull it out slowly and
insertthelatchplateintothebuckle.Make
certainthelatchplateisproperlyengaged
in the buckle.
• The lap portion of the belt must be posi-
tionedlowonthepelvis,andtheshoulder
strap must be as far in on theshoulder as
possible without chafing against the
child’s neck or causing discomfort.
• The belt must contact the body firmly to
providethebestprotection.Pulluponthe
shoulder strap to tension the belt prop-
erly.
• Make certain the belt moves freely
between the retractor and the buckle.
IB825