NOTICE texts warn of potential damage to the car if the recommendations are not followed. Since the policy at Saab is one of continual improvement, we retain the right to incorpo- rate modifications and to alter specifications during production without prior notice.
The A/C system complies with SAE J639. Charge: 825 g of R134a. Compressor oil: PAG oil SP-10 alt. Saab oil 4759106 Oil amount: See workshop manual. • AVOID SPARKS AND OPEN FLAMES, NO SMOKING • WEAR EYE PROTECTION •...
Page 8
Contact a Saab dealer if a xenon headlight requires replacement. This label is only found on cars with xenon head- lights. WARNING EVEN WITH ADVANCED AIR BAGS • Children can be killed or seriously injured by the air bag. • The back seat is the safest place for children.
Page 9
Examples of symbols that can be found in your car No sparks, fla- mes or smo- Buckle up king. Use protective Airbag goggles Never place a Keep out of rear-facing reach of child seat in children. this seat. Battery acid Electric contains windows...
15 mph (25 km/h). The text Use your seatbelts. is lit on the Saab Information Display (SID) and the symbol will flash. If the belt is not fastened then an audible signal will come on after 30 seconds.
Page 13
• Children up to 6 years of age must always be seated in a child seat. Saab recom- mends the use of a child seat for children up to the age of 10.
Page 14
To fasten the belt Front safety belts Fasten the belt by pulling the belt and insert- ing the tongue in the buckle. 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.
Page 15
If the car is involved in a crash, the safety belts, belt pretensioners and other com- ponents must be inspected by an autho- rized Saab dealer and replaced as neces- sary. Never make any alterations or repairs to the safety belt yourself. Visit an autho- rized Saab dealer for any necessary repairs.
Page 16
Safety Three-point safety belts are provided for all three rear seat passengers. Fasten the belt by pulling out the strap care- fully and inserting the tongue in the lock. Check that it is securely fastened. Then grip the diagonal part of the strap near the lock and pull the belt upwards towards the shoulder to tighten the lap strap.
Page 17
WARNING • Safety belts are designed to bear upon the bony structure of the body, and should be worn low 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.
Page 18
Seats WARNING The seats are actuated by powerful motors. Bear this in mind when adjusting the seat, and make sure that nothing gets caught and damaged. Ensure that noth- ing can be trapped when adjusting the seat. Bear in mind that children can be injured if they play with the electrically-operated seats.
Page 19
Legroom adjustment To adjust the legroom, push the lower con- trol forward or back. Backrest rake angle To adjust the backrest, move the upper con- trol forward or back. WARNING The backrest should be upright during driving, so that the safety belt, airbag and backrest can provide optimum protection in the event of emergency braking or a crash and in particular a rear-end...
Page 20
To save the settings, press and hold the M button and, at the same time, press one of the preselect buttons (1, 2 or 3). The Saab Information Display (SID) will chime to con- firm that the settings have been saved.
• Raise the head restraints in the seat that are occupied. The front seats in the Saab 9-5 are equipped with Saab Active Head Restraints (SAHRs). These reduce the risk of whiplash injury if the car is hit from behind.
Child safety WARNING • Children must always be suitably restrained in the car. • ALWAYS use SAFETY BELTS and CHILD RESTRAINTS. • NEVER put a rear-facing child seat in the front. • DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY can occur. • Children 12 and under or shorter than 55 inches (140 cm) can be killed by the airbag.
Page 23
Only use the attach- ments and straps provided with the child restraint. If you have any questions regarding LATCH anchors, please contact your Saab dealer. WARNING If a LATCH-type child restraint is not attached to its anchor points, the restraint will not be able to protect the child cor- rectly.
Page 24
Safety Location of lower anchors Rigid 2-point lower attachment with top tether Semi-rigid 2-point lower attachment with top tether Lower anchor and top tether anchor loca- tions.
The child restraint shall be firmly attached to the vehicle. Child tether anchorages, Saab 9-5 Sport- Combi WARNING Make sure the child restraint anchorages...
Page 26
7 Push and pull the child restraint in differ- ent directions to be sure it is secured at the lower anchors/safety belt and the top tether anchor. The child restraint shall be firmly attached to the vehicle. Child tether anchorages in parcel shelf, Saab 9-5 Sedan...
Page 27
Lockable latch plate In fitting a child seat that is intended to be secured in position by the lap portion of the safety belt, make use of the locking function of the latch plate. This function is available on all seats in the second row. Locking the lap portion of the belt lessens the risk that the seat will work loose while the car is in motion.
Page 28
When a rear-facing child seat is fitted in the center position of the rear seat in the Saab 9-5 Sedan the center armrest must be secured in place with this strap. If this is not done, the center armrest could swing down in the event of a frontal crash and cause injury to the child.
Page 29
Airbag WARNING To reduce risk of injury: • Always wear your safety belt. • Always adjust your seat so that you are as far back as possible but still able to operate the pedals and reach the steering wheel and controls com- fortably.
Page 30
We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. The warning light could signify that the airbags may not inflate in a crash, or they could even inflate with-...
Page 31
Moment of impact. The sensors detect deceleration and send a signal via the cen- tral sensor to the gas generator that inflates the airbag. AIRBAG system with belt pretensioners 1 Central sensor 2 Belt pretensioners (for both front safety belts) The inflating airbag 3 Steering wheel with integral airbag cushions the driver.
Page 32
Front passenger seat WARNING Never secure a rear-facing child seat in the right front seat of a car equipped with a passenger airbag. Inflation of the airbag in the event of a crash could seriously injure or kill a child. The airbags are interconnected and have a common warning light.
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator. Saab recommends that child restraints be secured in a rear seat, including an infant riding in a rear-facing infant seat, a child riding in a forward-facing child seat and an older child riding in a booster seat.
Page 34
If a child restraint has been installed (Saab recommends that child restraints be secured in the rear seat) and the on indica- tor is lit, turn the vehicle off.
Page 35
If the on indicator is still lit, secure the child in the child restraint in a rear seat position in the vehicle and check with your dealer. The passenger sensing system is designed to enable (may inflate) the right front pas- senger’s frontal airbag anytime the system senses that a person of adult size is sitting properly in the right front passenger’s seat.
We recom- mend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Otherwise there is a risk that the side impact sensor and the moisture barrier in the front door could be damaged.
Page 37
Side airbag inflated Side airbag components 1 Side airbag 2 Sensor 3 Moisture barrier 4 Text on seat AIRBAG warning light WARNING • If the airbag readiness light stays on after you start your vehicle, it means the airbag system may not be working properly.
Page 38
What Will You See After an Airbag Inflates? After an airbag inflates, it quickly deflates, so quickly that some people may not even realize the airbag inflated. Some compo- nents of the airbag module - the steering wheel hub for the driver's frontal airbag, the instrument panel for the right front passen- ger's frontal airbag or the ceiling of your vehicle near the side windows - will be hot...
Page 39
• The headlining and roof pillar trim must not be modified in any way. Work on these areas must only be carried out at a Saab dealer.
Page 40
Recline the seat back to increase the dis- tance between you and the airbag. For short drivers, special accessory pedal extensions are available through your Saab dealer. Airbags inflate extremely rapidly and with great force – to be fast enough to protect an adult in the seat.
Page 41
The airbag cannot be relied on to operate as intended and it might even be activated erroneously. You should therefore take the car to an authorized Saab dealer as soon as possible. Adding Equipment to Your Airbag-Equipped Vehicle...
Page 43
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories). Security Doors _______________ Central locking _______ Car alarm ____________...
If you loose one key you should have this replaced as soon as possible by con- tacting your Saab dealer. When the new key is programmed into the system, the missing key is automatically erased.
Page 45
Key / Remote control 1 To lock 2 To unlock 3 Opening the trunk (9-5 Sedan) Unlocking the tailgate (9-5 SportCombi) Locking/unlocking the car When the car is locked and unlocked the theft alarm is also affected. Remote locking Press once on the control: all doors locked.
Page 46
The car can now be started. Contact a work- shop to have the system checked and repaired. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Locking by key (1) When the car is locked and unlocked the theft alarm is also affected.
Child safety locks The rear doors are equipped with child safety locks that are operated by means of a catch adjacent to the door lock. Insert a key and turn the catch 45° clockwise or counterclockwise as indicated by the label on the door.
Unlocking The trunk lid is slightly opened/unlocked using: • The button on the key • The trunk lid switch on the inside of the driver’s door (if the car is unlocked and at a standstill) Remote unlocking is confirmed by the direc- tion indicators flashing three times.
Page 49
Saab dealer; see page 270. Changing the key battery When the battery voltage in the key falls below a predetermined level the Saab Infor- mation Display (SID) will issue the following message: ”Remote control battery low. Replace battery.”...
1 Activate/lock 2 Deactivate/unlock 3 Unlock trunk/tailgate Unlocking the tailgate (9-5 SportCombi) Your Saab 9-5 is equipped with an Elec- tronic starting interlock (immobilizer), see page 51 for details. The car alarm is armed 10 seconds after the car has been locked by the remote control.
Page 51
ON and press one of the buttons on the key (providing that the receiver gets the right signal from the key). Take the car to an authorized Saab dealer to have the system checked. The LED double-flashes when the car is...
Alarm signals When the car alarm is armed, it will be trig- gered if any door, or the trunk lid or hood, is opened. The alarm will also be triggered if an attempt is made to bypass or short-circuit the igni- tion switch, or to disconnect the battery.
Page 53
Alarm signals may differ between model variants for different countries. Some of the car-alarm functions can be reprogrammed – con- sult your Saab dealer for further details (see page 270).
Page 54
Saab dealer. Turn the ignition key to position ON and then press the button for open- ing the trunk lid. Saab Information Display (SID) displays the number of keys and transmitters (transponders) coded to the car.
Page 55
Security This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired oper- ation.
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories). Instruments and controls Indicator and warning lights ______________ Instruments __________ Saab Information Display (SID) _______________ Switches ____________ Automatic climate control (ACC) ______________...
”Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)” indicator light illuminated (Limp-home mode), you are advised to have your car serviced at an authorized Saab dealer as soon as possible. Continued driving without this problem being corrected might cause serious fur- ther damage to your car and create unsafe driving conditions.
Page 59
The car should be checked immediately at a workshop to prevent more serious faults from arising. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Warning, oil pressure (engine oil) This light will come on if the engine oil pres- sure is dangerously low.
Page 60
Now check the level again. If the level is still normal, you may drive the car, with considerable cau- tion, to the nearest authorized Saab dealer to have the brake system checked. WARNING • If the ABS is inoperative, there is a danger of the rear wheels locking up on hard braking.
Page 61
If the Xenon headlight fault indicator lights up, have your car checked as soon as possible a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. If you do not rectify the problem, nighttime visibility will be poor since the range of the...
Page 62
Even if the fault persists, it is still possible in most cases to drive the car (see page 154). Have the automatic transmission checked by an authorized Saab dealer as soon as possible. NOTICE If the control module has actuated the...
Page 63
In this case the light cannot be turned off by means of the ESP button. If a fault is indicated, have the system checked by an authorized Saab dealer. See also Electronic Stability Program ®...
1 Cars with automatic transmission Autochecking of lights, main instrument panel The above warning and indicator lights should come on when the ignition is switched on prior to starting. They should go out after about 3 seconds. The following lights light up until the engine is started, presuming that no fault exists: •...
2.5 gal. (10 liters), a warning light on the main instrument panel will come on (see page 61). Use the Saab Information display (SID) to check the approximate distance that can be traveled on the remaining fuel (see page 68).
– do not remove the cap. If the coolant level falls below the MIN mark, the Saab Information Display (SID) will dis- play the message ”Coolant level low. Refill.”.
Page 67
When the speed of the car exceeds 130 mph (210 km/h) acceleration is limited by a reduction in boost pressure. The turbo gauge will move to the middle field, indicat- ing a drop in engine output and conse- quently a reduction in vehicle speed. Selector lever indication 3 The display below the speedometer indi- cates the position of the selector lever.
The driver’s attention can oth- erwise easily be distracted from the road. The Saab Information Display (SID) shows CHECK messages and incorporates eight trip-computer functions. Use the i/SET button to browse the func- tions.
Page 69
Entering values for the functions Dist. 1 Select Dist. using the i/SET button. 2 Hold i/SET depressed until a chime sounds and the selected function is marked. 3 Set the distance using 4 End with a brief press on the i/SET but- ton.
Page 70
Using Dist. as a trip meter If no value is programmed in Dist., it func- tions as a trip meter. This is indicated by an arrow to the right in the display. Reset the trip meter by briefly pressing the CLR button.
365 days have elapsed since the last service. The message should be cleared at the time of that service (see the Saab Warranties & Service Record Booklet). This message can also be deleted by first briefly...
NIGHT PANEL To improve night-driving conditions inside the car, the Night Panel mode can be selected. In this mode, the amount of infor- mation displayed is reduced, and only the most important instruments and displays will be illuminated. When the NIGHT PANEL button is pressed, only the speedometer will be illuminated, all the other instruments illumination being extinguished and their needles moved to...
Switches Daytime running lights The parking lights and daytime running lights come on automatically when the igni- tion switch is ON. Note to owners in the U.S.: If you do not want Daytime Running Lights, this feature can be disconnected: switch off the engine and remove fuse No.
(within 30 seconds) and will remain on for about 30 seconds. The length of time for this function can be adjusted by your authorized Saab dealer. Rear fog light Rear fog light Press the button to switch on the rear fog light, which will only come on if the head- lights are on.
Instrument illumination Instrument illumination The brightness of the instrument illumina- tion can be varied by means of the dimmer switch adjacent to the headlight switch. (See also Night panel on page 72). In daylight or other equally bright light, the instrument and switch illumination is auto- matically extinguished.
Front fog lights 3 The front fog lights can be activated in both low beam headlight and parking light posi- tions. Fog lights should only be used in poor visibility conditions. Make sure you are familiar with the appli- cable provincial/state law regarding the use of fog lights.
Wipers and washers There are three intermittent wiper positions. Moving the control stalk to the spring-loaded position between 0 and 2 will produce a single sweep of the wipers. The wipers are designed for optimal clean- ing at all driving speeds. At higher speeds, it may be possible to detect a slight ”sweep- ing”...
When the engine has been switched off, the control stalk must be moved to posi- tion 0 and back to position 1 to reactivate the sensor. Set the sensitivity using the control on the wiper stalk (the same control as used for wiper delay on cars not fitted with a rain sen- sor).
Automatic climate control (ACC) The ACC system automatically works to maintain the desired temperature inside the car. The system will achieve the desired temper- ature in the quickest possible way. Note that selecting a higher or lower temperature than that desired will not speed up the process. For the ACC system to be most effective, all windows (and moonroof 3) should be closed.
Page 80
1 Interior-temperature sensor 2 Sun sensor The system has five sensors: • Outdoor temperature sensor • Interior temperature sensor • Sun sensor (mounted on top of the fascia) • Two blended-air temperature sensors (mounted inside the front floor vents) Note: If anything is placed over the sun sen- sor, the ACC system will not function prop- erly.
Page 81
Air vent at rear side window Temperature control The cabin is divided into two temperature zones: • The driver’s zone • The passenger zone (front and rear seats) The desired temperature can be set between 60 and 80°F. The displayed temperature is not the abso- lute temperature but corresponds to the comfort level normally experienced at that temperature after allowance has been...
Page 82
Functions Pressing AUTO will cancel all manual settings. If a manual function is selected, it will be locked in but other functions will be controlled automatically. The selected temperature is always maintained automatically. Temperature, air distribution, fan speed and recircu- lation will be controlled automatically.
Page 83
Air distribution One press: When the defroster is chosen manually, all the windows (except the rear side windows, where the air flow is off) are demisted by: • Fan: high speed. • The air is directed to the defroster vents. •...
Page 84
Instruments and controls Panel (and center rear vent) Starting in cold weather To start with, the system will automatically select the defroster set- ting, maximum heat and low fan speed. As the engine warms up, air will also be distributed through the floor vents and the fan speed will be increased.
Page 85
Adaptation of ACC It is also possible to customize the ACC system, e.g. to adapt to driving and weather conditions. Function Operation in AUTO mode after adaptation The rear window heating will come on after the engine has started if the outside temper- ature is below +5 °C.
Page 86
Calibration takes approx. 30 seconds. Useful tips (before taking the car to a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab workshop.) • If the battery has been disconnected or has run flat, the system will need to be recalibrated. See "Calibration" above.
Heated front seats 3 The heating of the seat cushion and back- rest of both front seats is adjustable and thermostat-controlled. The heating is adjustable in two stages. Ventilated front seats 3 Ventilated front seats, that enhance seating comfort in hot weather, are available as an option on cars equipped with leather-uphol- stered and electrically adjustable seats.
Page 88
Instruments and controls (This page has been left blank.)
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories). Saab 9-5 Audio System Radio _______________ CD player ____________ CD changer 3 ________ MP3 player ___________ Portable player 3 _____...
Page 90
Saab 9-5 Audio System 3 To get the best out of your Saab 9-5 Audio System, we recommend that you read through this entire section. The Saab 9-5 Audio System consists of a head unit with radio, CD player/CD changer 3 for CD and MP3 discs and CD changer 3 in the luggage compartment.
Page 91
Scroll among preset pages. The menu option in the display is selected with the corre- sponding pushbutton directly underneath. No function on U.S./CA cars. 3 program type Select XM when the radio is in the 3 mode. Cars with CD changer 3: insert CD or MP3 disc or discs.
Page 92
Switching the audio system On/Off The audio system will come on: • When the ignition is switched ON and/or the ON/OFF control is pressed. ON/OFF control The audio system will be switched off: • When the ON/OFF control is pressed. •...
Radio Press the RADIO BAND button to return to radio mode if another audio source is in use. Selecting a radio station Selecting a frequency band Press the RADIO BAND button to change frequency band. The selected frequency band appears on the display. Selecting a preset station Scroll to the desired preset page by press- ing the FAV button and then pressing the...
Number of pages with preset stations To display the number of pages (1-6) with preset stations: 1 Hold the FAV button depressed or press the MENU button and then press the pushbutton under the menu option FA V 1- 6 Setup menu 2 Select the number of preset pages to be displayed by pressing the pushbutton...
Page 95
3 Satellite Radio Service is a satellite radio service based in the 48 contiguous United States and Can- ada. XM offers a large variety of coast- to-coast channels including commercial free music, news, sports, talk, traffic/ weather (U.S. subscriders), and children‘s programming.
Page 96
3 categories Restore removed XM Removed categories can be restored by pressing the pushbutton under the menu option when a removed category is dis- A dd played or by pressing the pushbutton under the menu option R est or e A l l The XM Categories Decades Country...
3 Radio Messages Radio Display Message Condition XM Updating Updating encryption code No XM signal Loss of signal Loading XM Acquiring channel audio (after four second delay) Channel Off Air Channel not in service Channel Unavail Channel no longer available No Artist Info Artist Name/Feature not available...
Page 98
For security purposes, XM receivers cannot be swapped between vehicles. If this message is received after having your vehicle serviced, check with your Saab dealer. If tuned to channel 0, this message will alternate with the XM radio ID label.
CD player NOTICE Do not use CDs with labels or stickers. These labels could detach and cause the audio system to malfunction. Activate the CD player by inserting a disc or by pressing the CD AUX button if a CD is already loaded.
CD changer 3 NOTICE Do not use CD or CD-R discs with labels or stickers. These labels could detach and cause the audio system to malfunc- tion. Activate the CD changer by inserting one or more CD/MP3 discs or by pressing the CD AUX button if one or more discs is already loaded.
Page 101
Selecting and changing tracks Turn the tone control or press the SEEK but- tons to select or change to the preceding or next track. The track number appears in the display. If the current track has played for at least 10 seconds, you can start the track from the beginning by pressing SEEK (arrow left).
MP3 player NOTICE Do not use CD-R discs with labels or stickers. These labels could detach and cause the audio system to malfunction. The audio system can play MP3 files recorded on an CD-R disc with the following bit speed: 32 - 320 kbps. Sound quality may vary depending on the quality of the CD-R disc, recording method and quality of the recorded music.
Selecting/changing MP3 folder • Press the left pushbutton under the Folder symbol to play the first MP3 file in the pre- ceding MP3 folder on the disc. • Press the right pushbutton under the Folder symbol to play the first MP3 file of the next MP3 folder on the disc.
Song title, artist name, etc. If a disc has been recorded with ID3 data (version 1 & 2), the song title, artist name, album title and MP3 folder name can be shown in the display. 1 Press the i button. 2 Press the pushbutton under the desired menu option.
General functions WARNING Adjustments should be made when the car is stationary so that attention to traffic is not reduced, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Setting time and date Cars without CD changer 1 Press the Clock button. 2 Press the pushbutton under the menu option you wish to change.
Page 106
Speed dependent volume compensation As vehicle speed increases, ambient noise also increases. If you do not wish to contin- ually adjust the volume, the audio system can automatically adjust volume based on an increase or decrease in vehicle speed. Select one of four settings: •...
Sound system The sound system is called harman/kar- don® Sound System. Loudness is con- trolled automatically by the audio system, boosting the highest and lowest frequency ranges to enhance the sound image when the volume is set to a low level. Sound reproduction is therefore excellent what- ever the volume setting.
Technical data Tone controls Bass_____________ ±8 dB at 100 Hz Treble ____________ ±8 dB at 16 kHz Power output harman/kardon® Sound System __ 200 W 150 W at 1% THD and 13.5 V Radio module Radio system ______ PLL frequency syn- thesizer tuner.
See also "Diversity antenna". Diversity antenna 3 To improve radio reception when the topog- raphy is a problem, a second FM antenna, known as a diversity antenna, can be fitted in the rear window. Consult a Saab dealer for further information.
Shadow effect Because FM radio waves travel in straight lines from the transmitter, a shadow effect can occur when tall buildings or hills obstruct the propagation path from the transmitter to the car. Cross modulation If the radio is tuned to a weak transmitter in the vicinity of a stronger one, the car’s antennas will receive signals from both.
Sources of FM interference Interference to FM reception can be caused by the electrical systems in other vehicles, particularly if the signal from the transmitter is weak. Sources of AM interference AM reception is prone to interference, e.g. from electrical systems in other vehicles, high-tension power lines and lightning.
If not, the following will appear on the display: Locked If the audio system is to be transferred to another car (Saab 9-5), a Saab dealer must be contacted to provide the right code for the audio system.
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories). Interior equipment and trunk Steering wheel adjustment__________ Electric windows______ Rearview mirrors______ Moonroof 3 __________ Interior lighting _______ Sun visors ___________ Power Outlet 3 _______ Glove compartment ___ Cup holders __________...
Steering wheel adjustment WARNING Never adjust the steering wheel unless the car is stationary. Fore-and-aft and tilt adjustment of the steer- ing wheel is possible. Pull down the lever fully until you hear a click. Move the steering wheel to the desired position and then raise the lever.
Electric windows WARNING Bear in mind the pinch hazard when the side windows are being wound up. • Always remove the ignition key when you leave the car. This prevents per- sonal injury caused by the electric win- dows, for example, due to children playing.
Switch for rear side window Child safety: rear windows (ON/OFF) The window switches on the rear doors can be rendered inoperative by the ON/OFF switch in the panel on the center console. When the switch is ON, the rear side win- dows can be operated by the switch on each rear door.
Page 117
Adjusting the door mirrors 1 Select mirror 2 Use touch pad to adjust mirror The adjusting switch is on the driver’s door. If the car is equipped with a programmable driver’s seat, the settings of the door mirrors can also be stored in the preset buttons for the seat (see page 20).
Rearview mirror 1 Day position 2 Night position Rearview mirror The rearview mirror has day/night positions that can be selected by means of a knob beneath the mirror. Adjust the mirror in day position. Interior rearview auto-dimming mirror with garage door opener, and digital compass 3 WARNING Make sure that people and objects are out...
Page 119
Preparations for first-time programming Before programming the garage opener for the first time, you must delete any factory codes. Press and hold the two outer buttons until the indicator light begins to flash-after 20 seconds. Release both buttons. Do not hold for longer that 30 seconds.
Page 120
Gate Operator / Canadian Programming Canadian radio-frequency laws require transmitter signals to "time-out" (or quit) after several seconds of transmission - which may not be long enough for the garage opener to pick up the signal during programming. Similar to this Canadian law, some U.S.
Page 121
Opening a garage door To operate, simply press and release the programmed button. Activation will now occur for the trained device (i.e. garage door opener, gate operator, security system, entry door lock, home/office lighting, etc.). For convenience, the hand-held transmitter of the device may also be used at any time.
Page 122
Compass The compass is integrated in the rearview mirror. The compass bearing is displayed in the top right-hand corner of the mirror and is updated every other second. The compass displays the car’s direction of travel: N, NE, E, etc. Switch the compass display on and off by pressing button 5 for 3 seconds.
Moonroof 3 WARNING Bear in mind the pinch hazard when clos- ing the moonroof. • Always remove the ignition key when you leave the car. This prevents per- sonal injury caused by the electric moonroof, for example, due to chil- dren playing.
Manual operation of moonroof Emergency operation of moonroof In an emergency (e.g. if there is an electrical failure) the moonroof can be operated by a screwdriver. Remove the cover at the front of the moonroof opening, insert a screw- driver in the groove, and rotate. Rotate counterclockwise to close moonroof.
1 Reading lights 2 Dome light There is also a light in the sun visors. The light comes on when the cover over the vanity mirror is opened. When the ignition is OFF, if a door has been left open for 20 minutes, the interior lighting will be switched off automatically to save the battery.
Power Outlet 3 WARNING The maximum combined load for the two power outlets is 240 W (20 A). You can use the electrical socket to charge a mobile phone, for example. Glove compartment WARNING The glove compartment must be closed while travelling.
Page 127
In the doors Console between front seats On leading edge of front seats 3 Center armrest for rear seat 3 Interior equipment and trunk On the back of the front seats 3...
Interior equipment and trunk Cup holder in fascia 1 Press symbol to open 2 Lift bottom to close Cup holders Cup holders are provided in the instrument panel fascia, in the center console compart- ment between the front seats, and in the rear-seat armrest (certain variants only).
Interior equipment and trunk Trunk Folding the rear seat, 9-5 Sedan The rear seat is split and the two sections can be folded indepen- dently. Folding down of the rear seat is easier if the front seats are not all the way back, and the rear head restraints are folded down. 1 Raise the rear seat cushions by pulling the loop located between the cushion and the backrest.
Page 130
WARNING • Place heavy items closest to the backrest and stow smaller and lighter items on top. • Never overload the cargo net 3. If the elastic breaks this may cause personal injury. Do not use a cargo net that shows signs of wear.
Interior equipment and trunk Trunk pass-through hatch A trunk pass-through hatch is incorporated in the rear seat backrest to enable long, narrow items to be carried inside the car. Items should not weigh more than 33 lbs. (15 kg) nor be more than 2 yards (2 metres) in length.
Folding the rear seat, 9-5 SportCombi Both the narrow and wide sections of the rear seat can be folded separately. Folding is facilitated if the front seats are not located too far back. The wide section cannot be folded separately if a cargo net (accessory) is mounted on the rear of the backrest.
Page 133
WARNING • Do not travel in the back seat without ensuring that the head restraint is set at a suitable height for the seats to be occupied. • Never allow anyone to sit on a folded backrest. • Always be aware of the risk of pinching when handling moving parts of the seating.
Page 134
Folding the narrow section of the backrest The folding is facilitated if the front seat is not too far back. 1 Make sure that the head restraint is in the down position. For height adjustment refer to page 21. 2 Put the safety belt in the belt clip near the backrest. 3 Raise the rear seat cushion by pulling the loop located at the rear of the cushion.
Page 135
Load anchoring 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 3. If the elastic breaks this may cause personal injury.
Page 136
Cargo tie down eye 3 mounted on the lon- gitudinal rails 3 On the floor of the luggage compartment there may be two longitudinal aluminium rails (CargoTracks™) where accessory cargo tie down eye can be mounted. Fitting a lashing eye: 1 Hold it between your forefinger and middle finger with the ring up.
Page 137
Cargo net 3 WARNING The cargo in the luggage compartment must be anchored properly, even if the cargo net is correctly in position. The only purpose of the net is to prevent light objects from being thrown about in the cabin during heavy braking or in the event of a crash.
Page 138
Storage tray 3 under luggage compartment floor, 9-5 SportCombi Secure the luggage compartment floor in the open position using the hook on the underside of the floor. The storage tray must be located under the luggage compartment floor. The cargo net can be stored here when not in use for example.
Driving at night _______ Driving with a load ____ Driving with a spare wheel fitted _________ Driving with the trunk lid/tailgate open______ Driving in deep water __ Towing the car________ Jump starting ________ Saab Parking Assistance 3 ________ Parking brake ________ Parking______________...
Ignition switch The combined ignition switch and gear-lever lock is located in the center con- sole between the front seats. The ignition key can only be removed when reverse is engaged (automatic transmission: selector in ”P” position). The key fits all the locks on the car. The key number is specified on the small plastic strap that comes with the keys when the car is delivered.
• Start the engine. Try another key. If this works, then the fault is in the first key. We recommend that you contact an autho- rized Saab dealer for checking and rectifica- tion. Note: Certain electronic items, such as cellular phones, may affect the starting produce- dure.
Page 142
• The tail pipe of the exhaust system can become very hot during driving. Bear this in mind when loading and unloading the car. • Do not rest or sleep in the car when parked with the engine running. There is a risk of depressing the accelerator which could lead to engine damage.
Page 143
(see page 58), indicating that you should have the car checked as soon as possible by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. NOTICE If the CHECK ENGINE warning light starts to flash, ease off the accelerator slightly.
Important considerations for driving The engine-management system in the Saab 9-5 is called Saab Trionic T7. The system manages the ignition, fuel injection and turbo boost pressure. The Trionic T7 system developed by Saab is an intelligent engine-management system designed to achieve optimum driv- ability under differing driving conditions.
Page 145
We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. • Never park the car on dry grass or other combustible material. The catalytic con- verter gets very hot and could therefore start a fire.
”Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE)” lamp , thus indicating a fault that must be checked by your Saab dealer, see page 58. NOTE: always observe the following two measures: • Make sure that the fuel filler cap is screwed on correctly before the engine is started.
Page 147
Refueling WARNING If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by shutting off the pump or by notify- ing the station attendant. Leave the area immediately. 1 Switch off the engine. 2 Open the filler cap, located in the right-hand rear fender.
The malfunction indicator lamp may turn on and your vehicle may fail a smog-check test. See Engine malfunction (CHECK ENGINE) on page 58. If this occurs, return to your authorized Saab dealer for diagnosis. If it is determined that...
Page 149
(MMT); ask the attendant where you buy gasoline whether the fuel contains MMT. Saab does not recommend the use of such gasolines. Fuels containing MMT can reduce the life of spark plugs and the performance of the emission control system may be affected.
Engine Break-In Period Pistons, bores and bearings need time to obtain uniform, wear-resistant surfaces. If a new engine is driven too hard, this grad- ual process of bedding-in will not be possi- ble and the life of the engine will be short- ened.
NOTICE When the reverse gear is to be engaged the car must be at a standstill with the accelerator fully released. Lift the reverse lock-out collar and push the gear lever firmly to the right in neutral before easing it into reverse. Towing Towing of cars with manual transmission, see page 183.
Page 152
Selector-lever indicator on main instru- ment panel When the car is stationary, the engine must be at idling speed when the selector lever is moved. You must have your foot on the brake pedal to move the lever out of park. If the accelerator is depressed while the lever is moved, this will result in abnormal wear in the transmission.
Page 153
If the fuse blows again as soon as the Shift Lock feature is activated you should contact a workshop. We recommend that you con- tact an authorized Saab dealer. If the fuse is OK, check the battery regarding the voltage.
Page 154
Have the car checked at a workshop. We recom- mend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. It is not possible to select the SPORT or Sentronic mode when the Limp-home mode is active.
Page 155
High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler can also cause the transmission fluid to overheat. Overheating reduces the service life of the fluid. Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see also page 174). Towing Towing of cars with automatic transmission, see page 183.
Sentronic, manual mode 3 Move the selector lever to the M position. Select a higher gear by pushing the right-hand paddle on the steering wheel. Select a lower gear by pushing the left-hand paddle on the steering wheel. An example of when you may wish to make manual gear changes is when overtaking, to enable you to remain in a low gear for an extended period of time.
Page 157
Selector positions To shift out of the P position you must depress the brake pedal and the ignition must be ON. The parking position (P) must only be selected when the car is at a complete standstill. The selector lever is locked and the transmission is mechanically immobilized.
Page 158
If you move the selector lever from D to L, down shifts will follow a set pattern to avoid damaging the engine or transmission. Manual gear-changing is not recommended on slippery roads. If one of the drive wheels spins excessively, the engine torque will be reduced to avoid damaging the transmission.
Cruise control WARNING • Do not use the Cruise control system on wet or icy roads, in dense traffic or on winding roads. • Set the control to OFF when you do not want to use the system, to prevent the system being activated inadvert- ently.
When the lining is down to 3 mm, the pad will produce a screeching, squealing or scraping noise when the brakes are applied. New pads should be fitted without delay. Brake pads should only be replaced by a workshop. We recommend that you con- tact an authorized Saab dealer.
WARNING • It is prudent to try your brakes from time to time, especially when driving in heavy rain, through water collected on the road, in snow, on a wet road sur- face or in salty slush. In such condi- tions, the brakes may take longer than normal to take effect.
Page 162
The ABS system has a built-in diagnostic function which will switch on the Anti-lock brake warning light if a fault is detected in the system (see page 60). The ABS system will not reduce the braking distance on loose gravel or on snow or ice but, because the wheels cannot lock up, some steering control is retained.
Electronic Stability ® Program (ESP WARNING ® When driving normally, the ESP system will help to improve the stability of the car. This does not mean that car can be driven faster. The same care and prudence as normally applied should be displayed on cornering and when driving on slippery roads.
Page 164
Suspension modifications, such as changing the type of wheels, dampers or springs, can affect the function of the ® system. Always consult a workshop before chang- ing any suspension components. We rec- ommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. light ® button...
Parking brake WARNING • Always apply the parking brake when you park the car. • Always apply the parking brake before removing the ignition key. • Do not use the parking brake while driving. The parking brake is situated between the front seats and acts on the rear wheels.
Page 166
NOTICE Empty the car yourself and bear in mind: • Never leave a mobile phone, camera, computer or similar object visible in your car. • Clothing, packages and bags attract thieves. • Do not leave small objects such as CDs, sunglasses and coins visible. •...
Page 167
Long-term parking If the car is not going to be used for some time, e.g. 3–4 months, the following steps are recommended: • Run the engine to normal temperature before long-term parking. • Drain the washer-fluid reservoir and hoses. • Wash and wax the car. Clean the rubber seals on the hood, luggage compartment lid and doors, and lubricate them with glycerol (glycerin).
Assistance 3 WARNING Responsibility always lies with the driver when reversing. • Saab Parking Assistance can facilitate reversing at low speeds, such as when reverse parking. • Bear in mind that small and/or narrow objects cannot always be detected by the system.
Page 169
You can turn the system off by press- ing and holding the CLR button for 1.5 seconds. If the text "PARK ASSIST FAILURE" is dis- played on the SID, have the system checked by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.
Economical motoring Factors affecting fuel consumption Fuel consumption is greatly affected by the general driving conditions, the way in which the car is driven and at what speeds, the weather, the state of the road, the condition of the car, etc. Breaking-in Fuel consumption may be somewhat higher during the break-in period (the first 3,000–...
Page 171
We recommend that you contact an autho- rized Saab dealer. Practical trials on the roads have demon- strated that substantial savings in fuel con- sumption can be made if the above advice is heeded.
Engine block heater 3 The following are just some of the benefits to the car and the environment of using an engine block heater: • Lower fuel consumption. • Exhaust emissions substantially reduced over short runs. • Reduced wear on the engine. •...
If winter tires are fitted, the same type must be fitted on all wheels. Your Saab dealer will be pleased to advise you on the best tires for your car. Remember that tires age. It may therefore be necessary to change them before they reach the legal wear limit, as they gradually lose their friction properties.
Saab. • Consult your Saab dealer regarding the appropriate hitch kit for your car. If the car has a 13-pin genuine Saab electri- cal socket, the trailer/caravan can be equip- ped with rear fog lamp and reversing lamps.
Page 175
Trailer weight Maximum 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-license provisions...
Page 176
When negotiating long hills, bear the follow- ing important considerations in mind: • Use Normal mode when driving with a caravan or trailer on hilly roads. The adaptive gear change pattern function will prevent the transmission overheating. • Rises in coolant temperature are indi- cated by the temperature gauge in the main instrument panel.
Page 177
Recommendations for cars with manual gearbox Rises in coolant temperature are indicated by the temperature gauge in the main instru- ment panel. The following steps are taken in order as the temperature of the engine increases: • A/C compressor is switched off. •...
Page 178
Trailer hitch load The 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...
(see page 258). Strong, sturdy roof carriers 3 designed spe- cially for the car are available from your Saab dealer. Always secure the roof load safely. Fitting the roof carriers 3, 9-5 Sedan and 9-5 SportCombi...
Page 180
Starting and driving 4 Close the doors on the left-hand side of the car gently, to hold the carrier feet in place. 5 Now go around to the other side of the car and remove the plastic cover from the carrier’s adjustable foot. Fold back the rubber strip and insert the pins on the foot into the fixing holes.
Driving at night Bear 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.
Page 182
Tires WARNING Check the tire pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. Under- inflation can result in: • Punctures • Separation of the tire and tread • Damage to the sidewalls • Damage to the rims on poor roads •...
Driving with a spare wheel fitted See page 235. Driving with the trunk lid/tailgate open Avoid driving with the trunk lid/tailgate partly or fully open, since exhaust fumes can be drawn into the cabin. If you must drive with the trunk lid/tailgate open, all windows and the moonroof 3 must be closed and the cabin fan on at its highest speed setting.
Front towing eye WARNING • Make sure that the towing eye at the front is screwed in tightly. • The towing eye is only designed for use when the car is being towed on the road. It must not be used to pull the car out of a ditch, for example.
Page 185
Towing the car NOTICE • Never use the towing eyes to pull the car unstuck. Gear lever in neutral (in cars with automatic transmission: selector lever at N (neutral)) Turn on the parking lights. Drive carefully and do not exceed the speed limit for vehicles being towed.
Wash your hands after handling. If your battery has run down, you may want to use another vehicle and some jumper cables to start your Saab. Follow the steps below to do it safely. NOTICE Ignoring these steps could result in costly damage to your vehicle that would not be covered by your warranty.
Page 187
You can suffer burns or be blinded. Use a flashlight if you need more light. Be sure the battery has enough water. The battery installed in your new Saab has filler caps. Be sure the right amount of water is there. Add distilled or boiled water if the level is too low.
WARNING Do not let the other end touch anything until the next step. The other end of the negative cable does not go to the dead battery. It goes to a major metal part with a good ground on the engine of the vehi- cle with the discharged battery.
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories). Car care and technical information Hood ________________ Engine compartment __ Emission control systems ____________ Engine ______________ Engine oil ____________ Transmission fluid ____ Coolant ______________ Brake and clutch fluid__...
Hood The hood release handle is located under- neath the instrument panel. To open the hood: 1 Pull the release handle. 2 The front of the hood will now spring up, providing access to the secondary safety catch. 3 Push the catch upwards, pushing the hood downward a little bit at the same time.
Engine families Saab cars imported into the United States and Canada meet all applicable emission control standards. The engine family and appropriate tune-up specifications are iden- tified on a label affixed to the left front inner fender. These engine families meet applicable EPA...
Page 193
Trionic ECM has detected a problem. The car will continue to operate, but perfor- mance may be diminished. You should have your car checked by a Saab dealer as soon as possible. ORVR (Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery)
Engine The 2.3-liter model is a transverse, 4-cylin- der in-line engine with twin overhead cam- shafts and 4 valves per cylinder. This engine is equipped with balance shafts that reduce engine vibration to a minimum. The balance shafts are chain driven and rotate at twice the speed of the crankshaft.
SID, check the level of fluid in the expansion tank. Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of clean water and Saab-approved coolant. Coolants of a different brand could damage the engine or cooling system. We therefore recommend strict use of coolants that have been approved by Saab.
The type of coolant used has a reddish color and should not be mixed with other types of coolant. Saab Original coolant should be used all year round. Only use coolant approved by Saab.
Page 197
We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Brake and clutch-fluid reservoir It is not possible to detect, through abnormal pedal or parking brake-lever travel, whether brake pads are worn and need replacing.
Power steering fluid reservoir Air filter WARNING • For Service and Repair, parts equiva- lent to those used by Saab should be used. • Be aware that some non standard replacement parts may put you in an unsafe condition, even if they might fit.
Battery WARNING • Work on the battery may entail an explosion hazard, since the battery gives off hydrogen which forms an explosive mixture with the oxygen in the air. For this reason, always avoid sparks or open flames when working near the battery.
Car care and technical information Charging/replacing the battery NOTICE To avert the danger of short-circuiting between the positive (+) terminal on the battery and the inlet manifold on the engine, always disconnect the negative (–) battery lead first and reconnect it last. Connect the positive lead to the positive (+) battery terminal (red), and the negative lead to a good ground point, e.g.
Drive belts WARNING • Keep hands and clothing clear of drive belts when engine is running. • Always stop the engine before inspecting drive belt. • The radiator fan is electric and can start even when the engine is switched off. NOTICE Serious damage can be done to the car’s electrical system if an alternator lead is...
Wipers and washers Check and clean all wiper blades regularly. If poor wiper performance is experienced, clean the windshield with a qual i t y gl ass cl eaner . This is particularly important if the car has been through an automatic car wash, as these sometimes leave a wax coating on the windshield.
Page 203
Washer-fluid filler cap Washers The washer-fluid reservoir holds 6.4 quarts (6 liters). When "Washer fluid level low. Refill." comes up on the SID, the reservoir is down to about 1 quart (1 liter) of fluid. Add at least 50 % of washer- fluid to water to prevent freezing and for effective cleaning.
Xenon headlights 3 are high voltage and must therefore be changed at a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab work- shop. Work involving high-voltage components is potentially lethal. NOTICE • Since the headlight lenses are made...
Page 205
6 Fit the cover. The three covers of the headlight. The left-hand cover is for the direction indicator. Replacement of this bulb should be carried out by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab workshop.
Page 206
Car care and technical information Low beam bulb 3 On certain variants the low beam bulb is fitted in the same way as the high beam bulb, without spring clips, see previous page. Contact an authorized Saab workshop if a Xenon headlight requires replacement...
Page 207
2 Unplug the connector. 3 Change the bulb. Refit in the reverse order. Front direction indicator Direction indicator bulb replacement should be carried out by a workshop. We recommend that you contact an author- ized Saab dealer.
Rear light cluster, 9-5 Sedan The bulbs for the lamps in the rear light clus- ter are accessed from the luggage compart- ment. 1 Lower the flap (secured with catches). 2 Squeeze the plastic lugs and remove the bulb holder. 3 The bulb has a bayonet fitting.
Page 209
Trunk lid light and taillights, 9-5 Sedan Before changing bulbs in the trunk, you must first release the trim at the foot of the trunk. This involves removing the handle and the three trim fasteners (studs). 1 Unscrew the handle on the inside of the tailgate.
Page 210
High-mounted stop lights, 9-5 Sedan The bulbs can be accessed after the panel in the rear headlining has been removed. 1 Remove the panel by carefully pushing in the two clips, one at the time. 2 Release the bulb holder, which is retained by a clip at either end.
Page 211
3 Remove the two screws securing the light cluster to the body. 4 Pull the light cluster rearwards and angle it outwards (it is seated quite firmly). 5 Release the fastener from the body. Reinsert the fastener into the groove in the light cluster.
Page 212
Tailgate bulbs, 9-5 SportCombi 1 Turn the lock a quarter turn (90°) with a screwdriver or the ignition key. 2 Open and remove the cover. 3 Remove the bulb holder by pressing the plastic lug to the side. 4 Press in the bulb and twist it counterclockwise.
Page 213
License-plate light The lens is not screwed in place. It is held in place with snaps. 1 One of the short sides of the lens con- tains a recess for a small screwdriver. Insert a screwdriver and prise out the lens.
3 Fit the new bulb. On refitting, insert the connector-end of the lamp fitting first. Other bulbs If any other bulbs need changing, you are advised to take the car to a workshop. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer.
Page 215
A special kit containing spare bulbs and fuses is available as an accessory from your Saab dealer. A storage space for this is pro- vided adjacent to the toolkit and jack, under the panel in the luggage...
• Always consult a workshop before modifying or adding any electrical equipment. We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Failure to do so can result in the elec- trical system being damaged. • Never replace a fuse with one having a higher/lower rating than specified (see page 218).
If a Maxi fuse blows, it means that there is a major fault in the electrical system. Have the car checked without delay by a workshop. We recommend that you con- tact an authorized Saab dealer. DICE / TWICE DICE = Dashboard Integrated Central Elec- tronics...
Page 218
Fuse panel in instrument panel Amp Function Trailer lights Automatic transmission 7.5 Electric door mirrors; DICE: manual beam length adjustment 3 Brake lights; Park Brake Shift Lock (cars with auto- matic transmission) Reversing lights Parking lights and taillights, left Parking lights and taillights, right 7.5 DICE / TWICE Electric windows, right;...
Page 219
7,5 Driver seat memory 3; mirrors memory 3; moonroof 3; parking assistant 3; seatbelt reminder; Engine-management system; SID; main instrument 7.5 Airbag 7.5 ABS/ESP ® 7.5 Starter motor; transmission control module (cars with automatic transmission) 7.5 Cruise control 3; water valve; fog lights, front 3; rain sensor 3 –...
– Starter relay Limp-home function – Fuse box under hood Fuses Amp Function Radiator fan, high speed ® ABS/ESP ® ABS/ESP 7.5 Load angle sensor (cars with xenon headlights) Heater A/C; car alarm siren Bulb test – – Headlight washers...
Page 221
High beam headlight, left Low beam headlight left High beam headlight, right Low beam headlight, right Radiator fan, high speed Fog lights (front spoiler) Wiper, rear Horn – – Relays Function Bulb test; head light; high beam flasher Headlight washer Front fog lights Wiper, rear (9-5 SportCombi) –...
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see your Saab Warranty and Service Record Booklet for details. WARNING Poorly maintained and improperly used tires are dangerous.
High speed operation WARNING Driving at high speeds, 100 mph (160 km/h) or higher, puts an additional strain on tires. Sustained high-speed driving causes excessive heat build up and can cause sudden tire failure. You could have a crash and you or others could be killed. Some high-speed rated tires require infla- tion pressure adjustment for high speed operation.
Flat spotting All tires get hot, especially on long journeys or when the car is driven hard. After the car has been parked with hot tires and the tires have cooled down, a flat spot can form in the tire, where it is in contact with the ground. The same can occur if the car has not been moved for a long time.
Tire-Loading Information label. Before changing to wheels/tires of another size, we recommend that you contact an authorized Saab workshop regarding acceptable options. See also page 266 Wheels/tires combinations that are not approved by the vehicle manufacturer can negatively affect the car’s directional stabil-...
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applica- ble on the tire sidewall between tread shoul- der and maximum section width. For exam- ple: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A The following information relates to the system developed by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administra- tion, which grades tires by treadwear, trac- tion and temperature performance.
Page 227
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts or wheel nuts, replace them only with new Saab original equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your vehicle.
Notice: If your vehicle does not have 225/45R17 alt. 235/45 R17 size tires, use tire chains only where legal and only when you must. Contact your Saab dealer regarding suitable snow chains. Install them on the front tires and tighten them as tightly as possible with the ends securely fastened.
Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is molded into it´s sidewall. Tire size: The tire size ia a combination of letters and numbers used to define a partic- ular tire´s width, height, aspect ratio, con- struction type and service description. Department of Transportation (DOT): The Department of Transportation (DOT) code indicates that the tire is in compliance...
Aspect ratio: A two-digit number that indi- cates the tire height-to-width measure- ments. For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is “55”, as shown in item “C” of the illus- tration, it would mean that the tire´s sidewall is 55% as high as it is wide. Belt Rating: A letter code is used to indicate the type of ply construction in the tire.
Loading Your Vehicle 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 268. This is an example of what your vehicle´s Tire-Loading Information/Certification label might look like.
Page 232
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; vehi- cle capacity weight; and production options weight. Maximum Permissible Inflation Pres- sure: The maximum cold inflation pressure to which a tire may be inflated.
Page 233
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.
Tire date code Tires should be regarded as perishable goods. As the tires age, the rubber becomes progressively harder, and the roadholding ability of the tires diminishes. This is partic- ularly true on winter tires. Tires now have a date-code marking for the year of manufacture.
Page 235
Driving considerations with compact spare wheel/tire fitted WARNING • Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) as the tire can overheat and adversely affect the handling of the car. • Tire pressure: refer to page 267. • The spare wheel or punctured tire must be stowed under the trunk floor, and secured in place with the retaining nut.
Changing a wheel WARNING Lifting a vehicle and getting under it to do maintenance or repairs is dangerous without the appropriate safety equipment and training. The jack provided with your vehicle is designed only for changing a flat tire. If it is used for anything else, you or others could be badly injured or killed if the vehicle slips off the jack.
Page 237
Jacking points for a floor jack To jack up the car, apply the jack to one of the special jacking points under the sills. If a floor jack is used, it can be applied to the standard jacking points used by the dealer. A floor jack can lift both front wheels or both rear wheels off the ground simultaneously.
Page 238
Removing the plastic wheel bolt caps 5 Clean any rust or dirt from the contact surfaces between the wheel and brake disc. Do not wipe away the grease in the hub. 6 Fit the wheel and screw in the bolts in the sequence shown (opposite pairs) - see page 239.
We recommend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Never make any alterations or repairs to the safety belt yourself. Regularly check the function of the safety belts as follows: •...
Upholstery and trim To remove lint or hairs from the seat uphol- stery or headlining, use a moist, lint-free cloth or a special lint remover (brush or roller). Remove any dirty marks using a cloth moistened with lukewarm soapy water. When using a stain remover, always work from the outside towards the center to avoid leaving a ring.
Wash your car frequently. To facilitate cleaning, a suitable detergent can be added to the water, which should be lukewarm. Saab offers a full line of car care products, including car wash, for the care of your vehi- cle. See your dealer for available products or visit www.saabcatalog.com (U.S.
Do not use gasoline as a cleaning agent or solvent when carrying out repairs or mainte- nance. Saab recommends the use of envi- ronmentally safe degreasing agents. Touching up the paint Damaged paintwork should be treated as soon as it is discovered: the longer it is left, the greater the risk of corrosion.
Two-coat enamel As the name implies, two-coat enamel is applied in two operations. The first coat, the base color, contains the pigment, metal flakes and binder. The second coat consists of a clear enamel, which provides the final gloss for the paintwork and protects the base from moisture and environmental con- taminants.
Page 244
If the fault persists, however, have the system checked by a workshop. We recom- mend that you contact an authorized Saab dealer. Important! When the A/C system is running, the intake...
Anti-corrosion treatment The entire car is corrosion-protected at the factory in different stages by an electrolytic immersion coating and a PVC-based pro- tective coating to protect against corrosion caused by stones flung up by the wheels. A thin penetrating anti-rust oil is also applied in cavities and body members.
For long trips Before setting off on a long journey, it is advisable to have your car checked over by your Saab dealer. Obtain a few important items to take along on your journey such as spare bulbs, wiper blades, fuses, a Poly-V-belt and the like.
If you believe your headlights need to be re-aimed, we recommend that you take it to your Saab dealer for service, however, it is possible for you to re-aim your headlights as described in the following procedure.
Page 248
• The vehicle should be fully assembled and all other work stopped while headlight aiming is being done. • The vehicle should not have any snow, ice or mud attached to it. • Tires should be inflated to the prescribed pressure.
Page 249
5 Turn on the low beam headlights and place a piece of cardboard or equivalent (although not directly on the lens) in front of the headlight not being aimed. This should allow the beam cut-off of the headlight being aimed to be seen on the flat surface.
Page 250
Car care and technical information (This page has been left blank.)
3 Asterisk means: equipment not fitted in all cars (can depend on model variant, engine variant, market specification, options or accessories). Customer Assistance and Information Maintenance schedule _ Owner assistance _____ Reporting Safety Defects (U.S.A.) _____________ Reporting Safety Defects to the Canadian government _________ Vehicle Data Collection and Event Data...
Maintenance schedule The Maintenance Schedule prescribes a service program to the purchaser/operator of a Saab that is reasonable and necessary to ensure the proper emission control sys- tems function, safety and reliability of the Saab automobile in normal use. Additional...
HOW TO USE THE SERVICE RECORD COUPONS When the car is brought to a Saab dealer for scheduled maintenance, present the Saab Warranty and Service Record Booklet to the service manager. When the technician has completed the service, the technician will sign the maintenance record.
Two change of address cards are provided at the end of the Warranty and Service Record Booklet. Knowing your current address allows Saab to contact you in the event of a recall or service campaign. Please help us keep our records up to date for your own peace of mind.
• in response to an official request of police or similar government office, • as part of Saab’s defense of litigation through the discovery process, or • as required by law. In addition, once Saab collects or receives data, Saab may •...
Page 256
Customer Assistance and Information (This page has been left blank)
General Overall length, including bumpers: 9-5 Sedan_______________________ 9-5 SportCombi __________________ Overall width, including door mirrors ____ Maximum height: 9-5 Sedan_______________________ 9-5 SportCombi __________________ Wheelbase _______________________ Ground clearance at gross vehicle weight Track: Front __________________________ Rear ___________________________ Turning circle (curb to curb) ___________ Turning circle (measured at vehicle extremi- ties) _____________________________ Number of seats (incl.
Page 259
Maximum load on ball hitch __________ 110–165 lbs 43.0 in (1092 mm) 67.5 in (1714 mm) The above speed and weight restrictions are those specified by Saab Automobile AB. Note that local restrictions may apply to trailer speeds and weights 42.8 in (1087 mm) (see page 174).
Coolant capacity ___________________ Fuel Four cylinders, twin Fuel-tank capacity ____________ overhead cam- shafts, 16 valves For optimum performance Saab and two balancer recommends:_________________ shafts. 3.54 in (90 mm) * If AON 90 is used some decrease in engine power can occur.
Long service intervals, fuel economy and environmental issues are the base for our choice of oil. By using oils approved by Saab you minimise the tendencies for oil sludge build, by that protecting the engine from harmful, wear increasing, deposits.
When to change engine oil Your vehicle will display when it is time for servicing on the SID, based on the mileage and time since the last service. For this service system to work it is of outmost importance that the right engine oil is used.
Electrical system Voltage __________________________ Battery capacity ___________________ Starter motor ______________________ Alternator rating ____________________ Firing order _______________________ Spark plugs: 2.3 Turbo _______________________ 2.3T and 2.3 Turbo ________________ Electrode gap ____________________ Drive belts 12 V Engine variants 70 Ah Drive belt _________________________ 95.08 in 1.4 kW 140 A/14 V 1–3–4–2...
Automatic transmission All-synchromesh Type _____________________________ Electronically con- 5-speed with final drive and differen- tial Saab MTF 0063 1.9 qts (1.8 litres) 1.6 qts (1.5 litres) Hydraulic, single dry-plate clutch of Selector-lever positions ______________ P R N D M L diaphragm-spring...
Suspension Spring type, front and rear ___________ Maximum deflection of springs: Front __________________________ Rear ___________________________ Dampers: Front __________________________ Rear ___________________________ Steering Steering _________________________ Number of turns, lock to lock __________ Power-steering fluid ________________ Brake system Coil springs Footbrake (ABS) ____________________ Hydraulic, dual- 7.09 in (180 mm) 7.87 in (200 mm) Gas-filled...
Snow chains must not be fitted to 17" wheels. Max. permissible speed with snow chains fitted is 30 mph (50 km/h). Contact an authorized Saab dealer for advice on snow chains. NOTICE 4 x 16” Wheels larger than 17” must not be fitted.
Page 267
Lowest recommended tire pressure, cold tires Tire size Load/speed mph (km/h) All season tires 215/55 R16 93 H 1–3 pers./0–100 (0–160) 4–5 pers./0–100 (0–160) 1–5 pers./100– (160–) 235/45 R17 94 V 1–3 pers./0–120 (0–190) 4–5 pers./0–120 (0–190) 1–5 pers./120– (190–) Front Rear Tire size...
Specifications Plates and labels When consulting your Saab dealer, it may be necessary to quote the car’s V.I.N., engine and gearbox numbers. 1 V.I.N. number, inside windshield. 2 V.I.N. label and certification label. 3 Gearbox number. 4 Engine number. 5 Canada: Label for tire pressure and color codes (trim and body).
Page 269
1 Region ___________ Y = Northern Europe 2 Country __________ S = Sweden 3 Manufacturer _____ 3 = Saab Automobile AB 4 Product line ______ E = 9-5 5 Model series ______ D = 9-5 Arc with driver’s and passenger-side airbags H = 9-5 Aero with driver’s and...
Page 270
You can choose whether front seat and rear window heating is to be activated manually or automatically; see "Adaptation of ACC" on page 85. Saab 9-5 Audio System (see page 106): • Speed dependent volume. Daytime Running Lights: To disable, turn off the ignition and pull out...