Towing and Road Service Guide For the 2003 Saab 9.3 Sedan Quality and Education Services AAA Automotive 1000 AAA Drive Heathrow, FL 32746 July 23, 2003
Index Equipment availability 3 General Towing Information Special Precautions 4 Car Carrier Loading and Transporting 5 Shifter Lock Over-ride 9 Wheel-Lift Towing Procedure 10 Emergency Road Service Information Jacking 11 Tire Service: 12 Out of Fuel 14 Jump-Start Procedures 15 Ignition Key and Security System 17 Vehicle Recovery 20 2
EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY To eliminate the need to remove the eye bolt from the vehicle s tool kit during loading, a screw-in eyebolt is available from any authorized Saab dealer s parts department. The towing and tie-down equipment discussed in this guide are available through AW Direct, a preferred AAA supplier. Contact your local AAA club representative for special offers available to AAA contractors. 3
AAA Towing and Roadside Assistance Guide for the Saab 9.3 July 23, 2003 GENERAL TOWING INFORMATION SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS: Saab 9.3s are Front Wheel Drive vehicles. Wheel-lift or car carrier equipment are authorized methods of towing this vehicle. A car carrier is the preferred method however, if wheel-lift equipment is used to tow a Saab 9.3 from the rear, a dolly is required under the front wheels. THERE IS NO APPROVED PROCEDURE FOR THE USE OF SLING-TYPE EQUIPMENT ON THIS VEHICLE. When loading or pulling the 9.3, DO NOT USE HOOKS OF ANY TYPE ON THE LOWER CONTROL ARMS. Follow only the approved loading procedures specified in the following pages. In an emergency situation where the vehicle will not roll or must be moved for towing access, wheel-jacking equipment such as Go-Jacks, are recommended. 4
CAR CARRIER LOADING AND TRANSPORTING: The use of car carrier equipment is the preferred method of transporting the new Saab 9.3 models CAUTION: The curb weight for the Saab 9.3 is 3,461lbs. If fully loaded, the gross vehicle weight may be near 4,453lbs. The weight distribution is approximately 55% to the front and 45% to the rear. The Saab 9.3 has limited ground clearance at front and rear and may require additional ramping to permit loading onto a conventional car carrier. Clearances, including oil pan to carrier deck surface should always be monitored as it is loaded. The towing eye bolt should be used for front loading of the Saab 9.3. The eye bolt is located in the tool kit located in the center under the floor in the trunk area. (See Figure 1) Figure 1 If the towing eyebolt is missing or otherwise inaccessible, the tie-down slots on the undercarriage can be used to load the vehicle. 5
NOTE: The eyebolt on this vehicle has LEFT-HAND THREADS. Screw the eye bolt counter-clockwise into the front pull point and attach the winch line to the eyebolt with the open side of the hook facing upward. (See Figures 2-4) Figure 2 Figure3 Figure 4 The tag on the towing eyelet reminds you of several important steps: Read the operation manual, the towing eyelet has left handed treads and use an item to ensure that the towing eyelet is securely fastened before pulling on it. (see figure 5) Figure5 6
Before loading, ensure that the transmission is in Neutral and the ignition switch is in position to unlock the steering. When loading, remember that the eye bolts are designed for a straight ahead pull within a 20 degree window, so stop the vehicle as the winch wire rope begins to pull downward. To prevent too much downward pull, you will need to keep the leading edge of the vehicle approximately 3 feet from the winch drum. Once loaded, set the parking brake and secure the vehicle onto the carrier. CAUTION: Pay special attention to the left side suspension of these vehicles when hooking to them and tying them down. A load level sensor may be located on the front and rear lower left control arms. These components could be easily damaged by misrouted straps or chains. (See figures 6 and 7) Figure 6 (Front load level sensor) Figure 7 (Rear load level sensor) 7
NOTE: The Saab owner s manual states that the four tie-downs slots in the frame can be used to secure the vehicle. Slots are provided in the frame to take either T or mini-j type hooks. (See figure 8 and 9). AAA recommends the use of wheel strap tie-downs around each wheel. Figure 8 (front tie down slot) Figure 9 (rear tie down slot) After securing, return the bed to the transporting position, then slacken the winch wire rope slightly to prevent downward pull on the towing eye bolt as bumps are encountered during transport. Make sure that the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position to avoid unnecessary battery drain. 8
SHIFTER LOCK OVER-RIDE If there is a problem with the shifter or if the ignition key is not available, the automatic transmission can be shifted out of the park position. This is accomplished by lifting out the rubber liner in the bottom of the storage compartment in front of the shifter. This will reveal an opening where the shift interlock override is located. The override mechanism is operated by pressing the yellow lever with a screwdriver type tool while moving the gear selector out of the Park (P) position. Ensure that you either press the brake pedal or apply the parking brake before performing this procedure as the vehicle may start to roll once the gear selector is moved out of the Park (P) position. If the key is available to start the vehicle, move the selector to the Neutral (N) position and attempt to start the vehicle. The vehicle shown has a manual transmission but the picture in figures 10 and 11 show were the interlock override would be located. Fuse number 6 in the engine compartment fuse box controls the operation of the shift interlock circuit. Ensure that the fuse is good before proceeding. Figure 10 (remove rubber liner) Figure 11 (Lever location) 9
WHEEL-LIFT TOWING PROCEDURE: If a wheel-lift is used, the procedures shown below must be used with no exceptions. The Saab 9.3 has limited undercarriage clearance. To use a wheel-lift when towing from the front or a wheel-lift with a towing dolly installed under the front wheels when towing from the rear, follow the procedures listed below. To tow from the front with a wheel-lift, observe the following: Position the L arms on the wheel lift assembly tight to the tires to ensure the most oil pan to cross bar clearance. To achieve the necessary clearance, a 2x4 piece of wood may need to be placed under the front tires to get the L arms in tight enough to gain necessary clearance. Secure the front wheels firmly to the wheel-lift After loading, place the transmission selector in Park Use a steering wheel securing device to prevent possible excessive load on the steering column lock Attach safety chains and tow lights to the vehicle. Ensure that the ignition switch is turned OFF to prevent unnecessary battery drain. To tow from the rear with a wheel-lift and dolly, observe the following: Secure the rear wheels firmly to the wheel-lift and the front wheels firmly to the towing dolly. Follow the steps listed above to gain necessary vehicle to cross bar clearances After loading onto the dolly and wheel-lift place the transmission selector in Park and set the parking brake. Use a steering wheel securing device to prevent possible excessive load on the steering column lock. Attach safety chains and tow lights to the vehicle. Ensure that the ignition switch is turned OFF to prevent unnecessary battery drain. 10
EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE PROCEDURES JACKING: The jack supplied with the Saab 9.3 is located in the toolbox in the center of the trunk area, under the floor. (See Figure 12 below.) Figure 12 The approved lifting locations are the jacking pads inside of the rocker sills, located inboard of the wheels. These spots are marked on the rocker sills with an arrow. Place the jack in its proper location. Observe all standard jacking precautions and ensure that the vehicle is on firm, level ground. As the jack comes in contact with the vehicle body, ensure that it is contacting the correct location on the vehicle. Continue lifting to raise the vehicle high enough to change the tire. 11
TIRE SERVICE: The Saab 9.3 is equipped with a compact size spare tire which stored under the floor in the trunk area of the vehicle. The compact spare has a maximum life of 2000 miles and is limited to a vehicle speed of 50MPH (80KM/H) and should be inflated to 60psi when in use. Follow recommended tire changing procedures including cleaning any rust or debris from the hub before mounting the spare wheel on the vehicle. Tighten the wheel bolts to the recommended 82ft/lbs (110 Nm) and re-check them after 20 miles or so of driving to ensure they are not coming loose. These vehicles may also be equipped with an automatic tire pressure monitoring system. Placing the compact spare tire on a vehicle with an automatic tire pressure monitoring system can have an affect on the system. The following is a description of how the system functions. The pressure monitoring system consists of a sensor in each wheel, a detector in each wheel housing and a receiver. The wheel mounted sensors are positioned directly opposite the air valve. A wheel with the sensor has a valve which looks like the one in figure 13. Normal valves are used in wheels that do not have the sensor. Care must be taken when working with these wheels so damage does not result to these valves. The receiver for the system is located in the trunk and the pressure information is sent wirelessly from the sensor to the receiver. The system checks the tire pressure when the car is traveling over 18 MPH (30 KM/H). The system is self-learning which means that the position of the wheels can be changed without recalibration of the system. The compact spare will not have a sensor mounted in it. The system will only warn the driver of an under-inflation condition. It does not alert the driver if a wheel is overinflated. Figure 13 (Wheel equipped with pressure monitor) 12
Notification will be displayed on the Saab Information Display (SID) in the top, center of the dash. If the pressure in one or more tires drops 4psi or more below specifications, the display will alert the driver as to which tire is low. If the pressure continues to drop, the system will issue a warning alarm when the tire gets to be 9psi or more under recommended pressure and the display will say which tire is flat. NOTE: When the compact spare is place on a vehicle with this system the SID will read, Tire pressure system failure. This is due to the fact that the wheel does not have a sensor installed in it. The system will emit the same warning when any wheel is fitted without a sensor, when one, two, or three of the pressure sensors are broken or missing, two or more of the detectors are missing or broken, when the receiver malfunctions, or when a fault arises with the system. CAUTION: Before mounting the spare tire on the vehicle, ensure that the rim and axle mounting surfaces are clean and free from dirt and corrosion. If the spare rim is badly corroded, mounting the spare on the vehicle is not recommended. Instead, transport the vehicle to a repair facility to have the problem corrected. 13
OUT OF FUEL SERVICE: There are no special precautions needed to refuel a Saab 9.3, although it is important to take care not to damage the vehicle s finish during refueling. The fuel filler is located on the right-hand (passenger s) side of the vehicle on the rear quarter panel and is covered by a locking door. The fuel filler door works with the central locking system of the vehicle. If the fuel door will not open with the vehicle unlocked check fuse 7 in the dash side fuse panel if it is ok, the following is a manual override procedure to open the fuel filler door: 1. Open the truck and pull open the storage compartment cover on the right-hand (passenger s) side of the trunk area. (See figure 14) Figure 14 (Right storage compartment cover) 2. Loosen the two screws (do not unscrew them fully). Lift up the screws and press them out of their keys. (See Figure 15). 3. The fuel door can now be opened as usual. Figure 15 (Loosen 2 screws and push up) 14
JUMP-STARTING: The Saab 9.3 has one battery which is located under the hood. It is positioned on the left (driver s) side of the engine compartment under a black plastic cover. (See figure 16) Figure 16 (Battery location) The following jump-starting procedures should be followed when rendering assistance to a Saab 9.3: Never use jump-starting equipment that can exceed normal 12-volt charging system voltage. Ensure that all electrical accessories, audio equipment, and the ignition switch are turned OFF and disconnect any item that may be plugged into a 12 volt receptacle in the vehicle before connecting jumper cables or a jumper box to the discharged vehicle. If using jumper cables, make connections in the following order: NOTE: You will have to remove the plastic cover to access the battery positive post. (See figure 17) 1. Connect the positive (+) jumper cable to the positive battery terminal of the discharged vehicle and to the positive (+) battery terminal of the donor vehicle or jumper box. 2. Connect the negative (-) jumper cable to the negative battery terminal of the donor vehicle. (Skip this step if using a jumper box.) 3. Connect the negative (-) cable to a good ground on the engine of the discharged vehicle. 15
Figure 17 (Battery cover removed) Allow the discharged battery to charge for a few minutes then turn the ignition key to the ON position for a couple minutes to allow the onboard computers to re-synchronize before attempting to crank the engine. NOTE: Failure to allow computers time to re-synchronize may cause the vehicle to exhibit a condition similar to a bad starter solenoid. Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds. If the cranking speed is slow, or the engine does not crank, turn the ignition off and recheck all jumper connections then try again. If the problem persists tow the vehicle. NOTE: These vehicles are equipped with a battery disconnect switch which is designed to disconnect the electrical power from the vehicle in case of a collision. This switch will be tripped any time an airbag on one of these vehicles deploys. If the vehicle exhibits a dead battery condition and a boost is not successful, check to see if the battery disconnect switch has been tripped. (See figure 18) Figure 18 (Battery disconnect switch) Visually check the electrical system of the vehicle before resetting the switch, which is done by pressing the yellow button on the top as a tripped switch may be the reason for the failure. 16
IGNITION KEY AND SECURITY SYSTEM: Saab vehicles have used a unique ignition cylinder placement in their vehicles for a number of years (see figure 19). With the redesign of the Saab 9.3 for 2003 they have also started using a unique looking ignition key. These new and unique designs can present some challenges for a service provider the first time they encounter one of these vehicles. (Figure 19) The new key (see figure 20) has a short shaft on it. When it is inserted into the ignition cylinder there is an electronic locking device in the ignition cylinder to hold the key in place. (Figure 20) 17
The following shows a problem that ca n occur when the battery is discharged as well a solution to the problem and service precautions. Problem: o Cannot remove ignition key from ignition cylinder if the battery is discharged or the battery disconnect is tripped with the key in ignition and set to either the ON or OFF position. Solution: o The ignition key can be turned from the ON position to the OFF position without battery power. The key cannot be turned to the LOCK position without battery power. The roadside assistance provider can supply battery power to the vehicle through a boost. The service provider must then turn the key to the LOCK position and remove the key. This is to verify that the system is functioning properly with battery power. Once it is verified that the key can be removed if the vehicle has battery power, re-insert the key into the ignition cylinder and start the vehicle. Cautions: o Referring to jump starting section, this vehicle s computer system must relearn itself once battery power has been disconnected. Leave the boost system connected to the disabled vehicle for a couple of minutes before attempting to start the engine. o If an engine start is attempted out of sequence, the vehicle will not start for the following two reasons: 1) If the computer has not been given time to relearn its memory the starter circuit will not close producing a no crank situation. 2) If the ignition key is not removed and then re-inserted into the ignition cylinder after power has been re-established the engine may crank and not fire. This is due to the on-board computer sensing sudden drastic differences in battery voltage. The computer is protecting the vehicle s electronic system from a voltage surge situation. Other concerns: o If the situation arises where the roadside assistance provider does everything correctly and the ignition key is still stuck in the ignition o cylinder, a tow to the dealer is recommended. If it is after hours when the vehicle reaches the service department, the owner may not feel comfortable leaving the key in the ignition overnight. To remedy this situation, there is a removable steel key housed in key/remote assembly (see figure 21 on following page). To remove the steel key, grasp the top part of the key/remote assembly where it would attach to a key ring firmly, press on the Saab logo on the remote and pull the two pieces of the key/remote assembly apart. This will remove the steel key. Once the vehicle has been towed to dealer, the service provider can use the steel key to lock the vehicle and deposit the steel key in the night drop. This will secure the vehicle and allow the dealership access the vehicle the next morning. to 18
Figure 21 The same steel key can be used to unlock the vehicle when the remote fails unlock the vehicle due to a discharged battery or other electrical system malfunction. The steering wheel lock on these vehicles operates electronically. When the ignition key is inserted into the ignition cylinder the steering wheel will unlock and a click sound can be heard. The steering wheel must unlock before the ignition cylinder will turn from the lock position. If the vehicle is parked with one wheel firmly against a curb it may be necessary to turn the steering wheel slightly before inserting key in the cylinder to allow the steering wheel lock to disengage. A malfunction in this system could prevent the ignition key from being removed from the cylinder or prevent a restart if the car has been shut off. Check Saab Information Display (SID) for instructions if system inoperative. The security system on these vehicles will only arm if the vehicle is locked with the remote control. The alarm system monitors all of the doors, the hood and the trunk for entry as well, the system has a cabin motion/movement detector in case someone breaks a window and reaches into the vehicle. To shut off the alarm system you can do one of several things, press any button on the remote control, this will turn off the alarm as well as perform the function that you pressed or you can insert the key/remote assembly into the ignition cylinder and turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The theft system settings can also be controlled through the Saab Information Display (SID). From the SID menu you can turn off the motion/movement sensor. This may be useful when transporting the vehicle as the alarm may cycle while the vehicle in under tows or being transported. To adjust the settings follow these steps: On the SID control, in the center of the dash, press the CUSTOMIZE button. Turn the INFO dial until Theft Alarm is selected. Press the INFO dial inward Select door alarm only Confirm your selection by pressing the INFO dial 19
VEHICLE RECOVERY: The Saab owner s manual states that the towing eyelet should not be used as a recovery hook up point. If the vehicle needs to be recovered from a situation where a substantial pull is necessary, the vehicle does have reinforced T hook slots (see figures 22 & 23) in the frame sections that can be used for this procedure. A nylon recovery loop can also be used if the operator is familiar with its proper use and necessary safe-guards. Figure 22 (Front T hook slot) Figure 23 (Rear T hook slot) 20