Saab 2001 9-3 Owner's Manual page 199

Radiator drain cock
The corrosion-inhibiting properties of the
coolant deteriorate over time, but coolant
approved by Saab can be used for
year-round protection. Change the coolant
as specified in the service program (page
239) and use only coolant approved by
Saab – other makes may need changing
more frequently and may damage the sys-
tem.
NOTE
Always mix the antifreeze with the
appropriate volume of water before
adding it to the cooling system.
If pure antifreeze is added, the engine
could still freeze and be damaged. This is
because the antifreeze will not mix
properly with the coolant before the
thermostat has opened to allow full
circulation.
Changing the coolant
(Usually carried out as part of the Saab
original service by an authorized Saab
dealer)
1 If the engine is hot, loosen the expan-
sion-tank filler cap a little to release the
pressure. Leave the cap in place.
2 Fit a suitable piece of hose onto the
nipple of the drain cock. Let the hose dis-
charge into a receptacle under the radi-
ator and open the drain cock, which is
located on the inside of the radiator
facing the engine bay.
3 Remove the filler cap on the expansion
tank.
4 In a couple of minutes the system will be
empty. Close the drain cock.
5 Mix antifreeze and water in a suitable
container. Use only Saab-approved
coolant.
Car care
6 Add the coolant slowly to the expansion
tank. This will take about two minutes,
as the air needs time to escape.
7 Screw the expansion-tank cap on and
run the engine to normal temperature.
Top up with coolant until the level is just
under the "KALT – COLD" mark on the
tank.
8 Check the coolant again after a few days
and top up as necessary.
199