Saab 9001994 User manual

Saab 900
Owner's Manual M1994
SPAS

Headlight, parking light switch
Driver's seat heater rheostat
(900S, Turbo)
Fog light switch (optional)
Turn signal/high beam stalk
Horn contacts
Main instrument panel
Ignition key
Windshield washer stalk Cabin fan
Air temperC3. ture control
Air distribution c;:ontrol
Hazard warninfT
Rear windo w dE3fogger
Heated rea r vie vv mirrors
(900S, Turbo Drily)
Recirculati~n sv./itch
AC switch

©Saab Automobile AB 1992
Service Support, Saab Automobile AB Trollhattan, Sweden
Printed by : Vastergotlands Tryckeri AB , Skara
1
Owner's Manual
Saab 900 -1994

2
Instruments and
controls
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Warning and indicator
lights ... 7
Lighting switches . . . . . . . . .
10
Wiper and washer controls 13
Climate control system. . . 14
Interior equipment
Seats .. . .. . ....... . .20
22
24
Seat belts . ... . ..... .
Child safety
........ .
Supplementary Restraint
System. .
.......... .. .
26
Convertible top operation
instructions. . . . . .
Ashtrays. .
...... . .
Cigarette lighter .
.. .
Glove compartment. . . .
.... 28
34
35
.... 35
Sun visors/vanity mirror . 36
Magazine pockets . . . . . 36
Sunroof. . . . . . . . . . . 36
Rear view mirrors .. .. . . ... 37
Power windows . . . . . . 38
Audio equipment . . . . . 38
Saab Anti-Theft Security
System. . . . . . . . . . . .
39
Doors, locks and
luggage compartment
Doors and locks. . . . . . . . . . 44
Central locking system. . . . . . 44
Sedan and Convertible trunk . . 45
Hatchback. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Cargo space expansion . . . . . 47
Hood ...... . ......... . 48
Starting and driving
Ignition and gear selector lock . 50 .
Starting the engine 50
Break in period. . . .. ... .. 52
Gear selector lever . . 52
Gear changing . . . . . ..... 53
Braking . . . . . . . .. . .. . . 55
Parking ........ . ..... . 56
Catalytic converter precautions. 56
Cruise control . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Economical driving . . . . . . . . 58
Driving in winter weather . . . . 58
Driving with the compact spare
wheel fitted . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Towing a trailer . . . . . . . 60
Towing a disabled vehicle . .. . 61

Car care and technical
information
Engine . ....... ... . . .. . 64
Emission control systems . . . . 64
Turbocharger and
APC system . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Fuel. .. . .............. 69
Engine oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Transmission oil. . . . . . . . . . 71
Engine coolant. . . . . . . . . . . 72
Steering .. ........ . ... . 73
Brakes (ABS). . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Battery . .... ..... ... . . . 76
Booster cable connections . . . 76
Generator (alternator). . . . . . . 77
Ignition systems . . . . . . . . . . 77
Wipers .. . .... . ........ 78
Headlights, bulbs . . . . . . . . . 80
Fuses ...... . . .. ...... 82
Wheels and tires . ......... 83
Air conditioning .. . . . .. .. . 87
Appearance care. . . . . . . . . . 88
Rust prevention . . ... . .... 91
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 ...... , 116

4
Introduction
Your Saab is a product of Saab Automobile
AB which has its main production and de-
velopment center in Trollhattan, Sweden.
Certain Saab models are produced in Fin-
land.
Importation and distribution of Saab auto-
mobiles, spare parts and accessories in the
United States are handled exclusively by
Saab Cars USA, Inc.
In Canada, importation and distribution of
Saab automobiles, spare parts and acces-
sories are handled exclusively by General
Motors of Canada Ltd.
This manual for 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.
WARNING!
Indicates the possibility of personal injury
or death if you do not follow the instruc-
tions
in the warning.
NOTE
Indicates the potential for damage to your
Saab if you do not follow the directions in
the caution.
Read through the manual before taking the
car out for the first time, then keep it
in the
car for future reference.
A list of contents is provided for 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 AB is
one ofcontinual improvement, we retain the
right to incorporate modifications and alter
specifications during production without
prior notice.
Best Wishes,
Saab Automobile AB
Note: The radio shown in some of the photographs in this
manual differs from that which is standard equipment on
U.S. and Canadian models. A separate audio manual is
provided.
Note: The steering wheel shown in some of the photo-
graphs in this manual differs from that which
is standard
on U.S. and Canadian models.

Instruments and controls 5
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
Instrument panel
Combination instrument
1 Clock and tachometer
2 Warning and indicator lights
3 Turn signal indicator lamp
4 Speedometer, odometer and trip meter *
5 Pressure gauge (Turbo)
6 Temperature gauge
7
Fuel gauge
8 Dimmer, instrument panel lighting
9 Reset button for trip meter
10 Clock adjustment knob
* U.S speedometer/odometer shown.
Canadian speedometer/odometer displays
km/h and km only.
Instruments
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 engine coolant. After the ini-
tial warming-up period, the needle should
generally indicate normal running tempera-
ture.
If the needle repeatedly approaches the red
zone, stop the car immediately and check
the coolant level.
WARNING!
Do not remove the radiator cap or the
coolant expansion tank cap when the en-
gine is hot. They contain hot fluid which is
underpressure.Failure to heed this warn-
ing may result in personal injury. Refer to
page 72 for further instructions and warn-
ings.
NOTE
Do not operate the engine at full throttle
until the needle
on the temperature gauge
has entered the green zone. Possible en-
gine damage could occur if full throttle is
used before the engine coolant is suffi-
ciently warm.

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 the 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 the inlet manifold. At low engine
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 octane fuel, the needle may
briefly enter the red zone. There
is also an
overpressure safety switch to 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.
Instruments and controls 7
Warning and indicator
lights
All of the warning 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 afew
moments after the engine has been started.
High beam indicator light
This light will glow when the headlights are
switched to high beam.
BRAKE FLUID Warning
Light
WARNING!
If the BRAKE FLUID and ANTI LOCK
warning lights are illuminated at the same
time, the car must not
be driven. After
several pedal applications, the brake
pedal effort will increase unexpectedly
and the braking effect will be greatly re-
duced. Note, however, that the operation
of the handbrake will
be unaffected. Fail-
ure to heed this warning may result in in-
adequate braking and possibly personal
injury.

8 Instruments and controls
The BRAKE FLUID warning light will illumi-
nate when the fluid level in the brake fluid
reservoir 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 after replenishing the fluid, the
car should not
be driven and should be
checked and corrected immediately by an
authorized Saab dealer.
NOTE
The fluid level gradually lowers as the
brake pads wear. Blinking of the light may
indicatethatthe pads are due for replace-
ment.
~ ANTI LOCK
~ Warning Light
The ANTI LOCK warning light will 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 without the benefit of the anti-lock fea-
tures. The anti-lock brake system should
be checked and any problems corrected
immediately
by an authorized Saab dealer.
Handbrake indicator light
This light will glow when the handbrake is
applied.
Charge 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.
II tU I !Indicator light, electric
rear window defroster
This light will glow when the rear window
defroster
is switched on. The light will au-
tomatically extinguish after approximately
10 minutes to prevent unnecessarytemper-
ature loading of the rear glass. The light
also indicates heated mirror operation.

I ~I/FT I 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 eventofa serious malfunction, a back
up system
in the control unit will take over,
enabling the car to continue its journey with
somewhat diminished performance. This
light may also indicate
an emission control
system fault or,
in naturally-aspirated cars,
a fault 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 the light blinks or
comes on while you are driving, stopthe car
immediately, switch off the engine and
check the oil level. If the oil light stays
on,
do not drive the vehicle under any circum-
stances, even if the oil level is correct, as
severe engine damage can result.
III Low fuel warning light
This lamp will glow continuously when the
quantity of gasoline
in the fuel tank is less
than approximately 2.5-3.1 U.
S. gallons
(10-12 liters). Refuel at your next oppurtu-
nity.
If the fuel tank has run dry, at least 1.5 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 9
I CRUISE I Cruise control indication
This light indicates that the cruise control
switch is
in the ON position. If the RESUME
portion of the cruise control switch is de-
pressed while the light is on the car may re-
vert to a previously set speed.
Under normal driving conditions we recom-
mend that the cruise control switch remain
in the OFF position.
Supplementary Restraint
System
A blinking or steady glow indicates a fault
in the Supplementary Restraint System.
The system should be checked and cor-
rected immediately by aSaab 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 few seconds
when the ignition is turned to the start or
drive position.
In the event of a collision severe enough to
deploy the SRS, 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:
M.M The lighting is off.
*«., Parking lights on .
••• Headlights and parking
_ _ lights on.
WARNING!
Many jurisdictions require you to turn on
your headlights at dusk or du ring inclem-
ent weather. Failure to do so could result
in violation of local traffic ordinances and
limit your visibility to other drivers.
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:
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 to 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.

Fog lights (if equipped)
The fog lights are located under the front
bumper and are provided with protective
covers. Keep the lights covered when not
in use.
The fog light switch
is located belo":",, the
headlight switch. To turn 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 not
be illuminated when the high beams are
switched on. Push and release the fog light
switch and/or rotate the headlamp switch to
the off position to turn off the fog lights.
Use of fog lights are subje~t to .applica~ le
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.
WARNING!
In fog or driving conditions with limited
visibility, reduce speed, turn
on low beam
headlights and fog lights (if equipped) and
refrain from following the tail lights of ve-
hicles in front of you . Following the tail-
lights
in front of you can lead to an acci-
dent causing personal injury.
NOTE
Use care when parking close to curbs or
snow banks. Contact with the fog lights
will damage them.
Instruments and controls 11
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.
Use care when operating the turn signal
1 Flash headlight, high beams
2 Left turn signal
3 Right turn signal
switch with the CRUISE light illuminated.
Failure to do
so could lead to inadvertent
operation
of the cruise control RESUME
function.
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
Certain models are equipped with a time
delay shut-off for the interior lights. The
lights will remain on for about 15 seconds
afterthe doors have been closed or until the
ignition key
is turned on, whichever occurs
first.
Be certain that the interior lights are
switched off when parking the car.
Rear reading light (operated by inter-
ior light switch), Convertible
Interior illumination switch

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 Adjustment
of washerjets
4 Windshield washer
SG 898
Check your wiper blades periodically and
replace them when worn for safer driving.
SG 878
The windshield washer pump will operate
as long as the leveris held toward the steer-
ing wheel. If 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.
Instruments and controls 13
Headlight washers and wipers
The headlight washers and wipers operate
in conjunction with the windshield washers.
Wheneverthe 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
BliP. 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
off,
whichever occurs first. Do not switch on the
window heating before starting the engine.
SG 956
NOTE
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 in -
side of the rear window which may dam-
age the electrical continuity of the grid.
Avoid placing hard or sharp objects on
the rear windowshelf
as the heating wires
may easily
be damaged.
_ Seat heater rheostat
E!!a (driver's side)
SG 911
The temperature regulation of the driver's
seat heater is controlled or switched off
by
means of the rheostat located below the
headlight switch. The switch has three set-
tings 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).

Ventilation system
The Saab 900 has a sophisticated flow
through ventilation system. Air enters 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
Ale evaporator, and exceptfor 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 off switches (0 = Off).
1 Fan switch
2 Temperature control
3 Air distribution control
2
Air vents
1 Defroster vents
2 Side vents
1
3 Central panel vents (unheated air only)
4 Floor vents
Control functions
See the chart on the following page for rec-
ommended climate control settings.
4
Instruments and controls 15
3 1 2
_\M Fan switch
The heater fan has four speeds. Speeds
one, two and three 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 to
reach all vents.
e·,~ue Air distribution selector
The rotary switch controls distributio"n of the
incoming air. Clockwise from 6 o'clock the
positions are "Off" (fresh air intake
re-
stricted, 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 AlC have
an AlC on/off switch and a recirculation
switch on the instrument panel, an auxiliary
electric radiator cooling fan and a high cool-
ant temperature cut-out.
The electronic fuel injection system also
has an idle air control valve which automat-
ically 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.
WARNING!
The AlC system contains freon gas under
pressure.
Do not loosen or undo the AlC
system hoses. Escaping gas may cause
blindness or injury.
Switches for the air conditioning system
1 On/off
2 Air recirculation
• AlC On/Off switch
Push in to engage AlC 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 Recirculation 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.
WARNING!
Do not use recirculation in cold weather
as this may cause ice or mist to form on
the windshield and side windows.

Climate system tips
Defogging windows -Switching on the
AlC compressor in combination with turn-
ing up the temperature control will acceler-
ate defogging. 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 winter drive,
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.
Ale modulation -For maximum cooling,
engage both the AlC and recirculation
switches
and select the seven o'clock po -
sition
on the air distribution control.
Instruments and controls 17
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 air from the center vent toward the
rear between the front seats, or close
it
with'the thumb wheel switch on the vent it-
self.

18 Instruments and controls
Defroster vents
open.
Floor and defroster
vents open.
Floor vents open.
Central panel vent
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 central panel
vents fully open.