1982 OWNER'S MANUAL

SERVICE STATION INFORMATION

To open hood:

Pull hood release lever (located undor loll !lido of lnsuumont panel).
Press .the front edge o f hood down sllohtly 1111tl rolOC\'ll' 1ofoty catch. Allow front of hood to rise
and move forward, then till entire hood forw11fl.J To cto~o hood 1111 rearward and reverse the above
p rocedure.
(CLOSE SLOWLY UNTIL SAFETY CATCH ENGAGrS, I tfEN PUSH FIRMLY TO LATCH.)

To remove ignition key:

Engage Reverse (manual) or Park (automatic) .md tur11 kt>y to "L'' (lock). Key is located on center
console.

Recommended fuel:
Lubricants:

Catalyst-Equipped Engine-Unleaded, minimum oc1t1no roting

87.
Engine Oil: Hot weather- SAE 10W40
I
Normal
- SAE 10W30, 10W40
t API Sorvice SE or SF
Below 0 F - SAE 5W20
,

Transmission: Manual - SAE 10W30, API Sotvlco SE

Automatic - Type " F 1', M2C33F (Do 1101 USO Dexron ATF)
Final Drive (Automatic): EP SAE 80, APlGL 4 or Gl 5
Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol with aluminum corrosion protoollon proportlos mixed with clean fresh water
(minimum 50% glycol in mix year round).

Power Steering:

Use only "GM Specification Power Steotlng Fluid" (GM 9985010, Texaco TL4634 or equivalent).
Do not use ATF.

Tires:

Pressures: See Specifications Section pago 38. DO NOT TIGHTEN WHEELNUTS WITH AN
IMPACT WRENCH.

Tune-up information:
Towing disabled vehicle:

See Vehicle Emission Control Information label. loft front Inner fender.
See recommendatlons on page 55.

CAUTION: The fuel Injection system should be adjusted or disassembled only wltn the proper tools and according to
prescribed procedures and only by qualified persons skilled In Bosch CIS servicing. Fuel lines must never be cu t or spliced
and all connections must be properly torqued on reassembly. Tampering with the Continuous Injection System or Turbo
charger (if equipped) may void warranty coverage o f affected component s.
When welding on vehicle, disconnect the alternator. Avoid the plastlc fuel tank and lines and all flammable materi als.

CONTENTS
Section

I.

Description

Operating Instructions
A,
B.
C.
D.

E.

II.

ENTRY AND SECURITY

ACCOMMODATIONS AND SAFETY
CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS
STARTING AND DRIVING
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS-TURBO MO DELS

POWER UNIT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
c. STEERING AND BRAKES
D. WHEELS AND TIRES
E. SPECIFICATIONS
F. VEH ICLE IDENTIFICATION
G. CONSUMER INFORMATION

21
30

33
34
36

40
41

Service and Maintenance

A.
B.

IV.

2
4
7
16
20

Technical Information
A.
B.

Ill.

Page

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE PROGRAM (lhc. Break-In Service)

GENERAL INFORMATION
TROUBLE SHOOTING
APPEARANCE CARE & RUST PREVENTATIVE CARE
OWNER ASSISTANCE
TOWING PROCEDURE .

Index

44
53
53
55
55
59

I. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
A. Entry and Security
DOORS
Two keys are supplied with the car. Both flt the
lgnillon switch and all locks. The serial number
of the key will be found engraved on a small
plastic lug on the key ring. Keep the lug and
make a note of th e serial number In ca so the key
Is lost.
Both front sldo doors havo lockable outside
handles.
These are locked and unlocked as follows:
To Lock: Give the key a quarter turn rearward
and le t It spring back to the vertical
position.
To Unlock: Give the key a quarter turn forward
and let It spring back to the vertical
position.

All side doors are fitted with saloty lock buttons

with which they can be locked from the Inside
when closed. Lock button on the driver's door
cannot be pushed down when the door Is open.
The rear doors of the 4-door models are pro
vlded with safety locks to prevent the doors
from being unlntentlonally opened from the In
side by chlldren. When the lever ls in the lower
position (A), the doors can be opened from both
Inside and out, but when the lever Is In the upper
position (8), the door can only be opened from
the outside.

Power Door Locks (4-Door 9005, Turbo)

All door locks and trunk lock will be locked or
unlocked when the driver's door Is locked or
unlocked. Passenger doors may be locked or
unlocked Independently using the key (fron t
door) or the Inside knob. The trunk lid can be
unlocked separately by Inserting the key In the
lock ond turn ing It cloc kwise until ii stops (ap
prolllma toly 2 o'clock position). With the key In
this position press the release lever to unlatch
tho ltd. Ro turn the key to th e 12 o'clock position
and romovo It from tho lock. The lid will be auto
matlcally locked when closed.
WMn tl'IO power door tock Is unlocked tho trunk
lid may bo unlocked by turning the key y, turn
counter clockwise (9 o'clock position).

REAR LIO
Hatchback
Tho roar lid Is unlatched by pressing the release
lever upward. Tho lid Is locked or unlocked with
the key lock on the right. An Inside hand grip Is
provided to assist closing.

Sedan
The rear lid Is unlatched by pressing the release
lever rearward. The key lock Is located In the lid
lace directly above the release lever.
The tool kit, spare tire and jack are stowed un
der the luggage compartment floor.

The tool well cover can also be removed via the

rubber hinge straps which snap over buttons on
the underside of the cover.

LUGGAGE AND CARGO SPACE

When desired, the rear seat can be convor tod to
extend the luggage/cargo compartment

Release the seat latch and 1111 thu ~oat cushion

forward stand ing It on 0<1011 Lohlnd th o front
scats.

HOOD
Tho hood release handle Is located under the
1nstn1mcnt panel next to the Inner left wheel
llOU$10Q

On the hatchback modols tho parcel 11holl can

be removed and plACod on tho floor In th" lug
gage compartrnont TM h1goO'l cornpar1mon1
door ls oqulppd w1111 catch to ttotd th e parcel
shelf In tho rnt~!KI po111t1on to lacltlt.110 loading.
Tho sholf U tornatlclly 1a1urn1 tolls horizontal
poslllon "''" n 1110 tloo 11 clo,llc.I

Next, release the backrest lau;h and drop IM

backrest forward.

To open tho hood:

I P~ II tho release handle under the instrument
11Jnel The hood will then open to the hall
locked position. ret ained by a safety latch at
the leading edge (to the rrght of center wh en
f;tc1ng the car).
2 Pross tho l eading edge of the hood down
sligh tly and pull the sa fety catch. The hood
will lh en spring up and can be lilted lorward
without effort.

To close the hood:

1. Till hood rearward and down until lhe run
ners make contact with the rear hood guides.
2. Slowly push hood rearward (with a slight up
ward motion) until the safety catch engages.
Note. push at the cen ter of the forward edge
of the hood In order to engage the runners at
the rear corners In their locking guides In the
fenders.
3. Press down firmly unlll the main lock
engages securely.

B. Accommodations and Safety

SEATS

Vertical Adjustment

Headrest Cushions

The backrest and cushion of the front sea ts of

900S and Turbo models have thermostat-con
trolled elec tric heating el emen ts lhat warm up
automatically when the ignition 1$ switched on.
The thermostat ensures that the heaters are
switched on only when the seat Is cold and swit
ched off when th e temperature exceeds 82F.
Both front seats are adjustable as to legroom.
and the driver's seat can also be adjus ted for
height. The backrest angle ls contin uously ad
justabfe from uprlghl 10 reclining.

The cushion of the driver's seat can be raised

and iowerod and al so tilled to lhe hont or rear.
As th e Illustration shows, th ere aro four possl
ble positions.

Somo900 models have removable rear headrest

cushions as standard equipment. Rear
cushions have a moun ting post which lits into a
bracket attached to the back of the rear seat
backrest, wnen so equipped. The rear cushions
must bo pulled out when the seat Is to be folded
down.

Legroom Adjustment
Release lever 1 (see l llustratlon) and slide the
seat to lhe desi red position.

Backrest Angle Adjustment

The backrest angle can be in finitely adjusted
between driving and resting position with knob

3.

Moving the Backrest Forward (3Door

Models)
Move lever 2 and drop the backrest forward .

Adjustments are made with handle 4 (see Illus

tratlon) at the forward edge of tho soni Release
the latch by pushing on the handle and moving
it to the in termediate posltlon. Tho soot can
now be adjusted as follows:
1. Raised seat. Move the handle bllck wltl\Out

pressing down on the seat.

2. Lowered seal. Move th e hanilJtt lo1w11td,
pressing down on the seat.
3. Seat lilted back. Move tho hOnlll~ bock,
pressing down on the seal.
4. Seat lilted forward. Move th o hondhl forward
without pressing down on tho SOilt

Front scat head restraints have a vertical adjustrnon1 range of approximately 3 ;, Inches. To
1111,0, grnsp both sides of the cushion and pull
upw111ds. To lower. press down on the top cen ter
01 lho cushion. A sys tem of deten ts wi ll secure
tho cushion lit tho desired height.

SEAT BELT RESTRAINT SYSTEM

IMPORTANT! Soot bolls. proporl)I worn,
reduce tho risk ol aorlo111 occupant In
jury In an ncoldcint or 11morgoocy ma
neuvor. Belt l ypo roatralot 1110 l)rovldod
a l all aoa tlng poalllon Uto l hom for
your com l o11 nd p101t1ot1o n
Orlvor nnd f 1011t Soot Possonger
Each lnp ,, d lm11l1h r ros11olnl cons ists of a
conllnuc 113 b It o huch st alk, and a locking
rol!ec1or mach nl!lm which allows passenger
movorT111n1 untJN 1101mal circumstances and
locks tho bnll In imr'lrguncy deceleration silua
tl on s
To pul l ho bell 011 111111urasp 11 near the shoulder
bell guldll loop .1nll pull oul a sutflcient length
of belt to rn11c11 th!J 1n1ct1 mechanism between
the fronl SI' 11 0111 ,oclion of th e belt should
now bo l ylnp lowovM lho hips and the other over
the shou1d11r 001111111 tho guide loop. Position
the lalal'I tonguu on tho bolt so tha l ii can be
Inserted Into tho Intel :stalk.

Pull up on the upper portion of lhe bell to take

up any slack In the l ap portion. The retractor
mechanism will automatically ad just th e
shoulder portion. The bel t Is released by pressing the red bu tton marked PRESS (2). The retrac
tor will return th e bell to Its stored position.
NOTE! Pregnant women should use the
belt as described obovo paying speclal
attention to applying tho lap portion ol
the belt as low and snug over the hips as
possible.
Wh en th e belts aro In use the retractor mechanism is normally unlocked. This allows freedom
of movement tor the restrai ned occupant aulo
matlcaily. Th e bolt locking mechanism is actl
vated by rap id bolt mo tion and/or sudden
vehicle deceteratlon The belts wlll lock during
hard braking or whon the vehicle ls climbing or
descending sl eep grades.
NOTE! On 4doorcars the bell guide loop
comes las1onod to the ''8" pillar of the
car body al th o upper one of two possible
positions. II tho driver Is short In stature
and tho boll llos too close to the neck,
comfort may be Improved by moving the
guide loop downward 4 Inches to the al
ternate mounting position on the " B" pit
tar. Ask your dealer to do this. Do not
change the guide loop mounting point If
by so doing the sho11lder portion of the
belt tends to s lip off the driver's
shoulder.

Rear Seat Passengers

Three lap belts are provided for rear scat passengers. Tho outboard belts are each equipped
with an au tomatic retractor. The retractor mech
anlsm Is normally unlocked to permit freedom
of movement. It will lock automatically under

rapid bell motion or sudden force. Th e center

bolt must be adjusted manually.
WARNING!
1. No alterations or additions should be
made to this belt system.
2. The webbing must not be bleached or
redyed.
3. Each belt Is meant !or one person
only. The front belts must be used as
a lap/shoulder restraint only.
4. Holding your small child Is not safe.
Children under 5 years old and
weighing less than 40 lbs. should be
restrained In a suitable safety seat/
restraint designed for that purpose.
Follow seat manufacturer's tnstructlons which are based on the size and
we ight ol the child. Restraining a
chlfd safety seat with a 3polnt belt
requires a special clip to restrict belt
movement and prevent tho seat from
tipping over. For further Information
on child restraint systems for your
car write to: U.S. Dept. of Transports
lion, Washington, D.C. 20590.
5. If In doubt on any matter concerning
restraints or their use, please consult
your dealer.

Seat Belt Reminder System

This vehicle is eq11lpped with a seal belt re
mi nder system as required by Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 208, occupant Crash
Protection. The purpose of this Standard is lo
reduce lhe number and severity of traffic accl
dent injuries by promoting Increased usage of
seal belt systems. The vehicle may be started
whether or not the sea t belts are fastened. The
audible buzzer of the seat belt reminder system
ls actlvated by the driver's seat and seat bell
only.

REAR VIEW MIRRORS

INTERIOR FITIINGS

The Interior rear view mirror can be deflected to

avoid glare by operation of the con trol button
underneath It. The exterior view mi rrors are
either manually or electrically adjustable from
Inside tho car. The manual adjuster Is a lever
Inside the door that Is directly connected to the
mirror. Tho electrical adjustment is done by
moans of four way toggle controls located on
each side of the steering wheel (See diagram of
con trols and Instruments). Exterior mi rrors are
antlglare coated. To preven t scratch ing of this
coaling do not clean mirrors with sharp objects
or abrasives.

A shtrays
Three ash trays are inst alled In tho car One Is
located centrally below tho Instrument panel
and the other two In the armrests for the rear
seat.

NOTE: The rlghthand exterior mirror has

a conveK glass. Objects seen In the mlr
ror ore closer th an they appear to be.

Glove Compartment
To open tho glove compar tment door, squoozo
the catchos on tho lock. To lock, turn tho l<oy
clockwlso and withdraw It. To unlock th o com
partment, turn tho key counte rclockwlso Tho
key ls thesomo as that for the other locks on lho
car.

The ashtrays can bo removed from tho holders

for emptying. To remove the front tray, grasp i t at
tho two orange squares and pull upward Press
the ashtray down In th e holder as you roptace It,
to ensure that It clicks into position.
Cigarette Lighter
To uso lhe cigarett e l ighter, push It ln to thO
holder. 11 wlll spring back as soon as It la ho t.

Radio
Radio speakers nro Installed In the top ol the
Instrument panel, along with wi ring and an
tenna load on all models. The radio, when lnst ollod, replocos tho storage compartment In
tho center of tho tnstrumont panel.
Operational ln111ruc1lons are suppli ed with the
radio provided and/or selected
A lull fine ol audio equipment Is available from
your Saab Dealer.

Sunroof
The sunroof is opened and closed by sliding the
handle at the front of the panel either back
wards or forwards. The roof can be opened
either partially or completely. Onco the handle
is released, It wlll spring back 10 Its contra I posl
l ion (locking position). To close the roof. push
the handle forward until the panel locks In the
closed position.

C. Controls and Instruments

1. Fresh air vonl
2. Switch, parking llghls ntl Matlllf'lh1s
3. Clock and t11homI..,
4 . WarnlnQ 11Qhto
5 Dlroclfon

1nd1~1101

mn

6 Sp1>ndom11tti1 0001111 ll'I .ind trip moter

7 Comblnllon tn11rumnn t luol gauge, temperature gauge and pressure gaugo
(900 TuttlOI

8 Soni t1111t 1t1lt1lntH11 llOlll

9. Switch v1n1111tlon Inn
10.
11.
12
13.
14.
15.

Tompt\14I U11' COl'lt1o l

Air dl,l11l1ullnn c ontrot
Switch 11'Utd w11rnlng flashers (cars with power windows only)
Switch ,,., dJuauno o>Cternal rearvlew mirrors (900 Turbo)
Exon t wllth
Con1101 l or lll11flllC1w boam and direction Indicators

2 3 4

5 4

7 8

10

15A. Rheostat, control lllumlnalion

16. Horn con1rol
17. Clock adjustment knob
18. Reset button for trip meter
19. Rheostat. Instrument panel lighting
20. Control for wipers and washers
21 . Switch, electric rear window defroster/Extra switch
22. Power window switch left/Electric rear window defroster
23. Cigarette lighter
24. Power window switch right/Hazard warning flashers
25. Switch, Air Conditioning Compressor/Extra Switch
26. Gear (selector) lever
27. Switch, Interior-lighting
28. Handbrake
29. Ignition switch and gear lever lock
switch locallons vary depending on model and equipment.

11

27
28

17 18 19

20

29

27
28
29

WARNING AND INDICATOR

LIGHTS.
Some of the warning lights will come on wnen
the Ignition is switched on before st arting.
These should go out once the engine Is running.

PARK
BRAKE

EXH

Handbrake Indicator Light

Exhaust Emission System Maintenance

Ligh t

This light will glow when the handbrake Is on.

This light comes on every 30,000 mires as a

remin der that components In the emission con
trol system need maintenance. (This light does
no1 Indicate a failure).

Indicator Light, Electric Rear Window

Defroster
This lamp wil l glow when the rear window de
!roster Is swi tched on.

0 11 Pressuro Warning Light (engine oil)

This light will corno on II tho angina oll pressure
drops too low. If tha light blinks or comes on
while you are driving atop tho c11r Immediately,
switch off tho engine ind chock tho oll lovel.

Charge Warning Light

Th is light will come on when the battery is not
being charged . If tho light comes on while you
are driving, stop at the earliest convenience.
swi tch oil tho engine and check the tension of
tho oltornator drive belt.

BRAKE
FLUID
Brake Warning Light (footbrake)

High Beam Indicator Light

This light will glow when the headlights are

switched to high beam.

This light will co me on If the level In the brake

fluid reservoir drops too low. If the tight comes
on while you aro driving, stop the car Imme
dlatoly and check tho brake flu id level. Note:
The fluid level gradually lowers as the brake
pads wear. Stinking of the light may Indicate
that tho pads are due lor replacement.

I .

Pressure Gauge, 900 Turbo

COMBINATION INSTRUMENT
Fuel Gauge
Low Fuel Warning Light
This lamp wf1 1 01ow conllnuoo1t1v when l he
quanllty or 11011011111 111 lllo fun I t.1nl\ Ill JOSS lllan
approxlmllloly ' ~ u a !Ion

Temporoturo

011uut1

Tills ll1tJl01ih 1111 I mucu 1lur(' ol lhc engine

coolnnl II 11111 ntnf11a 1111tn1 lho red zone re
punttttlly, IOI !ID noon 111 po111lble and check
tho lovol ol tho cuo111n t

The pressure gauge Indicates the charging

pressure In the Inlet monlfold. At low engine
loads and during engine decelera tion, a vacuum
will be present In the manifold. In such cases.
movement of tho noodle will be within the while
zone. At Increased loads or engine speeds, the
turbo compressor wilt Increase the charging
pressure In the Inlet monllold. In this case, the
needle wlll move Into the orange zone. The
charging pressure wlll not normally be high
enough lo cause !he needle to enter the red
zone. since tho engine Is equipped with a regu
later (wastegato) which controls the charging
pressure. (There also Is an overpressure safety
switch.)

SPEEDOMETER, ODOMETER
AND TRIP METER
The odometer records the distance In miles,
and the Hip meter in miles and ten ths.
The reset bu tton for the trip meter Is located In
the lower section of tho meter. Push to reset.

CAUTION. 1uneo OWNERS! Do not

opo1110 11111 nolno 11 lull throttle until
the neodl hot nlorod tho green zon e.

..
F

3~(

FUEL

'~.. /Ii'
R

TEMP

. ')

'

-l.

80/

so' 45
'

35
\

-.A
_1 5'20

55

40 25, a a 1 4

,
I

100,,

4 2 .... 65

-75122

a aa

mph
km/h

'

as '
140

voo

'

TACHOMETER AN D CLOCK

LIGHTING SWITCHES

The tachometer Indica tes th e speed of th e

engine i n thousands of revolutions per minu te.
The needle should only be allowed to en t er the
broken red zone tor bricl periods. II must never
enter the red zone. A safety device, which inter
rupts current to th e fuel pump at 600-0 rpm, Is
Installed on the 900 Turbo.

Tho hoodllght switch has th roo poaltlona

D
=_oo-_~D

The lighting is off

Parklng lights

Headlights and parking tight

NOTEI The headlights and parking llghta

ore automatically turned off If tho lgnl
tlon key Is turned to tho l position. Th o
parking light s can be operated alone, If
the switch Is moved to the lntermodlato
position even If th o key Is removed from
the Ignition.

10

Headlight Dimmer, High Beam Flasher,

and Direction Indicator Control
The spring loaded lever Is moved towards tho
steering wheel to switch from high beam or vice
versa. Tho same ac tion provides a warn ing high
bleam flash when the headlights are switched
off. A blue indicator tight glows whenever the
high beams are on. The direction Indicator and
cornering tigh ts are operated by moving lever In
the direction In which the steering wheel Is
turned. "Lane change" deten ts are provided.

Instrument Panel Lighting

The intensity ot the llluminatlon can bo ad
justed by moans ot the rheostat knob. Clock
wise rotation i ncreases brightness.
Hazard Warning
When tho switch Is pushed on oll lour direction
Indicator llgh1t1 ll1111h slmullonoously. The warn
Ing system should 011ly bo used If tho ca r Is in a
position wher e II 111 ll11blo to ondo11ger or ob
struct othnl YUhlCIOD IHI 0 IOSUll ot an acciden t,
bronkoown, otc. Tho switch flashes red when In

IGNITION AN D GEAR
SELECTOR LOCK
The Ignition and 911111
v atao llt11 all other
tocks In the car Theo <it num r l111111111pod Into
the plastic lug 011 t ho~"' 1
Dell1ch 11nd keep
the lug so thot thn 1111111 nu1111l In 1valloble If
tho koy should bu 10111

Tho Ignition nnd 0011 loH!I I ck 11111 tou r posl

lions:L-G K O

Driving Position. The entire olec trlcal system

Including Ignition, Is operative.

USO,

lntorlor lllumlnatlon
Tho Interior lllumlnalion comprises three lights
located obovo the loft door post, close to tho
roar view mirror, and beside the Igniti on switch.
This lllumlnotlon Is operated by the switch on
tho door post lamp. The switch has three posl
t1011 s. Tho Interior illumination may also be
operated by moans ol a switch on the console
between tho front seats (see Illustration). This
switch con only be operated when tho door post
lamp switch Is In tho upper position.

l otll l'0111lon t tto goar oloctor lever must be

pl11c110 In rnve110 po11ltton (manual transmis
alonl or p111 IP) Po11llon (automatic transmls
alon) lltlOfO lho ~oy CAO bo turned Into the L
flO~ll lOn In lhia way both the Ignition and gear
ooloc;tor uo loc~ed simultaneously. Parking
11111J h 1111<1 wnrnlMO lnmps may be activated.

NOTE! Be certetn that the Interior llghts

are switched off when parking the car.

Garage Position. All lights and radio can be

operated. Make sure that the Ignition switch Is
In the "G" or "L" position when the engine is no t
running. Otherwise the Ignition coll may be
damaged.

Starting Position. The switch Is spring loaded

to return to K position when key Is released.
Should the engine stall or l all t o start the key
must be turned to the G position bel ore the
starter can again be actuated. On automatic
transmission cars the starter motor can be
operated ONLY when the gear selector lover Is
in the N or P positions.

NOTEI To ensure that the cor Is not l eft

unlocked, a buzzer Is activat ed If the left
front door Is opened with the key In the
Ignition lock.

11

GEAR(SELECTOR) LEVER

Automatic Transmission

Manual Trnrusmlsslon

The gear positions are shown on the console

beside tho gear selector lever.

The gear po!!lllons are shown on the gear lever

knob. To ennogo roverso (R), first raise the collar
on the gear lovor.

P
R
N

Park
Reverse
Neutral

~ } Poslllons for Forward Drive

Certain lever posi tions can only be selected al
tor the bullon In the center of the selec tor knob
has been depressed, to release the catch. The
lever can be shifted freely to position D or N
from position R, 2 or 1.

12

WIPER AND WASHER CONTROLS

Windshield Wiper and Wa sher Care

Tl'e control lever for the windshield wi pers and

-'asher has the following positions:

Inspect and clean the rubber blades o f the wind

shield wipers at regular Intervals If they show
signs of wear, they should be replaced. Soap
and water ts recommended for clea ning.

0.
1.

2.

3.
4.

~FF

Position
Windshi eld wiper, Intermittent opera tion.
The wipers will make a double sweep at Inter
vat s of a few seconds. This function Is partl
cularly useful In light drizzle, etc.
Windshield Wipers, Low Speed
Windshield Wipers, High Speed
Windshield Washer: The windshield washer
will opera te as tong as the lover Is held to
ward th e steering wheel. If th e lever Is pulled
when In the " wi pers-off" position. the wipers
wi ll automatically make a few sweeps.

Use clean fluld for th o woshOr and make sure

that the container Is lroo horn dir t. Use suitable
antifreeze In cold w11<11 h11r
If the washer Iota Rrll blocko<.1, the holes can be
carefully otellMd ind 1dju&lod with a pi n or
smallortoot II 1h11 fol 11110 ou t ol alignment, the
adju stable b11ll nouloa cnn be turned to the
deslrod po1lllo11 NOfl Tl10 driver's side Jet Is
oQulppod .wllh tlllt!J lJ.tlf noules while the pas
nono11r hi h oo~ MH noz.cle.

ELECTRICALLY HEATED REAR

WINDOW
The rear wi ndow defroster grid Is controlled by
means of a push switch near the center o f the
instrument panel. An Indicator llghl glows when
the heating ls on. Always switch the heating off
as soon as the rear window Is free from Ice and
mist. Avoid placing heavy objects on the parcel
shelf as the heating wires may easily be dam
aged. Do not swi tch on the window heating be
fore starting the engine.
Damage to the unit may result If It Is operated
for a long period of time on a dry rear window.
Do not use abrasive cleansers on t he Inside of
the rear window wh ich may damage the eloctri
cal continuity of tho unit.

SPLEO CONTROL (OPTIONAL)

1' P '"'

r.~ 111101 (c1111111 con trol) may be In

111 th11I by your n11b d11.1h1r (Operating l nstruc

1lon1 Ill' prov1d1 cl wllh tho unit and should be

tudtod cmolully b!lfore 11tomp1lng 10 use the

control.) This f11nt u111 rl'dueos lotlgue notice
ably on long highway trlp11 Tho con trol swi tch is
Integrated wi th tho dtrncllon Indicator lever.

WARNING! Do not engage tho speed

control In dense t relflc or when driving
on slippery su rfaces or on steep grades.
Keep the control switched oll when not
In use.

13

All Incoming air passes through the fresh air

filter which removes pollen, dust, and other air
borne particles.

The Saab 900 has a sophisticated flow through

ventilatlon system wit h an optional i ntegrated
air conditioner. Air enters at the right hood
louver and exits at the rear quarter panel gril les.
All incoming air passes through the air filter (or
AC evaporator} and, except for air channeled to
the center panel vent, theri passes through the
heater core. All system controls are located In
the center of the instrument panel. A schematic
of the Interior outlets is shown below. The three
panel vents are adjustable directionally and
have individual thumb wheel shut off switches
(0 =Off).
1.
2.
3.
4.

CONTROL and SETIINGS

Fresh Air Fiiter

(900 Models without AC)

CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM

Ventilation System

The filter element should be changed every

15,000 miles. Caution: Avoid skin contact wit!)
the treated fibers. Irritation may result.

Air Conditioning (Optional)

On the 900 Turbo and other models equipped
with air conditioning l here Is an on/off switch
for the AC compressor. The compressor can bo
turned on independent of other climate contfol
settings. (II wlll not switch on If the outside
temp erature is below 38F.) ACequlppod
models also have a recirculation feature lncor
poratod In the Max Ven t poslllon of the ai r dlstrl
bullon selector.

Defroster outlets
Outer panel vents (adjustable)
Center panel vent (adjustable)
Floor ou tlets

Run the air conditioner a few minutes occa

slonally during the winter to ensure proper com
pressor seal lubricallon.

14

The rotary control switches are located In the

center of the Instrument panel.

1. Fan Switch
Th e fan is off when the air distribution selector
Is in the 0 position. II automatically runs In Its
fourth speed In the Max Vent position. In all
other positions the rotary fan switch governs
the fan speed. The switch has positions for the
fi rs t through third speeds.

2. Temperature Control
All Incoming air except that emitted from the
oonl er panel vent passes through the heater
core. The temperature control modulates the
nmount of heat added to the alr by controlling
tho flow of heated engine coolant through the
core Turning the rotary knob clockwise in
c1oosos the temperatu re.

3. Air Distribution Selector

The rotnry selec tor switch controls distribution
of \he Incoming air. Recommended positions
for engaging air conditioner, If so equipped, are
shown ln brackets [ ).

0
All ven ts closed except defros ter outlet s (par
tlally open). Fan olf.

Defrost [AC- Dehumidify)

Maximum defrosting. Adjust t emperature and
fan speed as required. When equipped, engage
AC In humid weather above 38 to aid In defog
glng windshield.

Floor & Vent

Floor heating, wi th oulslde unhea t ed ai r
through center panel vont Adjust temperature
and f an speed as required

Normnl Vontllallon !Normal AC)

BiLevel
Combination of defrosting and floo r heating.
Adj ust temperature and tan speed as required.
When equipped, engage AC In humid weath er
above 38 to aid In de fogging wi ndshield.

Ooslc vonlllallon llllllno Outside air through

ponel ven ts Set 1emporature knob to zero (lull
coun ter clocl\wlao poslllon) for maximum el
feet, or adjust as desired to Increase healing
effect. Adju st Ion spood as required. When
equipped, engage AC In this position for normal
cooling of vehicle Interior

Maximum Ventilation [Max AC)

Floor
Floor heating. Adjust temperature and f an
speed as required.

Maximum ventilation. Outside air through panel

vents. Set temperature knob to zero for maximum effec t. Fan au t omatically operat es at
highes t speed. When equipped, engage AC in
th is posi ti on for rapid coo ldown of vehicle lnte
rlor.

15

D. Starting and Driving

STARTING THE ENGIN E

3. Turn the key to th o s tart pos ition and let it

General
Do not operate lhc s tarter for more than 1015
second s at a s tretch ; wall 2030 seconds to let
the ballery recove r before attempting to s tart
the engine again. Make sure that the lights and
eloctrlcally heated rear window are switched off
bofore starting In wintertime. Avoid warming
the engine by idling at a standstill. Start driving
as soon as tho oil pressure light has gone out to
heat the engine up to Its proper worki ng temperatu re as quickly as possible.

For res tar ting a warm engine uso tho same pro
cedure. If tho outside tempornturo Is high, depressi ng the accelorato1 during cran king may
assist start up. Turn tho ah conditione r con trol
off before cranking .

WARNING I Do not start or let the engine

run In a closed area. Exhaust gases con
lain carbon monoxide which may be fa
tal If Inhaled.

Starting Injection engines

The engine has an au tomatic cold s tarting
ennchment system. Start as follows:
1. Apply the handbrake and put the gear lever In
neutral (manual transm ission) or select P or
N (automatic transmission).

NOTE! Cars with automatic transmls

slon can only be st arted when the selec
tor lever Is at P or N. On cars with air
conditioning tu m the AC unit OFF to re
duce starter load when cranking.

16

2. Fully depress the clutch pedal (manual transmission).

spring back as soon as the engine has

started. Allow the englno to Idle for about 10
seconds before touching the accelerator. Do
not depress the accelerator tor full t hrottle
untll the engine has run for at least 2-3
minutes.

NOTE! Saab 900 Turbo: STARTINOOon't

rev the engine lmmedlatoly lltrttartlng
or permanent damage t o the t urbo
charger wlll result . STOPPINOLtt tho
engi ne Idle 2030 secondt btl ort t wi tch
Ing ltofl aftordrfvlng to ell ow time tor tho
lurbocherger to co11t down trorn high
rpm before oil pressure 11 tho boar1ng 11
depleted. For tho same 11ason, DON'T
rev the engin e lmmodletoly boloro
swllchlng II oll. Permanent turbo
cha rger damage will result.
Alter hard driving lot tho engine Idle
about a minute to let tho oll cool the
turboch arger bearing somewhat . This
will also help prevent breakdown ol the
oll. II the engine Is very hot, t he radiator
I an may cut In and contlhue to run tor a
whlle alter th e engine has been switch ed
of I.

proper clutch positions for driving: Either out

(pedal fully depre ssed) or In (pedal released). II
is poor prac ti ce to drive with a slipping clu tch or
with the foot resting on t he clu tch pedal, as this
causes heavy wear on the clutch assembly.
When the car Is standing still with the engine
running, the gear lever shou ld be In neutral and
the clutch pedal re leased. In all shi ft s, move th e
lever gently bu t firmly and with a sligh t , barely
percepJlbl e, pause In neutral. The gear selector
must be In reverse In order to remove lhe lgnl
lion key.
Before shi fting 10 reverse, make sure that th e
car Is at a standstill, the accelerator pedal Is
fully relea sed, and the catch on the gear lever Is
pulled upward.
Cars with Automatic Transmission
The engine should be at Idling speed when the
gear selector lever Is moved from one position
to another and the car Is at a s tandstill. If you
depress tho accelerator a t tho same time as you
move the lever. this wlll cause abnormally high
wear on the transmission. Always keep your
toot on t he brake to prevent lho car from rotting
when you selec t a drive position.
Selecting gears
D. Tho 0 (Drive) position Is for normal forward
driving. Whichever of the three forward gears
best matches t he speed and toad on the engine
Is automatlcalty engaged.

GEAR CHANGING

2. Position 2 gives au tomatic ch anging be

tween first and second gears but top gear wll l
not be engaged. II the lever Is moved from D to 2,
thi s gives an Immediate changedown for more
engine braking power. Position 2 mu st be se
lected at road speeds below 55 miles per hour
(90km/h).

Manual Transmission
When sh ifting gears, release the clutch pedal
smoo thly and carefully. There are o nl y Jwo

1. Position 1 ls used to obtain maximum engine

braking power on s teep downgrades. Road
speed must be reduced to below about 12 mph

(20 km/h) bofore 1s1 gear Is select od Th i poal

tlon shou ld also be usod for uphlll drMng on
vory stoop hllls to avoid overheating t htl tr 111
mission oll. Second and top gears will not bo
engaged when tho lever Is at 1.

N. In position N (Neutral) no gear 111 ngage!IJ

The starter contact Is opera tive In l hla po1111on.
The handbrake should be applied whnn l ho 11u
lec tor lever Is in position N to provunt 11111 cor
from moving 1111 is standing on o !1101!11

R. Position R (Reverse) mu st not

bn antt1ctod

unless the car Is s tation ary.

P. Position P (Park) Is sel ected whon 11111 car ts
parked, and the lever mus t bo 11'1 thtll 11ot11tlon
boforo tho Ignition key can bo l urnud to L
(Locked) and withdrawn. Tho soloc tor lover Is
thon lock ed and th e transmlsalon ta lmmobl
llzed. Do not sotec t position P when t hn cor ls In
motion. The st arter can be oporatrd with tho
lever In thi s position.
Moving Off
1. Move the selector lever to tho doslrod posl
lion (normally D for forward drivin g)
2. Release th e brake and accelorato .
Klckdown
To obt ain maximum accetera1 lon, e.g for over
t aking, ii Is possible to effect an Inst ant change
down at speeds below 50-55 mph (80-85 km/h) by
pushing the accelerato r pedal hard down to lhe
kick-down position. Changing up to the nex t
higher gear Is automatic as soon as the engine
reaches maxi mum revs for the gear engaged. or
the pedal Is eased up.

STEERING CHARACTERISTICS
The car has a bulllln tendency t o unders teer,
i.e. at a given position of t he steering wheel the
turni ng radius tends to Increase with rising
speed. Tho car Is deliberately designed this way

10 i mprove Its stabili ty and roduce the risk of

backwheel skids ("'fishtailing").
One of the ways in which under stoerlng has
been achieved Is through the wolght distrlbu
lion. With only a d river, about 60% o f t he vehicle
weight Is on the front wheels: the correspond
Ing figure for a fully loaded car Is about 50%.

BRAKING
To avoid subjecting tho brakes to excess ively
high temperat ures, e.g. wh en d riving downhill In
mountainou s coun try wilh descen t s of
thousands o f feet , you should utilize the brak
Ing power of the engine by sol ectlng a lower
gear.
For cars with automatic tran smi ssion. use posl
tion "1 '' or "'2".
IMPORTANT! II Is good pollcy to check
the brakes occasionally when driving to
make sure that they are working prop
erly, especially If they have been sub
jected to heavy splashing with water or
when driving through snow or sa lty
slush, as the braking effect may be tem
porarlly reduced In conditions of this
kind . The brake sys tem Is power as
slsted, but the added power from thls ls
only avallable when the engine Is run
nlng. II requires a considerably greater
force on t he pedal to brake the car when
the engine Is switched off.
The brake pads have been thoroughly l asted
and are designed to deliver tho best results with
respect 10 braking effort. use ful life and mini
mum noise under normal driving condit ions. We
therefore recommend that Saab original brake
pads be fitted when worn pads are being re
placed.

OPTIONAL SPEED CONTROL

Operat ing Instructions are supplied when t his
option is installed. Do not use the speed cont rol
(cruise control) whore a constant speed may be
inadvi sable such as heavy traff ic, winding
roads and slippery roads. With th e sys tem
engaged the vehicle w ill not decelerat e un til the
brakes are applied. the clutch (manua l trans.) Is
depressed, or the unit is turned off.

RUNNING IN
Every new car has a recommended runn ing In
period during which the owner Is advised to
drive with restraint. Pistons. cylinder walls and
bearings need to be In operation lor some time
to produce smooth and hardwearlng con tac t
surfaces. Placing too much strain on a new
engine interferes wi th thi s gradu al process,
shortening lhe life of the car and especia lly the
engine.
For the first 1,000 mil es you should not drive al
full throttle except for very brief periods. Al
1.000 miles t he car should be taken to a Saab
dealer for t he recommended break-In service
(see Service and Main tenance Section).

CAUTIONS, CATALYST
EQUIPPED CARS
Use only unleaded fuel to preserve the eff l
ciency of t he catalyst. Keep lhe veh icle In
proper operating cond ition by observance of
the maintenance schedule out lined elsewhere
In this manual. Failure to do so will not only
result i n a loss of fu el economy but could also
damage the catalytic converter.
Malfunctions Involving luel or Ignition systems,
resulting In mi sfire or loss of performance, may
lead l o overheating of the catalyst. Do not continue to operate your vehicle In this condition.
Have ii serviced by your Saab dealer as soon as
possible.

17

Do not park, idle, or drive converter equipped

cars in areas where dry grass or other combustl
bl e materials can come into cont act with l h e hot
exhaust and be igni ted.

we

WI NTER DRIVIN G

it is Inadvisable to hook an excessively ho11Yy

trailer to a car, and the following points shouhl
therefore, be borne In mind:
1. Legal restrictions on towing speed. trallor
weight, and trailer braki ng equipment In tno
state concern ed mu st be complied with.
2. The weight limit of the tr all er is 1000 lbs. for 4
trailer without brakes and 2000 lbs. for B
trailer equipped with brakes. Tongue weight
should be 5% to 7% ol the trailer weight with
a maximum permissable tongue weight of
200 lbs. Tongue weight is to be con sidered as
vehicl e load and should be deducted from
the permi ssable trunk load or weight.
3. If th e car has an automatic transmission.
Position 1 should be selected for climbing
steep grades in order to bes t uti lize the
torque availabl e from the engine. The same
appl ies for down gradients so as to obtain
maximum en gine braking effect.
4. Wh en tow ing a trailer, avoid grades ol 15% or
more, as in such conditions the weight on
the front driving wh eels is so low that they
may lose traction and stop the car. For the
same reason, th e handbrake effect may be
so reduced tha t the car and tr alier cannot be
held stationary on very steep uphill grades
by the handbrake alone without the wheel s
starting to slid e. When driving with a trailer
on very long hills, you can help the engine
cool ing by turning on the heater for a time
and running the fan at fu ll speed.
5. The load distribution in the trailer is most
Importan t. In a twowheeled trailer the load
should be placed lo w down and concen
trated as much as possible over the wheels.
6. When driving with a trailer, always make al
lowance for the altered handling characteris

1. Condensation ln the fuel system is mini

mlzed by keeping th e tank full. It Is advisable
to occasionally use a gasoline antifreeze ad
ditive (dry gas) to remove accumulated mol s
ture. Fol low manufacturer's u sa ge
instructions.
2. Lock lubricants and antifreeze are available
to prevent door and trunk locks from freezing
in damp, cold weather. A frozen lock may be
thawed by healing the key. Don't force It.
3. Before driving In winter tim e, free possible
frozen windshield wiper blades from the
windshield glass. Remove any sno w from the
air Intake or the passenger compartment at
th e right rear corn er or the hood.
4. If regular or studded (check state law) winter
tires are used they should be mounted on all
four wh eels. Ordinary snow chains {avoid
clamp-on types) can be used on both front
and rear wheels. Drive carefully since chains
may scrape against the body on large bumps
or sharp turns.

NOTE! Models wllh wide profile ti res: If

wide prollle winter lires are not avall
able, 165SR15 wi nt er tires {4) may be In
stalled. 165SR15 wi nter ti res may be
used on any 900 model when mounted on
5 x 15 or 5'/t x 15 Inch Saab rim s.

DRIVING WITH A TRAILER

18

A special towing hitch is available as an OP

tlonal accessory. Bolt holes are already pro
vlded to facilitate mounting of the attachment.

recommend you drive your now SMb 500

miles before trailer towing. After thla 500 mlln
break in period and for the second GOO rnlloa
avoid speeds over 50 MPH and/or l ull l hrolllo
while trailer towing.

ti cs and longer stopping d:l? tance. The

brakes, suspension. shock ab~~rbing equip
ment, and light system of the tra.:er are very
i mportant in towing a trail er safety.
7. II heavy trailers are to be towed , we recom
mend that a pneumatic springboosllng ac
cessory be used to assi st the rear springs.
8. When towing trailers , inflate tow vehicle
ti res to the '"Cold Tire Pressure" for '"Max
Load" as recommended ln the spec ifica
lions section of this manual.

NOTE: Trailer brakes requiring a tap from

tho vehicle's hydraulic system are not
rocommended.

ECONOMICAL DRIVING
lor mnxlmum economy, the Saab 900, like any
otl\111 cnr, needs to be driven moderately. Avoi d
unnttco111111 y lull throttl e acceleration and high
onglnn apoods w herever posslble.
Driving In congostod areas and drivi ng with a
root rac!I or trollor, a ll contribute to high fuel
consumption. Excessive Idling and warming
up' ' th o engi ne also wastes gas. Use th e air
conditioner, If so equi pped, only when neces
sary.
Recommended shift points for economical driv
Ing of cars with manual transmission are listed
In th e Specifications Section. Maintaining your
car acc ordi ng to the recommended main
tenance schedule will also help you get maxi mum fuel economy. Be sure the engine Is tuned
to specification , the battery ls fu lly charged and
wheel alignment and tire pressures are correct.
(U se of "cold tire pressure" for '"maJ< load"
during normal operation reduces rolling resls
ta nee and will improve mileage.)

DRIVING WITH THE LUGGAGE

COMPARTMENT LID OPEN
Whenever possible, you should avoid driving
with the luggage compartment lid open, since
the exhaust gases can be drawn into 1he car. If,
nonetheless, you are forced to drive with the lid
open, make sure that all the windows are
closed. Sel the ventilation controls to tho posi
tlons for maximum fan speed and defrosting.
If you drive wilh the lid open. always tie ii se
curety to tho bumper.

WARNING! Exhaust gases are danger

ous If Inhaled. The engine exhaust con
t alns ca rbon monoxide, a colorle ss,
odorless gas which may be fatal If In
haled.

FUEL AND FLUIDS

Fuel
Tho fuel tank holds 16 6 U.S gallons t63 lltros)
The fuet warning light will come on when lho
amount of luet left in tho tank Is below approx!
mately 2.5 U.S. gallons (10 litres).

Recommended Fuel:
Catalyst equipped engines-unleaded, mm1
mum octane rating= 87 (equivalent to 91 re
search oclane).
Minimum oct ane rating is arrived at with lhe
formula MON ; RON = pump octane. MON is
lhe industry Motor Octane Number. RON is Re
search Octane Number. The average of these
two Is the number that appears on the gas pump
under tho current laws. This number is some
ti mos referred to as the "antiknock index".

Brake Fluid and Clutch Fluid

NOTE! II uplnglng" or knocking Is heard,
switch to a higher oc11n1 brand. If
knocking persl1t1, 11kt your car to an
authorlied Sub dHltr f or Inspection.
Use of unleaded Gnaohol:
Gasohol
-has sulllcl onl oc t,1no r ting and Is sale to use
In Saab on glnti
- may cnunn v. nrm 11.11 11ng problems In hot
woat111ir U1aconl1nuo use 1f this occurs.
- may w 11u11" l uul lll lor rep lacement soon alter
oog111r1fog cont inuous use.
Ut" ottl Y 11nlu11tlod gosohols blended w i th
ol h nol 1vpo .11r.ohois. Methanol blends can
u d1111100 to luol Injection system parts.

Never let the level drop below tho MIN mark on

the container. Employ tho utmost cleanliness
when topping up. Use a brake fluid to speclflca
lion DOT 4.

Washer Fluid
Use clean water, premixed windshield washer
fluid, or a mixture ol clean water and a sui table
antifreeze type washer fluld concen trate.
Container capacity Is 6.5 U.S. quar ts (6 lltres).

Power Steering Fluid

Check fluid level with the engine OFF. Use only
GM specification power steering flu id. Never
use ATF.

l 11olno 011
H1 oll ln nl 'lhould be between tho MAX and
MIN m11ka on tho oll dipstick. The distance be
tw non tho marks corresponds to a volume of
npp10 I qullfl (t litre). Top up with engine oil
conl o11nlng 10 Sorvlco SE or SF, API system. Oil
with <> vlaco,ny ol t O W 30 can be used yea1
round In modNate climates (also see inside
front cover)

Coolont
Never let the l evel drop below the MIN mark on
tho expansion t ank Top up w ith equal par ts o l
clean water and olhylene glycol antifreeze suit
able for engines with light alloy cylinder heads
(also see Techn1cal lnlormatlon Section, Power
Unll, for Important Information).
WARNING! Always release tho cap on
tho expansion tank carefully, allowing
any vapor to escape before removing the
cap completely.

19

ADDITI ONAL INFORM ATION AND

SPECIAL INSTRU CTIONS TURBO MODEL S

The turbocharger Is what really makes the Saab

Turbo special, b eing the compone nt that
harnesses what Is normally wasted heat energy
In the exhaust. II has a precision made and bal
anced turbine wheel/compressor Impeller as
sombly capable ot vibration tree operation at
tens ol thousands ot revolution s per minute.
Tho Impeller shalt bearing actually floats on a
thin film ot engine oil circulated through th e
turbocharger housing by the engine oll pump.
The turbocharger wlll last the lite of the car
provided that It Is not run without oil pressure at
the bearing, the engine oil and filler change
requi rements are fulfilled , and no foreign ob
Jocts pass through either the turbine or com
l>ressor side. The unit Is sealed and should
never be di sassembled or cleaned Internally.
The special Instructio ns to keep In mind tor tur
bocharged models can be simply expressed as
follows:

- Tako you r Turbo to a Saab doalor 11 you nollao

a loss o f power, an Increase In oll coneurnp
lion, heavy engi ne detonatio n (oudlblo ping
Ing) while accelerat ing or driving at high
speed, or abnormal behavior of tho t empern
ture or boost gauges. Do not run the en gine
without the standard air cleaner and exhaus t
system In place. Do not tamper with tho turbo
charging or emission control systems.

Follow tho recomm ended maintena nce sched

ule. In particular be sure to:

20

- Check the engine and transm ission oil level s

frequently.
- Change the engine oil and !liter at least every
5,000 miles or 6 months (more frequently un
der severe driving condit ions i. Use only oils
which carry an "SE" or "SF" rating and are of
the correct viscosi ty for prevailing tempera
ture condition s. 011 additives are not recom
mended.
- Have tho valve clearances checked and, If
necessary, adjusted every 15,000 miles by a
qualified Saab technician .
-Follow the coolan t recomme ndations {don' t
use plain water) and change H regularly.

Severo driving condition s are those condition s

that may cause premature deteriorat ion ot tho
oil through contami nation or oxidation. Con
taml natlon ranges from moisture-acid forma
tlon during stop and go city driving and short
trip cold weather driving to dust and dirt from
extended driving In dusty areas. Oxidation ot
oil ls the formation of varnish-lik e substances
due to high heat generated during trailer tow
Ing or prolonged high speed operation In hot
weather. (See Footnote 2 In the maintenance
schedule for a list ot condition s fisted as
"severe".)

Observe common sense do's

when driving!

P"" '

STARTING
Oo Idle the engine at least ten seconds after
start up to ensure lull oil pressure at the turbo
charger before engine speed Is Increased , espe
cially i n colder weather.
Don't rev the engine Immediat ely alter st arting
or permanen t damage to the turbocharger will
res ult. To avoid possible engi ne damage. Don' t
use tull lhrottle whl le driving until a cold engine
h11s warmed up tor 2 to 3 minutes or until tho
te mperature gauge needle has entered tho
green zone.
STOPPING Let the engine idle 2030 seconds be lore switch
Ing It otf after driving to allow time tor th e turbo
charger to coast down from high rpm before oil
pressure al the bearing Is depleted. For th e
same reason, Don't rev tho engine Immediately
before switching It oft. Permanent turbochar ger
damage will result. After hard driving let the
ongl ne Idle about a minute to let the oil coo l the
turbocharger bearing somewha t. This w ill also
help prevent breakdown ot the oll.

II. TECHNICAL INFORMATION

A. Power Unit
ENGINE
The car has a lour cylinder inllne liquid cooled
engine wllh a roller chain driven overhead camshaft.
The engine block Is cast iron and is canted 45
to the right. The light alloy cylinder head Is of
crossflow type, I.e. with Inlet ports on one side
and exhaust ports on the other. The crankshaft
is supported In five main bearing s and drives
the oil pump. Th e Ignition distribu tor la drlvon
direc tly by th e camshaft. The air lnloko prohDlll
er Is therm ostatlcally controlled .

lions. The latter inctuaos dusty conditions, Ire

quent trailer towing or moun tain driving,
extensive Idling, stopandOO dri ving, driving in
cold climates over 1ol)Oeled shor t trips without
sufficient engine wfJrmUP. Tho use of additives
in the oil Is not recommondod, especially In tur
bocharged onolnoa.

NOTE! Do not confuse the engine and

tran smission drain plugs. Do not
operate the engine with the oll 1111 cap
removed or l oosely Installed. 011 spilled
over the engine creates a fire hazard.

Oil Fiiter
The oil filter should be changed at the same ..,.
time as the engine oil, In accordance wilh the
maintenance schedule.

NOTE! Your new car cam e with a " break

In" fllter. The service Ille of thi s filter Is
1000 mites. It MUST be pl aced at the 1000
mite service.

E.nglne 011
Check the oil level at regular intervals. Always
switch the engine off first and allow II to cool for
at least one minute. Do not let the level fall
below the lower mark on the dipstick, nor 1111
beyond the upper mark; this will cause exces
sive oil consumption. The distance between the
upper and lower marks corresponds to a volume
of approx. 1 quart (1 litre). Top up with oil of
recommended grade as necessary. After check
Ing the oil and topping up as necessary, push
the dipstick all the way down and tighten the
cap securely.
The englne oil should be changed In accord
ance with the maintenance schedule. The oil
should be changed at more frequent intervals,
particularly In the case of Saab 900 Turbo, when
the car Is driven under severe service condl

Apply a little oil to the rubber gasket on the new

filter, and tighten the filter by hand.

Air Cleaner
The air cleaner Is located on the left-hand side
in the front par t of the engine compartment. The
cleaner cartridge i s rep laceable and should be
changed as specified In the maintenance
schedule. II the car ls driven over dusty roads,
the cleaner should be changed more frequently.
The cartridge is made of a special grade of pa
per which may not be washed or moistened, but
it may be cleaned care fully wit h compressed air.
The air cleaner housing and cover should be
wiped off from time to time.

21

Fuel Filter
The electric fuel pump i s a submersi ble type
located In the fuel tank. The fuel filler is located
on the leflhand side in the engine compartment
and should be changed as specified in the main
tenance schedule.

Ignition System
A breakerless Ignition system ls used
WARNING! High energy Ignition system
develops dangerous primary and sec
ondary voltages.

II th e spark plugs are removed, take care that no

dirt enters the cylinders. Use only the recom
mended spark plug heat range and gap to speci
fl catlon. Resistive- type lugs should not be used
as resistive wire leads are used for radio Interference suppression.
The firing Is 1342(cyllnder number 1 is closest
to th e firewall) .

WARNING! Bolling coolant can cauao

serious burns. Let the engine cool b efore
removing pressure cap.
Tho cooling system operates under pres
sure. Always open the cap on the expan
slon tank slowly and allow any steam to
escape before you remove the cap.
The radiator must not be screened or
blocked oltl

NOTE! Keep the coolant at the recom

mended level. Correct any l eaks Imme
dlately. Operating the engine with low
coolant level may cause damage to the
cylinder head.

Changing Coolant
Draining
t Set the heater con trol to maximum heat.

2 Loosen the pressure cap on lhe expansion

tan k.

Checking the Coolant Level

3. Open radiator drai n cock which Is located

The expansion l ank Is lransparen t to facllltale

checking of the coola nt level. The level should
be between the MAX and MIN marks on the tank.

towards the bottom or the radiator on the

ri ght hand side.
4 Open engine drain plug locat ed to th e right
of the engine, under the exhaus t manifold.

When necessary, top up with th e recommended

anti-freeze coolan t mixture (see below). After an
empty expan sion tank has been lllled up, the
engine should be run untll warm and the tank
topped up agai n.

Filling
1 Close the drain cock and ensure that th e

hea ter control ls set to maximum heat.

2 Fiii tho system with coolant until the expansion t ank Is filled.

3. Open the bleeder nipple, allow the coolant to

COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling system is pressurized with a
crossflow radiator and expansion tank.
Until the engi ne has reached its operating tern
perature, the radiator Inlet Is closed by a ther
mostat and the coolant circulates through the
engi ne and the fresh air heater until It reaches
the t emperature at which the thermostat opens.
The radiator fan Is electrically operated and Is
regula ted by a thermost atic swilch. The fan Is
only operative when the temperature or the ra
diatorcoolan t Is higher than the cut-in tempera
lure of the thermostatic switch.

22

The radiator fan may conlinue lo run , or may cut

In, for a shorl while after the engine has been
switched ofl.

llow ou t of the nipple until free from ai r bub

btos.
4. Close tho bleeder nipple, top up th e expansion tank i f necessary and replace cap.

AntlFreeze Coolant Mixtures

The cooling system is factory lflled with a mix
ture of ethylene glycol and water(5050 mix). For
maximum security against freezing and corro
sion the glycol should bo 5070% of the mixture.
Use antifreeze brands suitable for engines with
aluminum alloy cylinder heads and mix w ith
clean lresh water (see below).
To prevent freezing In the cold season and reduce the ri sk of bolling over In hot weather,
never use pure water In the cooling system.
Pure water is also undesirable as It affords no
corrosion protection.

The lac1ory 1111 coolan1 must be changru.t am.1

tho system flushed accordi ng to l hL rnajn.
t enance schedule as th e lmponant co110~1on
Inhibitors and other coolant addlllve, lo o 11101r
effectiveness with lime and use. Without octo
qual e corrosion protection, serlou. damage
may occur to the cylinder head and olhor com PO
nen ts In contact with the coolnnl Corio111on
protection may be depleted ovtH though lht
coolant gives adequate an tllrONn 11ro111cllon
and has an acceptable (alkallno) pll ttrtol of I 5
11. When preparing a now cool on I 11otullon, rnl l<
th o recommended ethylene glycol Nllh Noter
low In corrosive Ions such ai. chlotldnD ind sul
fates. Avoid hard water which c;m co1u~n clog
glng In the radiator. Do not uso coohmt booster
add II Ives. Koop tho cooli ng 11y,1n111 l ull11nd Imo
of air pockets and foaming

NOTE! When t opping up the system, pro

mix the ethylene glycol with a suitable
quantity ol water. As lull ci rculation can
not take place until the thermostat
opens, there Is still a risk ol lhe engine
bei ng damaged by ice II the glycol and
water were added separately and did not
mix quickly enough.

23

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS

The 1982 Saab has three distinct systems for
controlling emissions to the atmosphere. The
sections that follow briefly describe these sys
terns.

when some gases are dlvortod nhood of tho

throttle body. (On Turbo modol s 1111 ornnllcose
gases are diverted ahead of tho throttle body).
The oil separator In the vatvo cover also serves
as a fl ame arrestor.

I. The Crankcase Emission Control Sys tem

ti. The Evaporative Emission Control System
Ill. The Exhaust Emission Contro l System

Engine Families

1982 Saabs Imported 10 the United States are

divided into two engine families (normally as
pirated and turbocharged) that meet the emis
sion con trol standards Indicated below. The
engine family and appropriate tuneup specif!
cations are identified on a label affixed lo the
left front Inner fender.

s s

Both families meet U.S.A. Federal Standards

and California State Standards.
CSA 2.0V6FNT3- Saab 900, 900$
CSA 2.0V6FTIX- Saab 900 Turbo
Saab engines are equipped with the following
systems to ensure compliance with the applica
ble standards as described above:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Continuous Injection System

Lambda Control System
Three-way Catalyst
Decel Oashpot (automatic transmission)
Oecol Fuel shut off (manual transmiss ion)
Exhaust Gas Recircu lation

S G 003

I. CRANKCASE EMISSION
CONTROL SYSTEM

24

A completely closed crankcase ventilation sys

tern Is used. Crankcase fumes are drawn
directly into the lnl el manifold under all operal
Ing conditions except full load and high blow-by

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Crankcase
Exhaust Manifold
Camshaft Cover
Oil trap and llame arrestor
Nipple with orifice

6. Hose
7. Inlet Manifol d
8. Air cleaner adapter
except turbo

Ill. EXHAUST EMISSION

CO NTRO L SYSTEMS

II. EVAPORATIVE EMISSION

CONTROL SYSTEM
A sealed ruel sys tem Is used to prevent the
emission i nto the atmosphere or vapors from
the stored gasoline supply. Evaporated fuel Is
vented from the rue! system to the charcoal
canister which Is connected to the throltle
housing. The evaporated fuel is purged from the
charcoal can ister and burned by the engine
when It Is running. The fuel tank is pressurized
to abou t 1.5 psi by a val ve In the ven tilation line.

A. Continuous Injection System

TllO C I System allows precise fuel metering
which results In low baseline emissions wh ile
rotainlng good drlveabilit y, perrormance and
economy The int ake air flow vol ume deter
mines the correct momen tary quantit y of fu el
metered to the lour Int ake port Injectors ror
rno,t efficient combuslon. The engine draws In
moro or loss air depending on its speed and lhe
lood applied.

ll

1. Fuel Tank
2. Fuel Tank Vent Li nes
3. Ventllatlon Line to Charcoal
Canister
4. Inlet Air
5. Ch arcoal Canis ter
6. Fu el Distri but or

7. Air Cleaner
8. Inlet Air and Gas
Vapors
9. Inlet Vapors
10. Check Valve
11. Pressure Valve
12. Rollover Valve

1. Fuel Tank
2. Fu el Pump
3. Fu ol Accumulator
4 . Fuel Fiiter
5. Fuel Distribu tor
6. Warm Up Regula tor
7. Air Flow Sensor Plat e

8.
9.
tO.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Cold Start Valve

Injection Valve
Thermo-Time Switch
Auxiliary Air Valve
Thro111e Plate
Pressure Relief Valve
Air Cleaner

25

B. Lambda Control System

Lambda Control System is a closed loop feed
back system adapted to the C.I. System to con
stantly maintain close air/fuel ratio control
under all operating conditions. At an air/fuel
ratio of 14.5 to one (Lambda = 1 al this
ratio), all three regulated pollutan ts (hydrocar
bons, carbon monoxides, oxides of nitrogen)
may be simultaneously cont rolled efllclently by
a special threeway catalyst. An oxygen sensor
In the exhaus t manifold monitors the oxygen
conten t of the exhaust and sends a propor
tional signal to an electronic control unit (under
the rear scat.) This signal is compared to a pre
de termined value and an ou tput signal Is sent to
a fuel pressure modulating valve to make the
necessary fine adjustment of the air/fuel ratio.
Until the sensor warms up alter the engine Is
started, the modulating valve will operate at a
constant predetermined value. This is also true
in the case of wide open throttle operation
or engine speeds above 3800 RPM (Turbo Only)
and In the event of sensor failure (the car will not
be disabled).
A maintenance reminder lamp, labeled "EXH",
on the instrument panel Il luminates every
30,000 miles to Indicate that the oxygen sensor
is scheduled for replacement. (Aller this seivice
Is performed your dealer will reset the lamp ac
tuating mechanism.)

5
C. ThreeWay Catalyst

26

The catalytic converter contains a special

platinum and rhodium coated dual segment
substrate which simultaneously frees oxygen
from oxides of nitrogen and oxidizes (burns)
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Unleaded
fuel Is required to protect the conversion effl
clency of the catalyst.

5~109

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Electronic Control Unit

Wide Open Throttle Switch (Turbo only}
Oxygen Sensor
Ca taly1ic Converter
Modulating Valve.

D. Decal Dashpot (Automatic

Transmission Only)
The decal dashpot acts upon the tlHolllo
linkage 10 minimize Incomplete com bultlon
during engine deceleration.

E. Decal Fuel Shutoff (Manual

Transmission Only)

A solenoid operated air bypass volYI' roducos

air flow In the air flow sensor, lowering tho luel
distributor plunger Interrupting luol ltow during
decel eration. The solenoid Is con1rollocl by on
engine speed relay and a throllll contact
switch. During deceleration at onglno apeecls
above 1450 RPM the solenoid opone tho by pass
valve. When the speed drops bolow 1250 RPM
the system deactlvates allowlno normal opera
lion.

t'.l

?l o
c:::J

0
0

F. EGA System
Exhaust gas roclrculatlon (EGA) Is empl oyed to
reduce th e formation of oxides of ni trogen by
Introducing a small amount of Inert gas (ex
haust) to the Intake charge to lower tho poak
combustion temperature. Exhau st gases are
routed from the cylinder head through a valve
controlled by Intake and manlfold vacuum and
are introduced Into tho Intake manifold. A ther
mostatic valve delays system operation until
the engine Is warm.
The EGA system on Turbo models employs a
single port control slgnal whlle the normally
aspirated engines have a two port control
pickup at the throttle housing.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

EGA Valve
Vacuum Signal Thermostatic Valve
Exhaust Manifold
Inlet Manilold
EGA Pipe
Two Port Outlet (Single port, 900 Turbo)

27

TURBOCHARGING SYSTEM (900

TURBO)
The turbocharg er Is an exhaust driven compres
sor that increases the flow and pressure of the
alr entering the cylinders. This allows induction
and burning of a larger fuel charge thereby In
creasing power ou tput over that of a conven
tlonal engine.
Being driven by the flow of exhaust gases, the
speed of the tur,bocharger and, therefore, l he
chargi ng pressure, are proportional to the
speed and load of the engine. A charge pressure
regu lator (wastegale) controls the flow of ex
haust gases 10 the turbine once a preset pres
sure limit has been reached. The regulator
allows boost lo develop quickly at relatively low
engine speeds, but limiting the maximum pres
sure to a level wh ich preven t s the engine knock
when fuel as low as 87 minimum octane Is used.

Turbocharged engines are equipped with an

engine oil cooler that Is located at the lower left
of lhe radiator. The Impeller shaft bearing ac
tually floats on a thin film of engine oil clrcu
lated through the turbocharg er housing by the
engine oil pump. Main taining a clean oil supply
is lherefore Important to the service life of lhe
unit.

28

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Turbocharger
Exhaust Turbine
Compressor Wheel
Charge Pressure Regulator (wastegate)
Wastegate actuator
Overpressure safety switch
Throttle plate
Fuel Injection system
Exhaust manifold
Exhaust pipe

TRANSMISSION

Automatic Transmission

The transmission and dlfforentlal are located

beneath the engine and assembled to form an
Integral unit with lhe engine. Part of the trans
mission case serves as the engine oll sump. The
forward part of the transmission compr ises a
primary gear case which delivers power from
the rear of the engine crankshaft via cha ins.

The dipstick has different markings for hot and

cold oll levels.

For suitable grades of oil, refer to the Speclflca

tions Section.
.

Manual Transmission
The dipstick ls located on the right hand side of
the engine. The oll level should be between the
MAX and MIN marks on the dipstick. To add oil,
pour the oil Into the dipstick pipe. The clutch
fluid Is supplied from the brake fluid reservoir.

Check the oil level as follows:

Set the hand brake and run the engine for at
least 15 seconds at Idling spoed with the range
selection lever In the 0 position. Then at least
15 seconds In the A position and 15 seconds In
the P position, where upon the check Is per
formed wllh the seloctor lover stlll In the P posl
tlon (Engine running). Graduations are provided
for cold oil (104F, 1 .t0C) and hot oil (194F,
+ 90C). Noto tl'!ot 111very tow temperatures 1he
oll level can thorol oro lie conside rably under the
level for cold olt wt1lcl'I hos boon graded for oil at
a tomporoturo of tO<I " ( + 40C). The difference
botwoon th 11 mtnhnum Md maximum levels ls 1
pint (0 6 lltro1)

NOTE! Do not confuse the engine and

transmission drain plugs. A special
wrench Is required for the transmission
phrg.

29

B. Electrical System
BATIE RY
The battery is one of the mos t Important componen ts In the car and mus t, therefore, be care
fully maintained. The electrolyte should be level
with the lower edge of the filler pipes. Top up as
necessary using distilled water only.
In the case of cars that are equipped with a
maintenance-free ba ttery, the electrolyte level
does not need checking.

WARNING! The battery contain s dilu ted

sulphuric acid which Is hi ghly corrosive.
Should tho acid come Into contact with
your eyes, ski n or clothi ng, rinse Imm e
dlat el y with wa ter. Call a doct or If the
acid get s In your eyes. Batteries tha t are
bei ng charged or are fully ch arged give
off flammabl e hydrogen gas.

ALTERNATOR

B Connect one end of the second cable to

the negative ( - ) terminal of the charged
battery.
C. Connect the other end of the second cable
10 a solid, stationary metallic point on the
engine of the car with the discharged battery (such as lifting ring on cylind er head}.
0 . Star t engine of vehicle with discharged
ba ttery.
E. Remove booster cables by reversing th o
above procedure-Remove last noontlvo
( - ) connection first.
Do not reverse tho battery connocllo111.
It tho cable s are reversed, even momon
tarlly, tho alternator wlll b e damaged
Tho Insulated positive cable mu st be
connected to tho positive ( + )post ol th
battery and the ground cable to tho ntgo
live ( - ) post. The battery mu st not be
disc onnected from th e c ar's elec trical
system while the engi ne Is runni ng

The alternator ls loca ted at the top of the engine

near the firewall. II Is driven by a Vbell from a
pulley on the crankshaft. It ls Important that the
Vbell be properly tenstoned. If the belt Is too
stack, It can be tightened by loosening the
screws and pressing tho.alternator ou twards.
The belt should be tightened such that the cen
ter of the belt can be moved about one half Inch
(1015mm.)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Inspect and clean tho rubber blades ol the wind
shield at regul ar Intervals. Methyl Alcohol Is
recommended for clean Ing. If the blades show
signs of wear, they should be replaced. 400 mm.
(16 In.) blades are specified.

Changing the Windshield Wiper Blades

Lift lho wiper arm. Oopress tho plastic clip (1)
anci pull off lhe complete wlpor bt3de (2) (see
lllustrollon)

The battery charge should be checked at regular Intervals. This Is especially i mportant during
the w inter when the capacity drops due 10 low
temperatures.
Never connect tho battery cables to the wrong
terminals.

BOOSTER CABLE
CABLE CONNECTIONS

30

To st art a vehicle with a discharged battery using a booster battery or another vehicle connect
booster cables as follows:
A. Connec t one booster cable from the postlive( +)terminal of one batt ery to the posl
live (+)terminal ot the other battery.

1
J

Free the rubber from the retai ner (see lllustra

lion) by pressi ng together the two shiny metal
pieces and twisting the rubber. The rubber can
now be withdrawn through the other retainers.
To Ill the rubber. slide II through the tour retainers and then tighten II so that the retainer at
on e end engages the recess In the blade rubber.

Washers
The reservoi r holds 6.5 U.S. quarts. Fiii up with
washer fluid and water. Tho spray nozzles con
slst of rotatable balls; to adjust the direction of
the Jet. Insert a needle In tho hole of the nozzle.

H EADLIGHTS, BULB, FUSES

Headlights
The headlight s are mounted In cradles and are
provided with two adjustment screws which are
accessible without removal of the headllght
trim. The upper screw Is used for vertical adjust
ment and the side scre w for horizontal adjust
ment.
It is extremely Important that th e headlights be
correctly adjusted to achieve the best possible
lighting effect without any risk of blinding on
coming drivers.

All adjustm ents should be done by an autho

rized Saab dealer, according to specifications
and/or applicable state laws.

Instrument lllumlnatlon, Control

Illumi nation and Indicator Warning Lights
All the bulbs In the instrument assembly are
mounted In bayonet fittings and are accessible
from the back of the panel. The bulb for head
light switch Illumination Is located with in the
switch.
Changing Other Light Bulbs
Loosen the ret aini ng screws and remove tho
glass. Change the bulb and check that th e new
one is securely In place and makes good con
tact. Wipe off the lamp assembly and replace
the glass making sure that It fits tightly.
Fu ses
The fuses are located in a fu se box w ith a transparent cover (retained by two thumb screws),
located on the left In the engine compa rtment.
Spare fuse holders are provided between the
rows of fuses.

31

When a fuse has blown, the strip of metal run

ning along lhe length of the fuse will have been
burned through. When changing fu ses, make
sure that the new fuse has the same rating as
the old one (see table). Fuses of the same rating
have a common color. The rating Is also ma1ked
on the fuse. Insert the fuse wllh the metal stri p
up.
If the same fuse blows repeatedly, take the car
to an au thorized Saab dealer and have the
wiring and other electrlcal equipment checked.
No. Function
1 High beam, AH
2 High beam, LH
3 Low beam, RH
4 Low beam, LH
5 Radiator fan
6 Electric rear wi ndow defroster
7 Interior lighting
8 Fuel pump
9 Hazard warning flasher
10 Brake lights
11
Fan, air conditioning
12 Parki ng and tall light, AH
13 Parking and tall light, LH
14 Horn (and power windows)
15 Elec. side view mirrors
16 Electric healing, seat
17 Fan, heating and ventilation
18 Air conditloning
19 Warning lights
20 Direction indicators
21 Windshield wipers
22 Cornering lights

Rating,
Amperes

8
8
8
8

25
16
5

Position
Name
Blank
A
BC
Acee!. Enrichment
Time relay
Acee!. Enrichment
0
Pulse Relay
Oecel System
E
Relay (Manuals)
F
Hot Start Pulse
Relay
G
Cold/Hot St art
Ground Relay
H
Engine Speed
Relay (Turbo)

The folfowlng relays may be round in the rear

panel which also contains electrical system
fuses:
Posi tion

Name

Part Number

AB

Headlfght Relay
Rear Window Def.
Relay
Air condi tioning
Re lay
Ignition Lock Relay
Fuel Pump/RPM
Llmller Rel ay
(Turbo)
Fuel Pump Relay
(except turbo)
Blank
Cooling Fan (AC)
Relay
Horn Relay

8562100
8522310

Part Number

8575151

8574618

E
FG

8574899
8568271

8533176

8578346

J
K

16
8
8
8
5
5

16
8

16
25
16
8
8
8

16

WIRING DIAGRAMS
32

Rel ays
There are two relay panels locatod on l he Inner
left front fender. Depending on equlp111ont varia
lions they may contain up to 16 relays.
The front panel houses the followlnQ relays:

Wiring diagrams are given In the Saab 900 Service Manual, Section 3.

I A'

8572190
8572943
8579484
8539728
8522310
8522310

C. Steering and Brakes

BRAKES
The footbrake system Is powerassisted, wilh
the result that the force applied to the brake
pedal is amplified on braki ng. However, this ad
dltlonal power ls only avallabl o when th e engine
Is running. Much greater pressure on the brake
pedal will be needed to brake the car when the
engine is switched off, for example, when the
car is being towed.
There are two warning lights on lhe Instrument
panel, one for lhe handbrake and one for the
footbrake. The handbrake warni ng light wlll
glow when the brake is set. The footbrake warn
Ing light will glow when the fluid level In lhe
brake fluid reservoir has dropped below the MIN
mark. This may be an Indication th at there Is o
leakage In lhe system. Since the brakes ODOrt to
on a dualclrcult system, each circuit oporotlng
on diagonally opposed wheels , only ono circuit
will be affected at a given limo, and tho car con
be driven carefully with a roduced btoking olloct
to an authorized Saab dealer.

Consequently It Is very Important to check the

thickness of the brake llnlngs regularly as spec
Iliad In the maintenance schedule.

NOTE! Brake p1dt 1hould always bo

changed by an authorl&ed Sub work
shop. A specl1I tool la required to turn
back th e parking brake automatic ad
Juster before new l1on1 b1oke pa ds can
be Installed. fll only orlglnal Saab brake
p1d1 Semi 1111111110 p1d1 may be In
1t1ll1d In th outboard lront positions
only

Over a period or time In use, the brake fluid will

deteriorate, since it gradually absorbs water
and oxidizes. II is therefore important that the
fluid be changed as specified In the main
tenance schedule. This work should be carried
out by an authorized Saab dealer.

STEERING
All Saab 900's have rack and pinion type
steering with power assist.
Check the fluid level in the servo reservoi r reg u
larly. with the engine off. The dipstick in tho
reservoir cap is graduated separately for cold
and warm lluld. 11 the car has reached Its normal
running temperature, lhe fluid level shoul d be
between tho marks lor warm (A) and cold (B). II
the fluid level is checked when the car ls cold,
the level should be between the cold fluid (B)
mark and the tip of the dipstick (C). Top up with
fluid labled "GM Power steering fluid". DO NOT
USE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Chocking tho Brake Fluld

ThO broko fluld reservoir (container) Is transpar
ont to facllltato chocking or tho flu Id level. The
level should be bolwoon tho MAX and MIN
marks. Use only recommended brake fluid.

NOTE! If tho brake pedal continues to

move down under constant pressure or
the car pull s to one side during braking
or an abnormally loud or metalllc nolH
Is heard during braking see an autho
rind Sub dealer Immediately to have
the braking ayftem Inspected.

Both the footbrake and the handbrake are sell

adjusting. II Is therefore Impossibl e to tell by
the length of the pedal stroke whether the brake
llnlngs are worn out and need to be replaced .

33

D. Wheels and Tires.

A car's tires and wheels are components vital to
motoring safety. The tubeless radial tires and
wheels supplied with the Saab 900 have been
specially selected lor the different models and
are major I actors contributing to Its exceptional
roadholdlng and stability. Consult your Saab
dealer before filling nonslandard wheels or
tires. See lire and wheel applications chart,
Speclflcatons Section.

Tire Pressures
Check lire pressures regularly.
Adjust tire pressures to suit the load and speed
normal lor the car. See lire pressure table, Specifications Section. The recommended pres
sures are for tires when cold. Never reduce the
pressure when the tire ls warm. If lire pressures
are checked when the ti res are warm lhen the
pressure should only be Increased. Incorrect
tires. See tire and wheel appl!cations chart ,
Specifications Section.

NOTE! Do not forget to adjust the tire

pressures If the load or speed Is radically
altered. Add 1.5 psi to ligh t load value If
the car has air conditioning.

Wear Indicators

34

The tires are filled with wear Indicators-a

transverse strip (approx. 12mm, 0.5 in., wide)
without a pattern appears when 1.6 mm (0.06 In.)
or the tread remains. When this strip ls visible
lhe lire should be replaced.

Winter tires

WHEEL CHANGING

The 185165 SR15 standard steel-belted 1udl11I ply

tires, If they have at least half th eir orlglnol
tread depth, are also suitable for winter uso In
moderate climat es where snow and Ice aro not
too severe. The 900 Turbo 3-door model Is
equipped with wide profile tires which havo
been developed to give the grealest possible
roadhold lng and stability under both wet and
dry driving conditions with lhe result that the
tread compounds and designs are not suitable
for use on Ice and snow. We therefore recom
mend winter tires or " all w eather'' tires for this
model when driving on snow or Ice. (See Winter
Driving, Starting and Drivin g Section.)

The tool kit, jack and a compact type spare

wheel are stored under a cover In Iha floorof lhe
rear part of l he luggage compartment.

Tire Rotation
The lront-wheol drive causes the fron t ti res to
wear more than th e rear ti res. ti It Is desired to
have the ti res wear evenly, they should bo
exchanged tront to rear alt er a cert ain period of
driving so that the least worn lires are at l he
front. By switching th e tires In this man nor, tho
service Ille of all lour tires will rem ain approxl
mately equal. Make sure that th e tires are al
ways rotated In the same di rection- the lelt
front wheel should l hus change place with tho
left rear wheel. Do not change rad ial ti res side
to side.

To Jack up the car, Install the Jack In one of th e

Jacking points (front or rear) located underneath
th e sill beams (sec Illustrat ion).
If a garage jack Is used, the lifting heads must
be located under the reinforced parts of tho
underbody.

WARNING! Never crawl under the car

when It is jacked 'up.

1. Apply the handbra ke. Slide th e jack Into th o

attachment points and crank It down until It
touches the ground.

2. To remove the hub cap, Insert a sorewdrlver

behind the cap and lever It off
3. Back off the wheel nuts hell a turn. Check
that the jack has located properly against
the flange on theslll beam and th at the whole
of the base is firmly In contact with the
ground.
4. Jack up the car untll thO wheel Is clear of the
ground, then remove tho wheel nu ts and the
wheel.
5. Mount the wh ool .1nd llOhlen the wheel nuts
loosely. Choe!! lhnt lho wheel and nuts are
correctl y poslllonocl
6 Lower tho cnr TlllhtM tho wheel nuts In the
ordor sh ow n In the- Illustra tion below.
Tlghlen to (J' 00 II tbs Nover use an Impact
wrench for llnlt llQhlonlng of wheel nuts.
11rv11 lhP 1orque limit to avoid
Corelul f
wtioal ,j~1n11uo

NOTEI The origina l equipm ent road

wheels are desi gned to be mounte d us
Ing nuls wllh a conical seating surface .
These nuts are suitable for mountin g the
compac t spare. Certain access ory
whee ls available from Saab dealers re
quire special shouldered nuts which do
not tit the spare wheel. Purchase lour
conical nuts for the spare II the car Is to
be so equipped.

35

E. Specifications

Valve Otcaranco. Cold Engin e:

Intake, all . . . . . . . . ...... ..... (0.150.30mm) ... 0.006" 0.012"
Exhaust. Standard .... ..... .. .. .. (0.350.55mm) . 0.0 14" 0.020"
Exhaust. Turbo ...... . ......... . (0.400.50mm) .. . 0.01 6'-0.020"

GENERAL
Overall lenglh Incl bumpers . ....... . .... (4764mm)
Overall width ....... ... ... . .. . .. .. ... . . (1 690mm)
Overall height (empt y) ... . . .. .. . ...... . . . (1420m m)
Road clearance'(at curb weight) .. . ..... . .. (150mm)
Track, front wheels .. . . .. ..... ..... . .... (1430mm)
Track, rear wheels .... . . . . .. . . ..... . ..... (1440mm)
Wheelbase . .. ..... . . . . . . .. . .... . . .. .. (2517mm)
Turning radius . ..... ... . . .. ... . . ... . .... .. . (5.6m)

.. .... .. 187.6"
. . . . .... . . 66.5'
.. .. ... . . 55.9~
. .... ... .. 6 "
. ... . .. . . 56.3"
.. . .. . ... 56.7 "
... .. . ... 99. t .
... .. . ... 220.5"

WEIGHT
Curb weight . . .... ... ..... . . ..... . . ..... .. ........... 25842859 lb.
Gross vehicle we ight rati ng ..... . ... . .. ......... . 3600-381 0 lb.
Weigh t distribution,
at curb weight ..... .. . .... ....... . . .. . . ... ....... , . 5962 % front
at gross vehicle weight rating .... .. . ..... . . . . .. . 4951 % fron t
Trunk volume (SAE) Hatchback . .... . ..... .. . . . .. ........ . 14.9 cu. ft.
Hatchback, parcel shelf removed .... ... .. . . . ......... ... 19.1 cu. ft.
Sedan ... . . ... . . .. .. ....... . .. . ... .. .. . ..... ....... . 14.2 cu. ft.
Vehic le capacity weight, five
persons and 180 lb. luggage ... . .. . . .. .. . (422 kg) . .. ...... 930 lb
Max roof rack load .. .. ....... .. ... ....... (100 kg) .... . . . .. 220 lb
Max trailer weight
with trailer brakes ....... . . ... .. .. .. .. .. (900 kg) .. ...... 2,000 lb
without trailer brakes . ..... ..... .. .. . ... (450 kg) ... . . .. . 1,000 lb
Max trailer tongue weight .... ... . . .. . . . . . (90 kg) .. ....... 198 lb
weight variation depends on model. configuration and options.

Igni tion Advan ce Setting . . . 20 BTOC

Spark Plug gap .... .. .. ...... . .. . ...

ra 2000 RPM (vac. hose plugged)

Engine Idling Speed i n Neutral (A.C. off)

... . ... . . . . ... 875 :t 50 RPM

Aspiration ......... . .. .. .. ...... .

Engine Family Number . ... . .. .... .
Power Rating , SAE Net HP @ RPM,.
Max. Torque at 3500 RPM . . . .... .. .
Compression Ratio . ... .. .... .... .
Dashpot Adjustment (Au tomatic} ..
Oecel Fuel Shutoff (Manual) . . .... .

. . ... ... .. . ... 0.0240.028 "

Normally
Turbocharged
Aspirated
CSA2.0V6FTTX CSA2.0V6FNT3
135
4800
110 @ 5250
160 fl. lbs.
119 fl. lbs.
7.2: 1
9.25:1
2200:t 100 RPM 2500 :t 100 RPM
Ac tivates above 1450 RPM , Th roll le
Closed; deac t ivates below 1250
RPM
4.5 U.S. qts.
4 U.S. qts.

Oil Capacity lnclu dlng Flltor .

Recommended Fuel
(16.6 U.S. gal capacity) . . . . . . . . . Unl eaded 87
(91 RON min.)
Wastegal e Selling . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 0.0 5 bar

Unleaded 87
(91 RON min.)
NIA

Adjust plung er lo con tact thro tl le lever with engine operating at above
specification.
(Disconnect EGR on Tu rboctiargod engines.)
3000 RPM, engine under full load

01 L VISCOSITY
Hot weath er . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. SAE 10W40, API Service SE or SF
Normal .. (Alternat e: SAE 10W30) ... . SAE 10W40, API Service SE or SF
Cold Weather be low 0 F ... .......... SAE 5W20, API Service SE or SF

ENGINE

36

Type .. . ..... . 4 cyl. 4 stroke In line OHC with continuous fuel Injection
Cylinder Bore . . . . ....... . . . .. .. . .. ....... . .. ....... . . .. . ... 3.543 '
Stroke .. . . .. . . . . . .. ....... ...... . . ..... . . .. ....... . .... . . 3.071 "
Displacement ... ... . . .... .. . . ..... . ........ . .. ... ....... 121 cu . in.
Order of Firing (Cylinder 1 nearest firewall) .. . . ...... .. ..... . . 1-342

FUEL SYSTEM
Type ....... . . . ...... . .... . . ....... ... ... Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS)
Fuel Pump ... ..... . . . .. ...... ........... .. .... Electric, in fuel lank
Fuel Tank: Capaci ty . .. . .. ..... . .. .. ..... .. ....... .. 16.6 U.S. gallons
Material .. . . ....... . .. .. HOPE (High densi ty polyethylene)

AUTOMATIC TRANS MISSIO N

COOLIN G S't'STEM
NOTE! Tho Radiator air flow must not be blocked oft.
(10 liters)
Coolant volume incl. heating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.5 U.S. qts., 8.8 l mporlal qts.
t90F
Thermostat opens at ........ . ....... ...... (88 C) . . .
Antllreezo .......Ethylene glycol. wllh aluminum corrosion protection
properties, 5070 0/o mixed wtlh water
Dayco
Gatos
Sa ab
DRIVE BELTS
15390
WaterpumpAlternator ....... 83 84 927 ....... . 8210
15495
Power Steeri ng ......... ..... 93 39 409 ....... 8216
Air Condllfon lng ..... ..... .. 93 44 623 ... ..... 8256 ...... I 7470

MANUA L TRANS MISSIO N

Type .. ........ ......... ........ ... 5 speed. all synchromosh wllh

final drive and dllloronlfn l
liters) . . . 3 U S qt
(2.5
011 capaci ty ... . ...... . ........ ......

Type . ..... .... ......... .... . ...... .. 3speed wilh torque converter,
final drive and differentia l
1
Selector positions .. . . ......... .. .... .. ... ....... ... ... PRND2
011 volume, automatic transmiss ion . . ... . 8.5 U.S. qts, 7.2 Imperial qts.
(8.0 liters)
Grade of oil for automatic transmiss ion fluid ...... . Type "F"' (M2C33F)
(1.25 liters) 1.3 U.S. qts., 1.1 l mperlal Ot s.
011 Volume, final drive
.. .. EP oil SAE 80 In accordance with
.......
drive
final
lor
oll
of
Grade
APlGL5, or GL4
Primary gear rat io: Normally aspirated . . .. .... ..... ... ..... .. 0.97:1
Turbocharged ......... .. . ........ .. 0.878:1
Gear ralfos (transmission):
1st gear .. . . ..... .. ...... .. ..... . ... . . ....... ..... .. 2.39:1
2nd gear ........ .. . ..... .... .... .... .. ..... ...... .. ...... . 1.45:1
1: 1
3rd gear .... ... ...... .. ..... ... .... . .. .. ....... ... ... ..
1
Reverse gear ... . .. . ..... .... .. . ......... . .. ... . .. .... .. 2.09:
Final Drive ratio ..... ..... ....... ......... . .. ..... .. .... .. . 3.89:1

011 Specifica tions ......... .. ..... ....... ... ... .. .... SAE IOW30

(Servfco SE ace 10 API)

Hydraulic clutch ......... ... . .. . ...... . ...... .. ... Slngfo dry pl.re
with sprlngl ood od hub
5Spoed
Goar ratios total (Includes primary and final ratios):
13.07 I
1sl gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 89 I
2nd gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 3-0 I
3rd gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 82 1
4th gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 08 1
5th gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15.34 I
Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Shift Points For Economi cal Driving
High Aflftudo
Driving
S Speed
S Speed
(All)
Turbo
900, 900S
Gear Change
1sl to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th

Speed
12mph
22mph
30mph
40mph

Speed
15mph
2Smph
40mph
45mph

Spood
18mph
28 mph
43 mph
48 mph

BRAKE SYSTEM

......... ........ ......... . ....... .. Girling & A.T.E.

Muko
. . . . . . . . . . . Hydroullc disc brpkes with power

ko
1
f ootbr1
assist, two circuit system serving
diagonall y opposed pairs of wheels.
ld
Brake and clutch flu ld ......... . ......... ...... . .. DOT 4 Brake flu
Disc dl amotor:
. ......... ....... .. ...... .... (280mm) ......... 11.02
Front. .
Roar . . . . . ........ .. .. ... . . . .. ...... (269.5mm) ...... . .. 10.63"
Swept areas:
In.'
Front wheels ......... . . ...... .. .... .... (1432cm') . . ...... 222
In.
Rear wheels . . ... . ... ... .... ... .. ..... . (1095cm'} .. .... .. 170
in.'
392
.....
..
(2527cm')
.....
...
...
Total .. ..... .... ... .........
Handbrake ......... ........ . .... ..Mechanic al, acting on front discs
Brake pads ...... . .. . . . ..... ..... .... . . Use original equipment type;
semi-me tallics pads are only to be
fitted at the o~ter front positions.

37

SUSPENSION

TIRE PRESSURE (cold t ires)

Suspension element s, front and rear .. .... .. .... ..... . . . Coll springs

Recomm ended Pressure

light Load
Max. Load
Tiro Size
Ft./Rea r
Ft./Rear
185165 SR 15 .......... .. ....... ...... 27/29 .... . . .... 30/32
196/60 HR 15 .......... ... . .. . ..... .. 27/29 .. .. . ..... 30132
ComPllcl Spero (All) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60 PSI

Total spring compression/elongation:

Front . . .... ........... . .. . ........ .. .. . . (180mm) ........... 7.1
Rear . . .. ... .. ....... ... . .. ....... .. .. . . (170mm)

.. .... .... . 6.7 "

Shock absorbers:
Type . . .. .. . .. . ........ . .. .... . . . .... .. . . .. Hydraulic, telescopic
(900S, Turbo-Gas pressure)
Maximum working stroke, fitted to car:
Front .... ... . . ........ ..... .. . ....... .... (96mm)
Rear . . .. . . . .. ... ... . . ..... ....... . . . . .. (158mrn)

..... ..... . 3.8"

. .......... 6.2

Chock llro pressure with cold tires.

Front Whool Alignment:

Steering:
Steering gear . ..... .. ..... . . . . .. . ......... ........ Rack and pinion

Tool n (m.,11surod 01 rims) . . ... . . ...... (2 1mm) ... 0.08 0.04 in.

Wheel turns, lock to tock:

Power steering ....... . ..... . ... . . .... ... .. ........ . .. .... . . . . 3.65

Castor

Cambor

............. ... ....... . .... ....... ... V>ov,o

, .. , .. .......... . ... ... .. .. . .. ... . .... 20 y2 o

Oil specilication, Power Steering . . . .. ... .. . . GM Power steering flu id

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vottooo
........... .. ..... 12v
Battery C{lp.1c11y
... .. 60AH
.............. . ...... 1.1 HP
Star tor cnp11clly
Altorna1or, mn. ehrlrolng eurronl/vollago ....... . .... 72 Amps/14V

WHEELS AND TIRES

Wheel sizes:
Saab 900: .... ...... .. ....... .... . . ....... ... . . 5 'h J x 15 CH (steel)
Saab 900$ and Turbo: .......... . .. .. .. 5 V2 J x 15 H2 (aluminum alloy)
Spare wheel (All): . .. ...... .. .. .... .. .... ...... ....... . 4J H 1x15"

38

Spark Plugs:
Typo . . .... ' .............. ......... NGK-BP 6ES; Champion N8Y;
Bosch W175 T30;
Thread .............. ... ....... ...... ... ...... ...... ... ..... M14
Tl'tread Leng th ....... . .. . ... . . ......... ... (8mm)

..... . ..... 0.7

Tire dimensions:

Electrode gap . .. . .... ...... . .... . (0.6mm0.7mm) .. . 0.024 "0.028"

ALL 900 (except Turbo 3-Dr.) . . .. . ... .... ... .. ... .. . ... 185/65 SR 15
900 Turbo 3Dr... . .... ........ . .. .... .... . ... .. ....... 195/60 HR 15
Compact Spare . . ...... ..... . .... . ... .. .... .. . . ... . T 115i70 01 5

Fu ses and relays .... ... .. .... .... . ... . See Technical Information
Section, Electrical System.

Light Bulbs:

Po wer

SAE
Trade No. Quantity

Headlights high/low beam

Optional halogen headlights
Front dlrectton
lndlcatorslsldemarker
Rear direction Indicators
Cornering lamps/parking lights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Backup lights
Side back-up lights
License plate light

65/55W
65155W

6052
H-6052

21/5W
21/5W
21/5W
5W
21W
21W
21W
5W

1157
1157
1157
67
1156
1156
1156

Interior fighting:
Dome
Rear-view mirror
Glove compartment
Luggage compartment

2
2

2
2
2

Other lighting:
Instruments
Ignition switch
Heating and ventilation con1rol
Cigarette ligh ter
Ash tray

3W
2W
1.2W
1.2W
1.2W

161
53

2
1
1
1
1

Car tridge bulb

Glass fitt ing

2
2

10W
5W
5W
10W

Switch llghtlng:
Light switch
1 2W
Hazard warning llashers
1 2W
Electrically heated rear window 1.2W
Control lights:
Charging
2W
011 pressure
1.2w
Brakes
1.2w
Direction Indicators
1.2W
Electrically heated rear window 1.2W
High beam
1.2w
Handbrake
1.2w
Seat belts
1.2w
Fuel tank
1.2W

I
I
1

2
I
1
1
1
1

TOOL KIT
Jack with crank handle
Tool kit comprising:
Combination pilers
Phillps screwdriver
Screwdriver
Sockel wrench for wheel nuls
Socket wrench for spark pl ugs
Socket screw key for removing and installing front passenger seal .

39

F. Identification Numbers
Please quote the vehlc lo ldonllflcallon numbers (V.l.N.) In
all correspondence concerning your vehicle

TRIM COLOUR

DOI .
Trim Code

Transmission Number,
Automatic Transmission

..
40

.._

...,

"'il W

Veh icle Identification

Number (V.1.N.)

V.l.N. Punched In
Car Body

G. Consumer Information
l lollowfng information Is provided In accordance with the requirements of tho Code of Federal Regulations, Part 575 - Consumer Information as it pertains
Iv .-aab automobiles. Procedures established by the National Highway Tralflc Saloly Administrati on arc used in conducting lhe tests and th e Information may
be used for comparison with other makes.

Vehicle _Stopping Distance

This figure indicates braking performance that can bo mot or exceeded by the vehicles to which it applied under
different conditions of loading and with partial falluros of tho braking system. The information presented represents
results obtainable by skilled drivers under controlled road and vehicle conditions, and the information may not be
correct under other conditions.

This table applies to all 1982 Saab 900 models.

Light Lood

A. Fully Operational
Service Brake

170

Maximum Load

190

B. Emergency Service Brakes

(with Partial Service)
Brake System Failure

c.

380

Brake Power Unit Failure

270

Maximum Load

'
0

'
'
400
300
200
Stopping Distance in Feet from 60 mph

'
100

500
41

Tire Reserve Load

Refer to the Tire Information Label on the lef t side vehi cle doorpost to determine the tire size th at your vt.h1cle is equipped with .

This table lists the tire size designations recommended by Saab for use on the vehicles to which it applies, with the
recommended inflation pressure tor maximum loading and the tire reserve load for each of the tires listed. The tire reserve
load indicated is met by each vehicle to which this table applies.

This table applies to all 1982 Saab 900 models

WARNING: Failure 10 mai ntain the recom
mended lire inflat ion pressure or to Increase
tile pressure as recommended when ope ratIng at maxi mum loaded vehicle weight, or
loading the vehicle beyond the capacities
speci fied on the tire Information placard al
fixed to th e vehicle, may result In unsafe
operati ng condllions due to premat ure tire
failure. unfavorable handling characteris
tics, and excessive tire wear. The t ire reserve
load percentage is a measure of tire capac
lly, not of vehicle capacity. Loadin g beyond
the specified veh icle capacity may result In
f ailure of other vehicle components.

42

FRONT

REAR

TIRE
RESERVE
LOAD
PERCENTAGE'

195/60 HR 15

30

32

18.4% (3Dr.)

185/65 SR 15

30

32

RECOMMENDED
TIRE SIZE
DESIGNATIONS

RECOMMENDED COLD INFLATION PRESSURE

FOR MAXIMUM LOADED VEHICLE WEIGHT

19.3o/o (3Dr.)
17. 1o/o (4Dr.)

The difference, expressed as a percentage of tire load rating, between (a) the
load rating of a tire at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pres
sure at maximum loaded vehicle weight and (b) the load imposed upon the tire by
the vehicle at that condition.

Tire Quality Grading

Radial t ires manufactured after Oct. 1, 1980 must be graded and labeled In accordance with new Federal regulations. Standard te sts are conduct ed to measure
performance In the areas or treadwear, traction and temperature resis tan ce. Aoler to lhc tire sidewall !or the specific quality grades of th e tires provided on your
new Saab. Compact spare tires are exempt.

DOT QUALITY GRA DES

TREADWEAR
TRACTION ABC
TEMPERATURE ABC
ALL PASSENGER CAn TIRES MUST CON FORM TO F EDERA L
SAFETY REQU IREM EN rs IN ADDITION TO TH ESE GRADES.
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating boso<I 0 11 lho wonr 11110 of tho lire when tested under controlled conditions on a speci fied
government test course. For example, a tire gradod ISO would woar ono and one half (1 Vz) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance o f tho , dopcnds upon tho actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations In ct11vlno hoblts, sorvlco practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

TRACTION

The traction grades, from highest to 1owos1 .iro A., B, C, and thoy roprosenl the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under con trolled conditions on specified oovornmcnl test surfaces o f asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned lo this tire Is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) trac tion.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are A (the highest), 8 , and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades Band A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

43

Ill. SERVICE AND

MAl ~T ENANCE

The 1982 Saab 900 Is covered by the following warrant ies

Limited 12 months/Unlimited Mileage Veh icle Wa rranty.
3 Year Corrosion Perforation Warranty.
Federal (or Californi a, as applicable) Vehlclo Emission Control Warranty.
Federal E~lsslon Performance Warranty.
Detailed warranty Information can be found In the Saab 900 Warranties/Service Record Booklet wh ich accompanies this Owner's Manual. The booklet, If lost or
misplaced, may be ordered through a Saab dealer or may be obtained by calling the neares t regional office of SaabScania of America, Inc. The September, 1981
edition of the booklet has Saab order No. 0291278.

A. Scheduled Maintenance
MAINTENAN CE SCHEDULE

44

The Maint enan ce Schedule prescribes a pro

gram of Instructions to the purchaser/operator
of a 1982 Saab for maintenance whi ch Is reasonable and necessary to ensure the proper fun ction, durability, and safety of the Saab
automobile In normal use. The Schedule Is
divided into two parts: Emission Sys tem Main
tenance and Vehicle Maintenance. The Emls
slon System Mai ntenance instructions specify
operations to ensure proper and safe function
of Saab emission control sys tems throughou t
the useful Ill e ol the automobile. Additional
main tenance Is specified for ce rtain components when opera ted under certain severe con
dllions. Maintenance, replacement, or rep air of
the emi ssion control devices and systems may
be per1ormed by any automotive repair estab
ll shment or Individual using any automotive
part which has beon certified according to U.S.
EPA regulat i on s governing voluntary aft er
market part self-cerlllleatlon. The Vehicle Main
tenance Instructions are specified to ensure
proper and sate functioning of the Saab auto
mobile and Its subsystems.

Noto to California Residents Oniy lho Emission System

Malntonanco scMd ulc ts divided Into two part s Requ11ed Maintenance and Recommended M ain tenance.
Tn1s ts dono 1n compllance with provisions sot for th by
the Colllornla Emtas1on ConlrOl Syatom Warronty Rogu
IAtlon1 Ind appllos to Cet1lornl purchHOra/oporotOts
only Ho..,,.,or, II ts auggostod that acco1dloo to tnet appll
cablo Ca1tlo1n1a rogu1011000 19<1u11'd m~lntonnnce II
that which must be P"rlormOd to IHI !lllQt>lo lor COOOO
uncio1 tho Calllornla Emission Control Syllnm W~111nty
In not porlormlog rocommondod rnJlnt on.mco" CalllC><
nlo Emission Control System Warrnoty 1lghta MO In no
way lnvolldatod. Rolor to tho wrll ton worranl y lor lurthor
lnlormatlon perta1nln(} t o sp~lllc purohmoor/oporot or
rights ond obllgatlo ~s.

NOTE! The Maintenance Schedul e In

eludes a break-i n service at 1,000 mlles.
This important service will be done by
your Saab dealer at no charge except for
flu ids and oil fllter (which are to be paid
for by the Saab owner). The car Is
equi pped with a special break-In oll fitter
which must be changed at the break in
service.

SERVICE RECORD RETENTION

Service coupons and record stubs are provided
In the Saab 900 Warranties/Service Record
booklet . When scheduled services are performed your dealer will tear out the applicable
coupon. chock off tho operations performed
and enter i t Into tho service Ille at the dealership. The servicing deal er's stamp, along with
date and mileage at which tho service was performed should bo entered on the coupon stub
which remains In your booklet. This is your permanen t record I hat recommended maint enance
has boon perl ormod. Au thorized Saab dealers
regularly receive up-toda te Service Manuals
and bulletlns lrom Saab -Scania of America, Inc.
and are able, through their franchise agreement
with Saab-Scanla ol America, Inc., to attend
Saab service schools and purchase special
tools and original equipment spare parts.
Supplied when you purchased your new Saab.

IMPORTANT! 11 ls advisable lo retain re

ceipts and, If possible, copies of shop
work orders for all service and repair
work, wherever performed.

EMISSION SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE PRu'GRAM

3

-~

g
t>

1l

"'
"

1,000
Ml.
Break In
Service

A. EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Valve Clearance - Check; If necessary adjust l o

specifica ti on (cold engine). Wash and blow clean oil
separator in camshaft cover. ... . .... . .. ....

Engine Head Bolts and Manifolds- Torque 10

specilica tions (including Tu rbocharger allachmont
bolts-Turbo). - . - .

..

Fuel Fllter- Replaco

X-Every 15,000
m iles.

..

Spark Plugs - Replace and adjusl gap to

specllication.
Air Cleaner lnser1- Rop1oco

Where "miles" or "months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit i s reached first.
Every
Every
7,500 Mi.
15,000
Other
(5,000
Mi. or
Turbo)
12
Mos.
or 6 Mos.

X- Every 30,000
miles. (1 a.

..... . .

... ............ ... .

Evaporative Emission Controlled Fuel System Check luel llller cap, vont !Ines, canlsler, and
conneclions for wear, deterioration and/or damage
which could cause leakage. Tighten any loose
connectidn s and/or replace any leaking components.

X-Every 30.000
miles.(1b.
X-Every 30,000
miles. (1c.
X-At 60,000 miles
or 48 mos. and
every 12 mos.
I herea fter.

1. Under the following severe driving conditions. replace every 15.000 miles:
a. Spa rk Plugs-Extensive Idling, slop-and-go driving. towing, high speed driving, driving in cold c limates over repea ted snort trips wflhout suHicien l
engi ne warm-up.
b. A ir Cleaner-Dusty conditions.
c. Fuel Filler-Dusty conditions or II c logged (accompanied by an increase in fuel pump operating noise level).
3. These columns refer to provisions of l hc California Emission Contr ol System Warra nty and apply only to residents of Cali lornia.

45

-3

-~

"'

1.000
Mi.
Break In
Service

A. EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

(continued)
Charcoal Canister- Replace.

Whore "mih:is" or ~months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is ronchod llrst.
Evory
Every
71500 Ml,
15,000
(6.()()().
Mi. or
Other
Turbo)
12
or6 Mos.
Mos.

........... ........ ..

X- Every 60,000
miles.

Crankcase Ventilation -Check connections and

hoses. flgtiten or replace as necessary. .... .. ....

X- At 60,000 miles
or 48 mos. and
every 12 mos.
ihereafter.

Secondary Ignition Wires-Clean and Inspect for

cuts. burn s. or abrasions. Replace any damaged
wires. .. . . ............... .. .... . ......... . .

X-AI 30,000 miles.

or 24 mos. af\d every
12 mos. thereafter.

Check resistance of ignition wires and replace, it

necessary. ........... .. .. .......
. ... .... ....

X-At 60,000 miles.

Distributor Cap and Rotor- Replace. Check and

adjust Ignition timing to spec.
..... .. ... .

X- Every 60,000
miles.

Ignition System - Check spark control system . ....

X-Every 60,000 miles

Oxygen Sensor- Replace sensor (all) and check

operation of enrichment microswllch [Turbo only).
(Reset service reminder l11mp.) .... ... .. .. .. . .. .

X- Every 30.000 miles

..

.
.

......

Oil and Oil Filter Change-(NOTE: Standard

engine-7500 mi/6 mos.; Turbo -5,000 mi/6 mos.)

46

...

(2.

2. Under sevcro oporntlng condlllon s (dusty condrtlo ns. frequent trailer tow ing or mountain driving, ex tensive idling. s topandgo driving, driving In cold
c lfmn los over repeated short trips without sufficient eng ine warmup), change every 5.000 miles or 4 months (Turbos-3750 miles or 4 mon ths). whichever
comes flrst.
3. These columns retor 10 provisions ot the Call lornla Emission Control System Warranty and app ly only 10 residen ts of California.

3
,_,_
"i
~

.
.

1,000
Ml.
Brook In
Sorvlco

A. EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

(continued)
Idle Speed-Check idle speed and adjust to
specification, if necessary. . . . .... . . .... .. ..... ..

X- At 60,000 miles
(and whenever the
vehicle is relocated
for a prolonged period
of operation at a
different altitude).

Decelerat ion System-Check operation: odJust to

specification, if necessary. . .. . ...

X-At 60,000 miles.

X- Every 60,000
miles.

EGR System - Clean and lnspoc1 EOR vatvo 11111 lnlut

pipe. Check th e EGR system operollon

.
.

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is reached first.
Every
Every
15,000
7,500 Mi.
Other
Ml. or
(5,000
12
Turbo)
Mos.
or 6 Mos.

Charging Pressuro- CMck, ndjur.t to ~p1c lllc ot l on , ii

necessary. Reseal with onllt11mpo11ng wire (Turbo
only) .. . . ..

...

Overpressure Safety Switch

(Turbo only) .... . . .. ..

..... .

..

Check operation.

...

.. . . . ..

X- Every 15,000
miles.
X- Every 15,000
miles.

3. These columns reler to provisions or l he Call lorn la Emi ssion Control Sy stem Wa rranty and apply only to residents or California.

47

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

1,000
Mi.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Where " miles" or " months" arP shown, perfonn at whichever

limit is reache..; first.
Every
Every
7,500 Ml.
15,000
Other
(5,000
Mi. or
Turbo)
12
or6 Mos.
Mos.

ENGINE
VBelts-Check; if necessary adjust tension or
replace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

Cooling System-Check hoses and connections for

leaks. Tighten clamps or replace clamps or hoses if
necessary. Check coolant level and antifreeze
content.

. .

. ....

X-At 30,000 miles

or 24 mos. and
every 12 mos.
thereafter.

Engine Coolant-Flush system and replace with

approved mix. . ... . ..... .. .. . . ..... .. .. ... . . ...

X- At 30,000 miles
or 24 mos. and
every 15,000 miles
or 12 months
thereafter.

Fuel Injection System Safety Check-Inspect

components, electrical cables, fuel hoses, and all
connections for wear, damage, and/or deterioration.
Tighten any loose connections and/or replace any
damaged components. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exhaust System-Check for leakage and ensure that

all fasteners and hangers are secure. Correct as
necessary. . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. .. . . .

48

1,000
Ml.
Break In
Sorvlco

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whl'chever

llmlt Is reached first.
Every
Every
15,000
7,500 Mi.
Other
Ml. or
(5,000
12
Turbo)
Mos.
or 6 Mos.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Gearbox 011 Level - Check:add as necessary

Gearbox Oil-Change, cloan mognollc drnln plug
(Be careful not to confuso drnln PIUQ'I for 1111glnl' ond
gearbox.) . . . . . .. .. . . .

..

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Gearbox Oil Level -Chock; add os necessary.

.....

Adjust automallc transmi ssion gear selector contro l

cable and retlghten cover bolts under gearbox ....

x
x

Differential Oil Level-Check; add as necessary....

Differential Oil-Change ........................

x
4

1,000
Mi.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is reached fi rst.
Every
Every
7,500 Ml.
15,000
Ml.or
Other
(5,000
Turbo)
12
or 6 Mos.
Mos.

ELECTRJCAL SYSTEM
Battery- Check electrolyte level (batteries with 1111
caps). Tighten cable terminals and coat with
petroleum jelly. . .. . ....... .......... ..... .. .. ..

Functional Check - Headlights, stopligh ts, dlrectlonal

lights, warning flashers, back-up lights, Indicator
lights, buzzers, horn, rear defogger, elec tric mirrors (If
equipped), power windows (If equipped), power door
locks (if equipped), windshield wipers, heater fan.
Correct as necessary. . . . . .
. .
.

. . . .. .. . .. . .. . . . . .
x

Headlights -Check for proper aiming; If necessary

adjust (per State requirements as applicable). . .. . .
CHASSIS
Suspension- Tigh ten bolts o f rear axle crossbar and
bolts which hold control arms to body (front) and
spring links to body (rear). . ...................
Toeln-Check; if necessary adjust.

50

. . ..

.. ... ...... ...

Wheel Alignment-Measure, if necessary adjust

..
camber, caster, toe-in . . . . . . . .. .

..

.. . .. . . . .

Upper and Lower Ball Joints and TleRod EndsCheck both sides of vehicle for wear. Also check
s teering gear universal joint. Correct any unsafe
condition ..... ........ . . . ....... . . . .. . .. .. . .. ..

x
x

1,000
Ml.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit is reached first.
Every
Every
7,500 Mi.
15,000
Mi. or
Other
(5,000
Turbo)
12
or 6 Mos.
Mos.

Shock Absorbers- Check rubber bushings; replace

shock absorbers when dampening action is no longer
effective. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tires-Check tire tread depth and rep lace when wear

bars in tread appear. . .. .. .. ... .. .... . ... .. . .. .

x
x

Check rubber bellows for inner and outer drive shaft

joints, and rubber boots for ball joints and tie-rod
ends. Replace any damaged boots. .
.

Brake System-Check condition of brake lines and

hoses, tightness of master cylinder, calipers, and
screw caps. Correct as necessary. . . . . . . . . .. .

Power Steering Fluid-Check; add as necessary

..

General Inspection- Check all suspension and

steering components, exposed fue l lines, and brake
components for damage due to road hazards or
driving conditions. Replace any damaged
components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ...

. .. . . . . . ... .
. .. .
x

Check power brake vacuum servo hose and

connections. Correct any vacuum leaks. . . . . . . . . ..
Check function of hand brake.

x
51

1,000
Mi.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is reached fi rst.
Every
Every
7,500 Ml.
15,000
(5,000
Mi. or
Other
Turbo)
12
or6 Mos.
Mos.

Remove wheels and check brake pad thickness.

Replace pads when lining thickness is less than 1/1
inch.

Grease sliding surfaces of front brake caliper yokes

(special grease required). ..... .... ... . ..... .... .

X- Repeat, if
necessar~whenever

brake pads are

changed.
Check brake fluid level; if necessary replenish fluid in
master cylinders for brake and clutch (manual trans.).
Replace brake fluid and bleed system.

.. . ...... ...

X- Every 30,000
miles or 24 months.

MISCELLANEOUS
Change ventilation air filter (except 900 with A/C)

Lubricate sparingly the door stops and hinges,

throttle control, and engine hood lock mechanism.

Test drive vehicle and check overall condition, noting

especially the function of brakes and clutch ......
Free corrosion inspection (see terms of Corrosion
Perforation Warranty) .. .. . .... .. .. . .... .... .. . ..

52

x
12-14 months and
24-26 months after
purchase.

B. General Information
ENGINE TROUBLE SHOOTING
1. Engine will not st art- st arter cranks engine
in normal manner
A. No fuel In tank.
B. Fuel pump not running-blown fuse, cor
roded connections, faulty relay or discon
nected lead wire.
C. No spark at spark plugs.
a. Loose electrical connections.
b. Moisture or cracks In distributor cap.
D. Engine flooded-spark plugs fouled with
gasoline.

2. Engine sta rts-runs rough, mlsllroa, low

power.
(Note; Misfiring should bo corrncl nll lmnw
diately to prevenl ovorhonllng ol tht onltt
lytic convorto1.)
A. Spark pl ugs fou10~, worn or tn n11od or
adjustmen t.
B. Spark plug coblos not propurly plugged
Into distri bu tor cop or onto op111k plugs.
C. Loose or corroded connoatlons-low
voltage l oads 10 coll.
D. Engine oll flller cap or dips rick no t seated
admltllng excess air th rough crankcase
vent system
E. Fuel Injec tion system In need of adjust
men I.
3. Stallin g at Idle, rough operation duri ng
engine warmup and hesitation or lack of
power on acceleration.
A. Unscheduled servicing of the Lambda
Control system may be necesary. If so.
th is should be perfor med by a Saab
dealer.

B. Unscheduled servicing of the EGA system may be 11ecessary. If so th is should

be performed by a Saab dealer.
C. Decal fuel shut off system may require
unscheduled servicing.
4. Improper Idle spoed- too las t or too slow.
A. Idle spood nit bloed adjustment Incorrect
or l ock nut loose.
a. Ooeol dnshpot oul of adJuslmen t (fast
ldlll)
C. ldlo nhllual mixture ou t of speci fication.
0. Throlllo ttop 11crow Incorrec tly set. (Note:
StOP screw 111 for adjusting butterfly rest
clootianoo ilnd Is not to be used for mak
Ing ldlu apood 11dJustm ents.)
l Doool tuo l shul off mal func tioni ng.
r ldlo spood 111 ofloc tod by l arge changes in
ol tl tude (fdlo tnc roases as elevation In
cronsos duo to roducod ambien t pressure
and vtoo vo rsa).

5. Charge Indicator lamp falls t o llght when lg

nltlon Is swi tched on.
A. Bulb l)urnod ou t.
B. Discharged ba11ory or loose battery cable.
C. Improper wi ri ng to voltage regulator
causi ng an open circuit.

6. Charge Indica tor l amp light s up with engine

running.
A. Broken or slack allerna101 drive belt.
B. Mallunctlon In voltage regulator.
C. Mallunctlon In alternator.
7. Di scharged battery
A. Sllppfng alternator drive bel t.
B. Defective or worn out battery.
C. Frequent use of high drain equipment.

such as headlights,.combined with short

trips.
D. Mallunction in voltage regulator or alternator.

8. 011 pressure Indi cator lamp lights up with

engine running.
A. Mallunction In engine lubrication system
causing low oil pressure.
B. Oil level In sump extremely low.
9. EXH Indicator lamp illuminates
Illuminates every 30,000 miles as a reminder
to perform emission control system main
l enance. Must be reset by dealer a.fler service. This tamp does not Indicat e engine
malfunction.

APPEARANCE CARE
Care of paintwork
To keep Its gloss and fin ish, the paint work
needs proper care. II the paintwork Is damaged,
e.g. by a llytng stone, the spot can be cleaned
and covered w ith atrdrylng touchup painl.
Touchup in the standard Saab colors can be
purchased from your Saab dealer.
Washing
The car should be washed frequ ently. When It is
new, it should be washed by hand using only
cold water and a clean, soft brush attached to a
hose. Automatic car washes should be avoided
during the first few months. After five to six
months the paintwork has hardened and to
make washing easier, a car shampoo or mild
washing-up l iquld may b e added to the water,
which may be warm but not hol. Even the under
body should be washed regularly and special
attention should be given lo the wheel hous

53

ings. This ls particularly necessary when auto

matlc car washes are used as these do not
generally Include washing of the underbody.
Never wash the car In strong sunlight, and always wipe It dry with a clean chamois leather If
streaks on the paintwork are to be avoided.
Windows are best cleaned with a chamois
leather or soft linen cloth moistened i n water.

Engine Compartment Cleaning

Seat belts

The engine compartmen t should be cleaned

with an engin e detergent and then hosed with
hot water. Cover the distributor before washing
th o engine. If you use a high-pressure hoso,
avoid directing the jet straight onto the dlstrlbu
tor, alterna tor, starter motor, voltage regulator,
or brake master cylinder reservoir.

Clean the seat bells with mild soap and Iuka

warm water.

Care of Carpets
Polishing
The general rule Is that synthetic enamel should
not be polished until It rs absolutely necessary.
In any event, II should not be polished until it
has aged properly, which takes live or six
months. Never use a polish containing abrasive
subst ances on a new car. Only after some years
will this be necessary to remove oxide and other
deposits. The paintwork must be thoroughly
cleaned before being polished as otherwi se it
may be scratched.
A new car must not be w axed until th e
pal ntwork is at least five or six months old.

Maintenance of undercoating

54

In addition to Its rustproofing properties, undercoating has an Important soundproofing lune

lion. To preserve Its effectiveness It should be
regularly Inspected and touched up If neces
sary. This applies particularly to the lenders
and wheel housi ngs, which are constantly exposed to abrasion by flying gravel, etc. If the
composition has worn or flaked off, the steel
must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before a
lresh coat Is applied. Tho cleaning Is best done
with a scraper and a steel wire brush, followed
by wash ing with solvent. Apply the new coating
thinly, as otherwise It may run off or fall off when
dry.

Textile carpets should be cleaned with a bru sh

or sponge using carpe t shampoo and then
rinsed thoroughly with water. Stubborn grea se
or oil stains ca n be removed with a commercial
solven t formulated for this purpose.
Should the trunk carpet become soiled or
stained it may be more easily cleaned If re
moved from the car. The carpet is fastened to
two plywood panels that make up the forward
lioor section and the tool compartment cover.
To remove, lilt up the tool compartment cover,
disconnect the two rubber hinges from lhelr
bu lion like fasteners and remove the cover from
tho car. Grasp the forward floor section with
both hands and pull straight back to disengage
tho retaining clips. Lift floor out of trunk.

Care of Upholstery
The fabric upholstery may be effectively
cleaned with a cloth moistened In soap solu
lion. Use lukewarm water.
Grease and oil stains can be removed with a
commercial solvent formulated tor this purpose.
Wet stains such as oll or softdrlnks should be
dried up Immediately with an absorbing paper
or similar material. Then apply a stai n remover.
Plastic surfaces can be easily cleaned with
lukewarm water and a synthetic detergent. A
semlstlff brush may be used.

RUST PREVENTION
What causes rust?
Steel body panels of automobiles are subject to
rusting whenever air and moisture manage to
pene tra te the protective finish, and body panels
moy rust through If the process Is unchecked.
Rusting can occur wherever water Is trapped or
whore the car's panels are continuously damp.
Oamage to paint and undercoating by stones,
ornvol and minor accidents Immediately exPosos rnetal lo air and moisture.
Road salts used for de-icing will collect on the
bottom of the ca r and promote rusting.
Arons ol the country with high humidity have
oroot poten tial for rust problems, especially
whoro 1011 is used on roads or there is moist sea
alt
lnduatrlol pollutlon (fallout) may also damage
palrll ond promote rusting.

Preventive maintenance
The following procedures are necessary to help
protect against rusting. Refer also to the terms
and conditions of th o Corrosion Perforation
Warranly described In the warranty booklet.
1. Wasti tho car frequently, and wax at lea st
twice a year.
Under adverse conditions, where there Is a
rapid build-up of dirt, sand or road salt, wash
your car at least once a week. After extreme
exposure to salted snow or slush, evidenced
by a while film on the car, wash the car Immediately.

A. Begin washing by rinsing the entire car

with water to loosen and flush off heavy
concentrations of dirt (include the underbody).
B. Sponge the car with a solution of either a
good quallly car soap or mild general pur
pose (dish washing) detergent and water.
C. Rinse car thoroughly with clean water.
0. After washing , check and clear all drains
in doors and body panels.
E. Wipe the car dry, preferrably using a cha
mois.
2. Cleon tho underside of the car during the
winter.
Use high pressure water to clean the car's
underside (floor panels, wheel wells) at least
at midwlntor and In the Spring.
3. Inspect tho car lroquontly for leaks or dam
age, and arrange for needed repairs
promptly.
After washing or alter heavy rain , check for
leaks. When washing the car Inspect body
surfaces for paint damage.
While checki ng for leaks, llft the floor mats
and check beneath them. Water can collect
In these areas and rem ain for prolonged perI
ods. Ory any wet areas including the floor
mats. Have leaks repai red as soon as possible.
Use touch-up paint to repair small scratches
or minor finish damage. Areas where metal Is
exposed will rust quickly and MUST be repaired Immediately by touch-up or professional repainting. Rust must be removed, the
bare metal primed and painted. Major body
damage should be repaired Immediately and
new panels or exposed areas should be undercoated with anti-corrosion material.
Repai rs of this type a.re the owner's responsibility and are not covered under warranty.

OWNER ASSISTANCE
Flat towing
The 900 Is equipped with towing lugs at the
lront and rear. Flat towing over long distances is
not recommended. Check applicable state and
local laws to determine If flat towing is permit
ted
Proceed care fu lly and never exceed the speed
limll applicable to vehicles In low. Try to keep
the tow-line taut 10 prevent sudden jerking. Re
member lhot power-assisted braking does not
function whon 1he engine Is switched off. Con
sequontly, cons iderably greater force than
usual wlll hove to be applied to the brake pedal.
If a car with automatic transmission has to be
towed, lho l ollowlng rules must be observed:
1. Tho soloc tor must be at N.
2. Tho tr ansmission ca so must be filled with oil
to tho correct level.
3. Tho maximum sale towing speed for cars
with ou tomalic transmission Is 25 mph (40
kml h)
4. Tho maximum recommended towing dis
tan co la 2530 miles (50 km). If tho car has to
bo towed 11ny greater distance, the front
wheels mull bo llltod off tho ground.
5. An onglno with outomolfc tronsmlsson cannot bo llllltod by towing or pushing

Towing by Commercial Tow Truck.

Oue to potontlol damage to the vehicle's transmission (manual and au tomatic), we recom
mend that this vehicle not be towed from th e
roar with the front wheels on the ground. If abso
lutely mandatory to tow the vehicle from the
rear use a wheel dolly under the fron t wheels.
Attach J-hooks to lho rear axle. clear of the
brake lines. Position the tow bar under lhe trunk
floor. Attach safety chains to rear axle.

Proceed as follows to tow the vehicle lrom the

front with a tow truck. Attach J-hooks to the
lower control arms behind ball Joints. piecing
4 x 4 x 6' board crossways on th e pan of the
vehicle using spacer blocks to protect tho lower
body panel. Attach safety chains to the lower
control arm.

WARNING! Never attach Jhooks or tow

chains between the branches of the
lower control arms or damage wlll result.
Attach al outboard ends only, nearest
ball Joint.

Service lnfonnation
Service Manuals for Saab vehicles can be or
dered lhrough the dealer. The complete 900
Manual Is comprised of ten paperbound sec
lions i n two ringtype binders. Sec lions may be
ordered i ndividually.
A list of authorized sales and se rvice dealers Is
available from your local Saab dealer for those
planning to travel In the United States and
Canada.

Service problem assistance

The Warranties/Service Record bookl et which
accompanies th is manual contains the new car
and emission control system warrant ies and
owner assistance Information.
There Is a Saab Consumer Relations Coordlna
tor al each of SaabScania of America, lnc:s
three regional offices in th e continental U.S.
(Alaska Is served by the Western Region. Puerto
Rico Is handled by an Independent imporler.)

Eastern Region:
P.O. Box 697
Orange. CT 06477
(203) 7955671

Central Region:
10415 United Parkway
Schlller Park, IL 60176
(312) 671-4920

Western Region:
1225 East Artesia Blvd.
P.O. Box 6202
Carson, CA 90746
(2 13) 5373901

56

NOTES

'

-.J.

Y. ..,' '

57

NOTES

58

NOTES

IV. IN DEX
Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 38
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 29, 37
Air Conditioning . . .......... ... 14
Battery . ..... .............. . . . 30
Belt Tension, Alternator . . . . . . . . . 30
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 37
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 37
Break-In ... . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . ... 17
Bulbs, changing .. . ... . ...... 31, 39
Carpets, cleaning ...... .. . ... . . 54
Clock . . .............. ....... . 10
Continuous Injection System . . . .. 25
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Crankcase Emission Control
System . . ... .. . . . . . .. . . ... . . 24
Dipstick, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Drain Cocks, Coolant ... .. .. . ... 22
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . 24
Emissions Systems Maintenance
Program ... .. . ........ .. . . . . 45
Engine .......... ... . ....... 21 , 36
Engine 011 Capacity ............. 36
Evaporative Emission Control
System . ... . .... . .. ......... 25

FrontWheol Allgnmont . . . . . . . . 38
, , , . . . . . 22
Fuel Fiiter . . .
Fuel Recommondollon . . . . 19
Fuel System . . . . . . . 36
...... 32
Fuses . . . . . . . .
Gear Changing, Economy Shift
. 16, 17
Points . .
12
.
Gear Positions
. . . . . 53
Gear Inform ation
, , . . 33
Handbrake . . . .
Hazard Warning Switch . 11
Headlights AdJustrn ont . . . . 31
Heating and Vonlllotlon ... , . 14
. . . 3
Hood Lock .
40
Identification Numbora
Ignition Switch and Ooar
11
Level Lock . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Timing ............... 36
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Jacking Vehicle ......... . ... 35
Key . . . ...................... 2
Kick-down, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lambda Control System . . . . . . . . 26
Light Bulbs . .. .... . .. . .... .... 39
Luggage Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Manual Transmission ... . .. . . . .. 37
Oil Changing, Engine ...... 21, 36, 46
Oil Changing, Transmission ... 37, 49

Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Paintwork, Care of .............. 53
Power Steering ..... .. .. . ... . . . 33
Power Steering, Fluid . . . ....... . 38
Rear Seat . .. ... . ..... . .. . . ... . . 3
Regular Maintenance Program ... 48
Rust Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Relays ...... ... . . ... . . .. . ..... 32
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Seat Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . 44
Service Record Retention . . . . . . . . 44
Spark Plugs ....... ... . . . ..... . 38
Specifications . ... . ...... ... . .. 36
Starting and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tire Changing . .. . . . .......... . 34
Tire Pressure . . . . .. ... . ... .. .. 38
Towing by Tow Truck . .. . .. .. . ... 55
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Troubleshooting Engine . ... . . .. . 53
Upholstery, Care of ... . .. . . . . .. 54
Valve Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Wheels and Tires . . ... . .. ... . 34, 38
Windshield W ipers and
Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 30
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

59

AN INTRODUCTION TO SAABSCAN IA

Saab automobi les are designed and manufactured by the Saab Car Division of SaabScania
AB, one of Sweden's largest and most diversified companies. SaabScan ia's three other
operating divisions produce diesel trucks and buses, specialized aircraft and aerospace
products, and industrial fluid controls. Serving all of these divisions is Scandinavia's largest
research and development organization for advanced technology.
Saab-Scania's automotive origins date back to 1897 when the 'first Swedish factory-bui lt
passenger car was produced by the company which was later to become the current Scania
Division. In addition to its present mainstay, truck and bus production, the Scania Division
has, since 1972, been responsible for development and manufacture of the modern 2.0 liter
OHC four cylinder engine which powers the Saab 900 models. Scania's heavy duty vehicle
experience contributed to the introduction of the award winning turbocharged version in
1977.
Manufacture of cars under the Saab name commenced in 1949 with the introduction of the
Saab 92, the first in a succession of models renowned for their front wheel drive, innovative
engineering and performance character. The main production plant for the current Saab 900
line is in Trollhattan, Sweden (near Gothenburg) where design, development and testing
facilities are also located. For certain markets, Saabs are also assembled in Arl<>v, Sweden;
and Uusikaupunki, Finland. A modern, highly automated central spare parts warehouse
serving Saab distributors worldwide is located in Nykoping (near Stockholm).
Importation and distribution of Saab automobiles and spare parts in the United States are
handled exclusively by Saab-Scania of America, headquartered in Orange, Connecticut.

1
I

SAMlsc:ANIA
OF AMERICA, INC.
SAAB DRIVE
ORANGE, CONNECTICUT 06477

Saal>-Scanla of America Inc. reserves the right to make changes

at any time, without prior notice, to Information, specifications
and Illustrations contained herein.

EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS

The 1982 Saab has three distinct systems for
controlling emissions to the atmosphere. The
sections that follow briefly describe these sys
terns.

when some gases are dlvortod nhood of tho

throttle body. (On Turbo modol s 1111 ornnllcose
gases are diverted ahead of tho throttle body).
The oil separator In the vatvo cover also serves
as a fl ame arrestor.

I. The Crankcase Emission Control Sys tem

ti. The Evaporative Emission Control System
Ill. The Exhaust Emission Contro l System

Engine Families

1982 Saabs Imported 10 the United States are

divided into two engine families (normally as
pirated and turbocharged) that meet the emis
sion con trol standards Indicated below. The
engine family and appropriate tuneup specif!
cations are identified on a label affixed lo the
left front Inner fender.

s s

Both families meet U.S.A. Federal Standards

and California State Standards.
CSA 2.0V6FNT3- Saab 900, 900$
CSA 2.0V6FTIX- Saab 900 Turbo
Saab engines are equipped with the following
systems to ensure compliance with the applica
ble standards as described above:
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.

Continuous Injection System

Lambda Control System
Three-way Catalyst
Decel Oashpot (automatic transmission)
Oecol Fuel shut off (manual transmiss ion)
Exhaust Gas Recircu lation

S G 003

I. CRANKCASE EMISSION
CONTROL SYSTEM

24

A completely closed crankcase ventilation sys

tern Is used. Crankcase fumes are drawn
directly into the lnl el manifold under all operal
Ing conditions except full load and high blow-by

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Crankcase
Exhaust Manifold
Camshaft Cover
Oil trap and llame arrestor
Nipple with orifice

6. Hose
7. Inlet Manifol d
8. Air cleaner adapter
except turbo

Ill. EXHAUST EMISSION

CO NTRO L SYSTEMS

II. EVAPORATIVE EMISSION

CONTROL SYSTEM
A sealed ruel sys tem Is used to prevent the
emission i nto the atmosphere or vapors from
the stored gasoline supply. Evaporated fuel Is
vented from the rue! system to the charcoal
canister which Is connected to the throltle
housing. The evaporated fuel is purged from the
charcoal can ister and burned by the engine
when It Is running. The fuel tank is pressurized
to abou t 1.5 psi by a val ve In the ven tilation line.

A. Continuous Injection System

TllO C I System allows precise fuel metering
which results In low baseline emissions wh ile
rotainlng good drlveabilit y, perrormance and
economy The int ake air flow vol ume deter
mines the correct momen tary quantit y of fu el
metered to the lour Int ake port Injectors ror
rno,t efficient combuslon. The engine draws In
moro or loss air depending on its speed and lhe
lood applied.

ll

1. Fuel Tank
2. Fuel Tank Vent Li nes
3. Ventllatlon Line to Charcoal
Canister
4. Inlet Air
5. Ch arcoal Canis ter
6. Fu el Distri but or

7. Air Cleaner
8. Inlet Air and Gas
Vapors
9. Inlet Vapors
10. Check Valve
11. Pressure Valve
12. Rollover Valve

1. Fuel Tank
2. Fu el Pump
3. Fu ol Accumulator
4 . Fuel Fiiter
5. Fuel Distribu tor
6. Warm Up Regula tor
7. Air Flow Sensor Plat e

8.
9.
tO.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Cold Start Valve

Injection Valve
Thermo-Time Switch
Auxiliary Air Valve
Thro111e Plate
Pressure Relief Valve
Air Cleaner

25

B. Lambda Control System

Lambda Control System is a closed loop feed
back system adapted to the C.I. System to con
stantly maintain close air/fuel ratio control
under all operating conditions. At an air/fuel
ratio of 14.5 to one (Lambda = 1 al this
ratio), all three regulated pollutan ts (hydrocar
bons, carbon monoxides, oxides of nitrogen)
may be simultaneously cont rolled efllclently by
a special threeway catalyst. An oxygen sensor
In the exhaus t manifold monitors the oxygen
conten t of the exhaust and sends a propor
tional signal to an electronic control unit (under
the rear scat.) This signal is compared to a pre
de termined value and an ou tput signal Is sent to
a fuel pressure modulating valve to make the
necessary fine adjustment of the air/fuel ratio.
Until the sensor warms up alter the engine Is
started, the modulating valve will operate at a
constant predetermined value. This is also true
in the case of wide open throttle operation
or engine speeds above 3800 RPM (Turbo Only)
and In the event of sensor failure (the car will not
be disabled).
A maintenance reminder lamp, labeled "EXH",
on the instrument panel Il luminates every
30,000 miles to Indicate that the oxygen sensor
is scheduled for replacement. (Aller this seivice
Is performed your dealer will reset the lamp ac
tuating mechanism.)

5
C. ThreeWay Catalyst

26

The catalytic converter contains a special

platinum and rhodium coated dual segment
substrate which simultaneously frees oxygen
from oxides of nitrogen and oxidizes (burns)
hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide. Unleaded
fuel Is required to protect the conversion effl
clency of the catalyst.

5~109

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Electronic Control Unit

Wide Open Throttle Switch (Turbo only}
Oxygen Sensor
Ca taly1ic Converter
Modulating Valve.

D. Decal Dashpot (Automatic

Transmission Only)
The decal dashpot acts upon the tlHolllo
linkage 10 minimize Incomplete com bultlon
during engine deceleration.

E. Decal Fuel Shutoff (Manual

Transmission Only)

A solenoid operated air bypass volYI' roducos

air flow In the air flow sensor, lowering tho luel
distributor plunger Interrupting luol ltow during
decel eration. The solenoid Is con1rollocl by on
engine speed relay and a throllll contact
switch. During deceleration at onglno apeecls
above 1450 RPM the solenoid opone tho by pass
valve. When the speed drops bolow 1250 RPM
the system deactlvates allowlno normal opera
lion.

t'.l

?l o
c:::J

0
0

F. EGA System
Exhaust gas roclrculatlon (EGA) Is empl oyed to
reduce th e formation of oxides of ni trogen by
Introducing a small amount of Inert gas (ex
haust) to the Intake charge to lower tho poak
combustion temperature. Exhau st gases are
routed from the cylinder head through a valve
controlled by Intake and manlfold vacuum and
are introduced Into tho Intake manifold. A ther
mostatic valve delays system operation until
the engine Is warm.
The EGA system on Turbo models employs a
single port control slgnal whlle the normally
aspirated engines have a two port control
pickup at the throttle housing.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

EGA Valve
Vacuum Signal Thermostatic Valve
Exhaust Manifold
Inlet Manilold
EGA Pipe
Two Port Outlet (Single port, 900 Turbo)

27

TURBOCHARGING SYSTEM (900

TURBO)
The turbocharg er Is an exhaust driven compres
sor that increases the flow and pressure of the
alr entering the cylinders. This allows induction
and burning of a larger fuel charge thereby In
creasing power ou tput over that of a conven
tlonal engine.
Being driven by the flow of exhaust gases, the
speed of the tur,bocharger and, therefore, l he
chargi ng pressure, are proportional to the
speed and load of the engine. A charge pressure
regu lator (wastegale) controls the flow of ex
haust gases 10 the turbine once a preset pres
sure limit has been reached. The regulator
allows boost lo develop quickly at relatively low
engine speeds, but limiting the maximum pres
sure to a level wh ich preven t s the engine knock
when fuel as low as 87 minimum octane Is used.

Turbocharged engines are equipped with an

engine oil cooler that Is located at the lower left
of lhe radiator. The Impeller shaft bearing ac
tually floats on a thin film of engine oil clrcu
lated through the turbocharg er housing by the
engine oil pump. Main taining a clean oil supply
is lherefore Important to the service life of lhe
unit.

28

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Turbocharger
Exhaust Turbine
Compressor Wheel
Charge Pressure Regulator (wastegate)
Wastegate actuator
Overpressure safety switch
Throttle plate
Fuel Injection system
Exhaust manifold
Exhaust pipe

TRANSMISSION

Automatic Transmission

The transmission and dlfforentlal are located

beneath the engine and assembled to form an
Integral unit with lhe engine. Part of the trans
mission case serves as the engine oll sump. The
forward part of the transmission compr ises a
primary gear case which delivers power from
the rear of the engine crankshaft via cha ins.

The dipstick has different markings for hot and

cold oll levels.

For suitable grades of oil, refer to the Speclflca

tions Section.
.

Manual Transmission
The dipstick ls located on the right hand side of
the engine. The oll level should be between the
MAX and MIN marks on the dipstick. To add oil,
pour the oil Into the dipstick pipe. The clutch
fluid Is supplied from the brake fluid reservoir.

Check the oil level as follows:

Set the hand brake and run the engine for at
least 15 seconds at Idling spoed with the range
selection lever In the 0 position. Then at least
15 seconds In the A position and 15 seconds In
the P position, where upon the check Is per
formed wllh the seloctor lover stlll In the P posl
tlon (Engine running). Graduations are provided
for cold oil (104F, 1 .t0C) and hot oil (194F,
+ 90C). Noto tl'!ot 111very tow temperatures 1he
oll level can thorol oro lie conside rably under the
level for cold olt wt1lcl'I hos boon graded for oil at
a tomporoturo of tO<I " ( + 40C). The difference
botwoon th 11 mtnhnum Md maximum levels ls 1
pint (0 6 lltro1)

NOTE! Do not confuse the engine and

transmission drain plugs. A special
wrench Is required for the transmission
phrg.

29

B. Electrical System
BATIE RY
The battery is one of the mos t Important componen ts In the car and mus t, therefore, be care
fully maintained. The electrolyte should be level
with the lower edge of the filler pipes. Top up as
necessary using distilled water only.
In the case of cars that are equipped with a
maintenance-free ba ttery, the electrolyte level
does not need checking.

WARNING! The battery contain s dilu ted

sulphuric acid which Is hi ghly corrosive.
Should tho acid come Into contact with
your eyes, ski n or clothi ng, rinse Imm e
dlat el y with wa ter. Call a doct or If the
acid get s In your eyes. Batteries tha t are
bei ng charged or are fully ch arged give
off flammabl e hydrogen gas.

ALTERNATOR

B Connect one end of the second cable to

the negative ( - ) terminal of the charged
battery.
C. Connect the other end of the second cable
10 a solid, stationary metallic point on the
engine of the car with the discharged battery (such as lifting ring on cylind er head}.
0 . Star t engine of vehicle with discharged
ba ttery.
E. Remove booster cables by reversing th o
above procedure-Remove last noontlvo
( - ) connection first.
Do not reverse tho battery connocllo111.
It tho cable s are reversed, even momon
tarlly, tho alternator wlll b e damaged
Tho Insulated positive cable mu st be
connected to tho positive ( + )post ol th
battery and the ground cable to tho ntgo
live ( - ) post. The battery mu st not be
disc onnected from th e c ar's elec trical
system while the engi ne Is runni ng

The alternator ls loca ted at the top of the engine

near the firewall. II Is driven by a Vbell from a
pulley on the crankshaft. It ls Important that the
Vbell be properly tenstoned. If the belt Is too
stack, It can be tightened by loosening the
screws and pressing tho.alternator ou twards.
The belt should be tightened such that the cen
ter of the belt can be moved about one half Inch
(1015mm.)

WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Inspect and clean tho rubber blades ol the wind
shield at regul ar Intervals. Methyl Alcohol Is
recommended for clean Ing. If the blades show
signs of wear, they should be replaced. 400 mm.
(16 In.) blades are specified.

Changing the Windshield Wiper Blades

Lift lho wiper arm. Oopress tho plastic clip (1)
anci pull off lhe complete wlpor bt3de (2) (see
lllustrollon)

The battery charge should be checked at regular Intervals. This Is especially i mportant during
the w inter when the capacity drops due 10 low
temperatures.
Never connect tho battery cables to the wrong
terminals.

BOOSTER CABLE
CABLE CONNECTIONS

30

To st art a vehicle with a discharged battery using a booster battery or another vehicle connect
booster cables as follows:
A. Connec t one booster cable from the postlive( +)terminal of one batt ery to the posl
live (+)terminal ot the other battery.

1
J

Free the rubber from the retai ner (see lllustra

lion) by pressi ng together the two shiny metal
pieces and twisting the rubber. The rubber can
now be withdrawn through the other retainers.
To Ill the rubber. slide II through the tour retainers and then tighten II so that the retainer at
on e end engages the recess In the blade rubber.

Washers
The reservoi r holds 6.5 U.S. quarts. Fiii up with
washer fluid and water. Tho spray nozzles con
slst of rotatable balls; to adjust the direction of
the Jet. Insert a needle In tho hole of the nozzle.

H EADLIGHTS, BULB, FUSES

Headlights
The headlight s are mounted In cradles and are
provided with two adjustment screws which are
accessible without removal of the headllght
trim. The upper screw Is used for vertical adjust
ment and the side scre w for horizontal adjust
ment.
It is extremely Important that th e headlights be
correctly adjusted to achieve the best possible
lighting effect without any risk of blinding on
coming drivers.

All adjustm ents should be done by an autho

rized Saab dealer, according to specifications
and/or applicable state laws.

Instrument lllumlnatlon, Control

Illumi nation and Indicator Warning Lights
All the bulbs In the instrument assembly are
mounted In bayonet fittings and are accessible
from the back of the panel. The bulb for head
light switch Illumination Is located with in the
switch.
Changing Other Light Bulbs
Loosen the ret aini ng screws and remove tho
glass. Change the bulb and check that th e new
one is securely In place and makes good con
tact. Wipe off the lamp assembly and replace
the glass making sure that It fits tightly.
Fu ses
The fuses are located in a fu se box w ith a transparent cover (retained by two thumb screws),
located on the left In the engine compa rtment.
Spare fuse holders are provided between the
rows of fuses.

31

When a fuse has blown, the strip of metal run

ning along lhe length of the fuse will have been
burned through. When changing fu ses, make
sure that the new fuse has the same rating as
the old one (see table). Fuses of the same rating
have a common color. The rating Is also ma1ked
on the fuse. Insert the fuse wllh the metal stri p
up.
If the same fuse blows repeatedly, take the car
to an au thorized Saab dealer and have the
wiring and other electrlcal equipment checked.
No. Function
1 High beam, AH
2 High beam, LH
3 Low beam, RH
4 Low beam, LH
5 Radiator fan
6 Electric rear wi ndow defroster
7 Interior lighting
8 Fuel pump
9 Hazard warning flasher
10 Brake lights
11
Fan, air conditioning
12 Parki ng and tall light, AH
13 Parking and tall light, LH
14 Horn (and power windows)
15 Elec. side view mirrors
16 Electric healing, seat
17 Fan, heating and ventilation
18 Air conditloning
19 Warning lights
20 Direction indicators
21 Windshield wipers
22 Cornering lights

Rating,
Amperes

8
8
8
8

25
16
5

Position
Name
Blank
A
BC
Acee!. Enrichment
Time relay
Acee!. Enrichment
0
Pulse Relay
Oecel System
E
Relay (Manuals)
F
Hot Start Pulse
Relay
G
Cold/Hot St art
Ground Relay
H
Engine Speed
Relay (Turbo)

The folfowlng relays may be round in the rear

panel which also contains electrical system
fuses:
Posi tion

Name

Part Number

AB

Headlfght Relay
Rear Window Def.
Relay
Air condi tioning
Re lay
Ignition Lock Relay
Fuel Pump/RPM
Llmller Rel ay
(Turbo)
Fuel Pump Relay
(except turbo)
Blank
Cooling Fan (AC)
Relay
Horn Relay

8562100
8522310

Part Number

8575151

8574618

E
FG

8574899
8568271

8533176

8578346

J
K

16
8
8
8
5
5

16
8

16
25
16
8
8
8

16

WIRING DIAGRAMS
32

Rel ays
There are two relay panels locatod on l he Inner
left front fender. Depending on equlp111ont varia
lions they may contain up to 16 relays.
The front panel houses the followlnQ relays:

Wiring diagrams are given In the Saab 900 Service Manual, Section 3.

I A'

8572190
8572943
8579484
8539728
8522310
8522310

C. Steering and Brakes

BRAKES
The footbrake system Is powerassisted, wilh
the result that the force applied to the brake
pedal is amplified on braki ng. However, this ad
dltlonal power ls only avallabl o when th e engine
Is running. Much greater pressure on the brake
pedal will be needed to brake the car when the
engine is switched off, for example, when the
car is being towed.
There are two warning lights on lhe Instrument
panel, one for lhe handbrake and one for the
footbrake. The handbrake warni ng light wlll
glow when the brake is set. The footbrake warn
Ing light will glow when the fluid level In lhe
brake fluid reservoir has dropped below the MIN
mark. This may be an Indication th at there Is o
leakage In lhe system. Since the brakes ODOrt to
on a dualclrcult system, each circuit oporotlng
on diagonally opposed wheels , only ono circuit
will be affected at a given limo, and tho car con
be driven carefully with a roduced btoking olloct
to an authorized Saab dealer.

Consequently It Is very Important to check the

thickness of the brake llnlngs regularly as spec
Iliad In the maintenance schedule.

NOTE! Brake p1dt 1hould always bo

changed by an authorl&ed Sub work
shop. A specl1I tool la required to turn
back th e parking brake automatic ad
Juster before new l1on1 b1oke pa ds can
be Installed. fll only orlglnal Saab brake
p1d1 Semi 1111111110 p1d1 may be In
1t1ll1d In th outboard lront positions
only

Over a period or time In use, the brake fluid will

deteriorate, since it gradually absorbs water
and oxidizes. II is therefore important that the
fluid be changed as specified In the main
tenance schedule. This work should be carried
out by an authorized Saab dealer.

STEERING
All Saab 900's have rack and pinion type
steering with power assist.
Check the fluid level in the servo reservoi r reg u
larly. with the engine off. The dipstick in tho
reservoir cap is graduated separately for cold
and warm lluld. 11 the car has reached Its normal
running temperature, lhe fluid level shoul d be
between tho marks lor warm (A) and cold (B). II
the fluid level is checked when the car ls cold,
the level should be between the cold fluid (B)
mark and the tip of the dipstick (C). Top up with
fluid labled "GM Power steering fluid". DO NOT
USE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID.

Chocking tho Brake Fluld

ThO broko fluld reservoir (container) Is transpar
ont to facllltato chocking or tho flu Id level. The
level should be bolwoon tho MAX and MIN
marks. Use only recommended brake fluid.

NOTE! If tho brake pedal continues to

move down under constant pressure or
the car pull s to one side during braking
or an abnormally loud or metalllc nolH
Is heard during braking see an autho
rind Sub dealer Immediately to have
the braking ayftem Inspected.

Both the footbrake and the handbrake are sell

adjusting. II Is therefore Impossibl e to tell by
the length of the pedal stroke whether the brake
llnlngs are worn out and need to be replaced .

33

D. Wheels and Tires.

A car's tires and wheels are components vital to
motoring safety. The tubeless radial tires and
wheels supplied with the Saab 900 have been
specially selected lor the different models and
are major I actors contributing to Its exceptional
roadholdlng and stability. Consult your Saab
dealer before filling nonslandard wheels or
tires. See lire and wheel applications chart,
Speclflcatons Section.

Tire Pressures
Check lire pressures regularly.
Adjust tire pressures to suit the load and speed
normal lor the car. See lire pressure table, Specifications Section. The recommended pres
sures are for tires when cold. Never reduce the
pressure when the tire ls warm. If lire pressures
are checked when the ti res are warm lhen the
pressure should only be Increased. Incorrect
tires. See tire and wheel appl!cations chart ,
Specifications Section.

NOTE! Do not forget to adjust the tire

pressures If the load or speed Is radically
altered. Add 1.5 psi to ligh t load value If
the car has air conditioning.

Wear Indicators

34

The tires are filled with wear Indicators-a

transverse strip (approx. 12mm, 0.5 in., wide)
without a pattern appears when 1.6 mm (0.06 In.)
or the tread remains. When this strip ls visible
lhe lire should be replaced.

Winter tires

WHEEL CHANGING

The 185165 SR15 standard steel-belted 1udl11I ply

tires, If they have at least half th eir orlglnol
tread depth, are also suitable for winter uso In
moderate climat es where snow and Ice aro not
too severe. The 900 Turbo 3-door model Is
equipped with wide profile tires which havo
been developed to give the grealest possible
roadhold lng and stability under both wet and
dry driving conditions with lhe result that the
tread compounds and designs are not suitable
for use on Ice and snow. We therefore recom
mend winter tires or " all w eather'' tires for this
model when driving on snow or Ice. (See Winter
Driving, Starting and Drivin g Section.)

The tool kit, jack and a compact type spare

wheel are stored under a cover In Iha floorof lhe
rear part of l he luggage compartment.

Tire Rotation
The lront-wheol drive causes the fron t ti res to
wear more than th e rear ti res. ti It Is desired to
have the ti res wear evenly, they should bo
exchanged tront to rear alt er a cert ain period of
driving so that the least worn lires are at l he
front. By switching th e tires In this man nor, tho
service Ille of all lour tires will rem ain approxl
mately equal. Make sure that th e tires are al
ways rotated In the same di rection- the lelt
front wheel should l hus change place with tho
left rear wheel. Do not change rad ial ti res side
to side.

To Jack up the car, Install the Jack In one of th e

Jacking points (front or rear) located underneath
th e sill beams (sec Illustrat ion).
If a garage jack Is used, the lifting heads must
be located under the reinforced parts of tho
underbody.

WARNING! Never crawl under the car

when It is jacked 'up.

1. Apply the handbra ke. Slide th e jack Into th o

attachment points and crank It down until It
touches the ground.

2. To remove the hub cap, Insert a sorewdrlver

behind the cap and lever It off
3. Back off the wheel nuts hell a turn. Check
that the jack has located properly against
the flange on theslll beam and th at the whole
of the base is firmly In contact with the
ground.
4. Jack up the car untll thO wheel Is clear of the
ground, then remove tho wheel nu ts and the
wheel.
5. Mount the wh ool .1nd llOhlen the wheel nuts
loosely. Choe!! lhnt lho wheel and nuts are
correctl y poslllonocl
6 Lower tho cnr TlllhtM tho wheel nuts In the
ordor sh ow n In the- Illustra tion below.
Tlghlen to (J' 00 II tbs Nover use an Impact
wrench for llnlt llQhlonlng of wheel nuts.
11rv11 lhP 1orque limit to avoid
Corelul f
wtioal ,j~1n11uo

NOTEI The origina l equipm ent road

wheels are desi gned to be mounte d us
Ing nuls wllh a conical seating surface .
These nuts are suitable for mountin g the
compac t spare. Certain access ory
whee ls available from Saab dealers re
quire special shouldered nuts which do
not tit the spare wheel. Purchase lour
conical nuts for the spare II the car Is to
be so equipped.

35

E. Specifications

Valve Otcaranco. Cold Engin e:

Intake, all . . . . . . . . ...... ..... (0.150.30mm) ... 0.006" 0.012"
Exhaust. Standard .... ..... .. .. .. (0.350.55mm) . 0.0 14" 0.020"
Exhaust. Turbo ...... . ......... . (0.400.50mm) .. . 0.01 6'-0.020"

GENERAL
Overall lenglh Incl bumpers . ....... . .... (4764mm)
Overall width ....... ... ... . .. . .. .. ... . . (1 690mm)
Overall height (empt y) ... . . .. .. . ...... . . . (1420m m)
Road clearance'(at curb weight) .. . ..... . .. (150mm)
Track, front wheels .. . . .. ..... ..... . .... (1430mm)
Track, rear wheels .... . . . . .. . . ..... . ..... (1440mm)
Wheelbase . .. ..... . . . . . . .. . .... . . .. .. (2517mm)
Turning radius . ..... ... . . .. ... . . ... . .... .. . (5.6m)

.. .... .. 187.6"
. . . . .... . . 66.5'
.. .. ... . . 55.9~
. .... ... .. 6 "
. ... . .. . . 56.3"
.. . .. . ... 56.7 "
... .. . ... 99. t .
... .. . ... 220.5"

WEIGHT
Curb weight . . .... ... ..... . . ..... . . ..... .. ........... 25842859 lb.
Gross vehicle we ight rati ng ..... . ... . .. ......... . 3600-381 0 lb.
Weigh t distribution,
at curb weight ..... .. . .... ....... . . .. . . ... ....... , . 5962 % front
at gross vehicle weight rating .... .. . ..... . . . . .. . 4951 % fron t
Trunk volume (SAE) Hatchback . .... . ..... .. . . . .. ........ . 14.9 cu. ft.
Hatchback, parcel shelf removed .... ... .. . . . ......... ... 19.1 cu. ft.
Sedan ... . . ... . . .. .. ....... . .. . ... .. .. . ..... ....... . 14.2 cu. ft.
Vehic le capacity weight, five
persons and 180 lb. luggage ... . .. . . .. .. . (422 kg) . .. ...... 930 lb
Max roof rack load .. .. ....... .. ... ....... (100 kg) .... . . . .. 220 lb
Max trailer weight
with trailer brakes ....... . . ... .. .. .. .. .. (900 kg) .. ...... 2,000 lb
without trailer brakes . ..... ..... .. .. . ... (450 kg) ... . . .. . 1,000 lb
Max trailer tongue weight .... ... . . .. . . . . . (90 kg) .. ....... 198 lb
weight variation depends on model. configuration and options.

Igni tion Advan ce Setting . . . 20 BTOC

Spark Plug gap .... .. .. ...... . .. . ...

ra 2000 RPM (vac. hose plugged)

Engine Idling Speed i n Neutral (A.C. off)

... . ... . . . . ... 875 :t 50 RPM

Aspiration ......... . .. .. .. ...... .

Engine Family Number . ... . .. .... .
Power Rating , SAE Net HP @ RPM,.
Max. Torque at 3500 RPM . . . .... .. .
Compression Ratio . ... .. .... .... .
Dashpot Adjustment (Au tomatic} ..
Oecel Fuel Shutoff (Manual) . . .... .

. . ... ... .. . ... 0.0240.028 "

Normally
Turbocharged
Aspirated
CSA2.0V6FTTX CSA2.0V6FNT3
135
4800
110 @ 5250
160 fl. lbs.
119 fl. lbs.
7.2: 1
9.25:1
2200:t 100 RPM 2500 :t 100 RPM
Ac tivates above 1450 RPM , Th roll le
Closed; deac t ivates below 1250
RPM
4.5 U.S. qts.
4 U.S. qts.

Oil Capacity lnclu dlng Flltor .

Recommended Fuel
(16.6 U.S. gal capacity) . . . . . . . . . Unl eaded 87
(91 RON min.)
Wastegal e Selling . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 0.0 5 bar

Unleaded 87
(91 RON min.)
NIA

Adjust plung er lo con tact thro tl le lever with engine operating at above
specification.
(Disconnect EGR on Tu rboctiargod engines.)
3000 RPM, engine under full load

01 L VISCOSITY
Hot weath er . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. .. . .. SAE 10W40, API Service SE or SF
Normal .. (Alternat e: SAE 10W30) ... . SAE 10W40, API Service SE or SF
Cold Weather be low 0 F ... .......... SAE 5W20, API Service SE or SF

ENGINE

36

Type .. . ..... . 4 cyl. 4 stroke In line OHC with continuous fuel Injection
Cylinder Bore . . . . ....... . . . .. .. . .. ....... . .. ....... . . .. . ... 3.543 '
Stroke .. . . .. . . . . . .. ....... ...... . . ..... . . .. ....... . .... . . 3.071 "
Displacement ... ... . . .... .. . . ..... . ........ . .. ... ....... 121 cu . in.
Order of Firing (Cylinder 1 nearest firewall) .. . . ...... .. ..... . . 1-342

FUEL SYSTEM
Type ....... . . . ...... . .... . . ....... ... ... Bosch K-Jetronic (CIS)
Fuel Pump ... ..... . . . .. ...... ........... .. .... Electric, in fuel lank
Fuel Tank: Capaci ty . .. . .. ..... . .. .. ..... .. ....... .. 16.6 U.S. gallons
Material .. . . ....... . .. .. HOPE (High densi ty polyethylene)

AUTOMATIC TRANS MISSIO N

COOLIN G S't'STEM
NOTE! Tho Radiator air flow must not be blocked oft.
(10 liters)
Coolant volume incl. heating system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
10.5 U.S. qts., 8.8 l mporlal qts.
t90F
Thermostat opens at ........ . ....... ...... (88 C) . . .
Antllreezo .......Ethylene glycol. wllh aluminum corrosion protection
properties, 5070 0/o mixed wtlh water
Dayco
Gatos
Sa ab
DRIVE BELTS
15390
WaterpumpAlternator ....... 83 84 927 ....... . 8210
15495
Power Steeri ng ......... ..... 93 39 409 ....... 8216
Air Condllfon lng ..... ..... .. 93 44 623 ... ..... 8256 ...... I 7470

MANUA L TRANS MISSIO N

Type .. ........ ......... ........ ... 5 speed. all synchromosh wllh

final drive and dllloronlfn l
liters) . . . 3 U S qt
(2.5
011 capaci ty ... . ...... . ........ ......

Type . ..... .... ......... .... . ...... .. 3speed wilh torque converter,
final drive and differentia l
1
Selector positions .. . . ......... .. .... .. ... ....... ... ... PRND2
011 volume, automatic transmiss ion . . ... . 8.5 U.S. qts, 7.2 Imperial qts.
(8.0 liters)
Grade of oil for automatic transmiss ion fluid ...... . Type "F"' (M2C33F)
(1.25 liters) 1.3 U.S. qts., 1.1 l mperlal Ot s.
011 Volume, final drive
.. .. EP oil SAE 80 In accordance with
.......
drive
final
lor
oll
of
Grade
APlGL5, or GL4
Primary gear rat io: Normally aspirated . . .. .... ..... ... ..... .. 0.97:1
Turbocharged ......... .. . ........ .. 0.878:1
Gear ralfos (transmission):
1st gear .. . . ..... .. ...... .. ..... . ... . . ....... ..... .. 2.39:1
2nd gear ........ .. . ..... .... .... .... .. ..... ...... .. ...... . 1.45:1
1: 1
3rd gear .... ... ...... .. ..... ... .... . .. .. ....... ... ... ..
1
Reverse gear ... . .. . ..... .... .. . ......... . .. ... . .. .... .. 2.09:
Final Drive ratio ..... ..... ....... ......... . .. ..... .. .... .. . 3.89:1

011 Specifica tions ......... .. ..... ....... ... ... .. .... SAE IOW30

(Servfco SE ace 10 API)

Hydraulic clutch ......... ... . .. . ...... . ...... .. ... Slngfo dry pl.re
with sprlngl ood od hub
5Spoed
Goar ratios total (Includes primary and final ratios):
13.07 I
1sl gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 89 I
2nd gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5 3-0 I
3rd gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 82 1
4th gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 08 1
5th gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15.34 I
Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recommended Shift Points For Economi cal Driving
High Aflftudo
Driving
S Speed
S Speed
(All)
Turbo
900, 900S
Gear Change
1sl to 2nd
2nd to 3rd
3rd to 4th
4th to 5th

Speed
12mph
22mph
30mph
40mph

Speed
15mph
2Smph
40mph
45mph

Spood
18mph
28 mph
43 mph
48 mph

BRAKE SYSTEM

......... ........ ......... . ....... .. Girling & A.T.E.

Muko
. . . . . . . . . . . Hydroullc disc brpkes with power

ko
1
f ootbr1
assist, two circuit system serving
diagonall y opposed pairs of wheels.
ld
Brake and clutch flu ld ......... . ......... ...... . .. DOT 4 Brake flu
Disc dl amotor:
. ......... ....... .. ...... .... (280mm) ......... 11.02
Front. .
Roar . . . . . ........ .. .. ... . . . .. ...... (269.5mm) ...... . .. 10.63"
Swept areas:
In.'
Front wheels ......... . . ...... .. .... .... (1432cm') . . ...... 222
In.
Rear wheels . . ... . ... ... .... ... .. ..... . (1095cm'} .. .... .. 170
in.'
392
.....
..
(2527cm')
.....
...
...
Total .. ..... .... ... .........
Handbrake ......... ........ . .... ..Mechanic al, acting on front discs
Brake pads ...... . .. . . . ..... ..... .... . . Use original equipment type;
semi-me tallics pads are only to be
fitted at the o~ter front positions.

37

SUSPENSION

TIRE PRESSURE (cold t ires)

Suspension element s, front and rear .. .... .. .... ..... . . . Coll springs

Recomm ended Pressure

light Load
Max. Load
Tiro Size
Ft./Rea r
Ft./Rear
185165 SR 15 .......... .. ....... ...... 27/29 .... . . .... 30/32
196/60 HR 15 .......... ... . .. . ..... .. 27/29 .. .. . ..... 30132
ComPllcl Spero (All) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
60 PSI

Total spring compression/elongation:

Front . . .... ........... . .. . ........ .. .. . . (180mm) ........... 7.1
Rear . . .. ... .. ....... ... . .. ....... .. .. . . (170mm)

.. .... .... . 6.7 "

Shock absorbers:
Type . . .. .. . .. . ........ . .. .... . . . .... .. . . .. Hydraulic, telescopic
(900S, Turbo-Gas pressure)
Maximum working stroke, fitted to car:
Front .... ... . . ........ ..... .. . ....... .... (96mm)
Rear . . .. . . . .. ... ... . . ..... ....... . . . . .. (158mrn)

..... ..... . 3.8"

. .......... 6.2

Chock llro pressure with cold tires.

Front Whool Alignment:

Steering:
Steering gear . ..... .. ..... . . . . .. . ......... ........ Rack and pinion

Tool n (m.,11surod 01 rims) . . ... . . ...... (2 1mm) ... 0.08 0.04 in.

Wheel turns, lock to tock:

Power steering ....... . ..... . ... . . .... ... .. ........ . .. .... . . . . 3.65

Castor

Cambor

............. ... ....... . .... ....... ... V>ov,o

, .. , .. .......... . ... ... .. .. . .. ... . .... 20 y2 o

Oil specilication, Power Steering . . . .. ... .. . . GM Power steering flu id

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vottooo
........... .. ..... 12v
Battery C{lp.1c11y
... .. 60AH
.............. . ...... 1.1 HP
Star tor cnp11clly
Altorna1or, mn. ehrlrolng eurronl/vollago ....... . .... 72 Amps/14V

WHEELS AND TIRES

Wheel sizes:
Saab 900: .... ...... .. ....... .... . . ....... ... . . 5 'h J x 15 CH (steel)
Saab 900$ and Turbo: .......... . .. .. .. 5 V2 J x 15 H2 (aluminum alloy)
Spare wheel (All): . .. ...... .. .. .... .. .... ...... ....... . 4J H 1x15"

38

Spark Plugs:
Typo . . .... ' .............. ......... NGK-BP 6ES; Champion N8Y;
Bosch W175 T30;
Thread .............. ... ....... ...... ... ...... ...... ... ..... M14
Tl'tread Leng th ....... . .. . ... . . ......... ... (8mm)

..... . ..... 0.7

Tire dimensions:

Electrode gap . .. . .... ...... . .... . (0.6mm0.7mm) .. . 0.024 "0.028"

ALL 900 (except Turbo 3-Dr.) . . .. . ... .... ... .. ... .. . ... 185/65 SR 15
900 Turbo 3Dr... . .... ........ . .. .... .... . ... .. ....... 195/60 HR 15
Compact Spare . . ...... ..... . .... . ... .. .... .. . . ... . T 115i70 01 5

Fu ses and relays .... ... .. .... .... . ... . See Technical Information
Section, Electrical System.

Light Bulbs:

Po wer

SAE
Trade No. Quantity

Headlights high/low beam

Optional halogen headlights
Front dlrectton
lndlcatorslsldemarker
Rear direction Indicators
Cornering lamps/parking lights
Rear lights
Brake lights
Backup lights
Side back-up lights
License plate light

65/55W
65155W

6052
H-6052

21/5W
21/5W
21/5W
5W
21W
21W
21W
5W

1157
1157
1157
67
1156
1156
1156

Interior fighting:
Dome
Rear-view mirror
Glove compartment
Luggage compartment

2
2

2
2
2

Other lighting:
Instruments
Ignition switch
Heating and ventilation con1rol
Cigarette ligh ter
Ash tray

3W
2W
1.2W
1.2W
1.2W

161
53

2
1
1
1
1

Car tridge bulb

Glass fitt ing

2
2

10W
5W
5W
10W

Switch llghtlng:
Light switch
1 2W
Hazard warning llashers
1 2W
Electrically heated rear window 1.2W
Control lights:
Charging
2W
011 pressure
1.2w
Brakes
1.2w
Direction Indicators
1.2W
Electrically heated rear window 1.2W
High beam
1.2w
Handbrake
1.2w
Seat belts
1.2w
Fuel tank
1.2W

I
I
1

2
I
1
1
1
1

TOOL KIT
Jack with crank handle
Tool kit comprising:
Combination pilers
Phillps screwdriver
Screwdriver
Sockel wrench for wheel nuls
Socket wrench for spark pl ugs
Socket screw key for removing and installing front passenger seal .

39

F. Identification Numbers
Please quote the vehlc lo ldonllflcallon numbers (V.l.N.) In
all correspondence concerning your vehicle

TRIM COLOUR

DOI .
Trim Code

Transmission Number,
Automatic Transmission

..
40

.._

...,

"'il W

Veh icle Identification

Number (V.1.N.)

V.l.N. Punched In
Car Body

G. Consumer Information
l lollowfng information Is provided In accordance with the requirements of tho Code of Federal Regulations, Part 575 - Consumer Information as it pertains
Iv .-aab automobiles. Procedures established by the National Highway Tralflc Saloly Administrati on arc used in conducting lhe tests and th e Information may
be used for comparison with other makes.

Vehicle _Stopping Distance

This figure indicates braking performance that can bo mot or exceeded by the vehicles to which it applied under
different conditions of loading and with partial falluros of tho braking system. The information presented represents
results obtainable by skilled drivers under controlled road and vehicle conditions, and the information may not be
correct under other conditions.

This table applies to all 1982 Saab 900 models.

Light Lood

A. Fully Operational
Service Brake

170

Maximum Load

190

B. Emergency Service Brakes

(with Partial Service)
Brake System Failure

c.

380

Brake Power Unit Failure

270

Maximum Load

'
0

'
'
400
300
200
Stopping Distance in Feet from 60 mph

'
100

500
41

Tire Reserve Load

Refer to the Tire Information Label on the lef t side vehi cle doorpost to determine the tire size th at your vt.h1cle is equipped with .

This table lists the tire size designations recommended by Saab for use on the vehicles to which it applies, with the
recommended inflation pressure tor maximum loading and the tire reserve load for each of the tires listed. The tire reserve
load indicated is met by each vehicle to which this table applies.

This table applies to all 1982 Saab 900 models

WARNING: Failure 10 mai ntain the recom
mended lire inflat ion pressure or to Increase
tile pressure as recommended when ope ratIng at maxi mum loaded vehicle weight, or
loading the vehicle beyond the capacities
speci fied on the tire Information placard al
fixed to th e vehicle, may result In unsafe
operati ng condllions due to premat ure tire
failure. unfavorable handling characteris
tics, and excessive tire wear. The t ire reserve
load percentage is a measure of tire capac
lly, not of vehicle capacity. Loadin g beyond
the specified veh icle capacity may result In
f ailure of other vehicle components.

42

FRONT

REAR

TIRE
RESERVE
LOAD
PERCENTAGE'

195/60 HR 15

30

32

18.4% (3Dr.)

185/65 SR 15

30

32

RECOMMENDED
TIRE SIZE
DESIGNATIONS

RECOMMENDED COLD INFLATION PRESSURE

FOR MAXIMUM LOADED VEHICLE WEIGHT

19.3o/o (3Dr.)
17. 1o/o (4Dr.)

The difference, expressed as a percentage of tire load rating, between (a) the
load rating of a tire at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended inflation pres
sure at maximum loaded vehicle weight and (b) the load imposed upon the tire by
the vehicle at that condition.

Tire Quality Grading

Radial t ires manufactured after Oct. 1, 1980 must be graded and labeled In accordance with new Federal regulations. Standard te sts are conduct ed to measure
performance In the areas or treadwear, traction and temperature resis tan ce. Aoler to lhc tire sidewall !or the specific quality grades of th e tires provided on your
new Saab. Compact spare tires are exempt.

DOT QUALITY GRA DES

TREADWEAR
TRACTION ABC
TEMPERATURE ABC
ALL PASSENGER CAn TIRES MUST CON FORM TO F EDERA L
SAFETY REQU IREM EN rs IN ADDITION TO TH ESE GRADES.
TREADWEAR
The treadwear grade is a comparative rating boso<I 0 11 lho wonr 11110 of tho lire when tested under controlled conditions on a speci fied
government test course. For example, a tire gradod ISO would woar ono and one half (1 Vz) times as well on the government course as
a tire graded 100. The relative performance o f tho , dopcnds upon tho actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to variations In ct11vlno hoblts, sorvlco practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

TRACTION

The traction grades, from highest to 1owos1 .iro A., B, C, and thoy roprosenl the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured
under con trolled conditions on specified oovornmcnl test surfaces o f asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction
performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned lo this tire Is based on braking (straightahead) traction tests and does not include
cornering (turning) trac tion.
TEMPERATURE
The temperature grades are A (the highest), 8 , and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to
dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can
cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C
corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades Band A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning:
The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinfla
tion, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

43

Ill. SERVICE AND

MAl ~T ENANCE

The 1982 Saab 900 Is covered by the following warrant ies

Limited 12 months/Unlimited Mileage Veh icle Wa rranty.
3 Year Corrosion Perforation Warranty.
Federal (or Californi a, as applicable) Vehlclo Emission Control Warranty.
Federal E~lsslon Performance Warranty.
Detailed warranty Information can be found In the Saab 900 Warranties/Service Record Booklet wh ich accompanies this Owner's Manual. The booklet, If lost or
misplaced, may be ordered through a Saab dealer or may be obtained by calling the neares t regional office of SaabScania of America, Inc. The September, 1981
edition of the booklet has Saab order No. 0291278.

A. Scheduled Maintenance
MAINTENAN CE SCHEDULE

44

The Maint enan ce Schedule prescribes a pro

gram of Instructions to the purchaser/operator
of a 1982 Saab for maintenance whi ch Is reasonable and necessary to ensure the proper fun ction, durability, and safety of the Saab
automobile In normal use. The Schedule Is
divided into two parts: Emission Sys tem Main
tenance and Vehicle Maintenance. The Emls
slon System Mai ntenance instructions specify
operations to ensure proper and safe function
of Saab emission control sys tems throughou t
the useful Ill e ol the automobile. Additional
main tenance Is specified for ce rtain components when opera ted under certain severe con
dllions. Maintenance, replacement, or rep air of
the emi ssion control devices and systems may
be per1ormed by any automotive repair estab
ll shment or Individual using any automotive
part which has beon certified according to U.S.
EPA regulat i on s governing voluntary aft er
market part self-cerlllleatlon. The Vehicle Main
tenance Instructions are specified to ensure
proper and sate functioning of the Saab auto
mobile and Its subsystems.

Noto to California Residents Oniy lho Emission System

Malntonanco scMd ulc ts divided Into two part s Requ11ed Maintenance and Recommended M ain tenance.
Tn1s ts dono 1n compllance with provisions sot for th by
the Colllornla Emtas1on ConlrOl Syatom Warronty Rogu
IAtlon1 Ind appllos to Cet1lornl purchHOra/oporotOts
only Ho..,,.,or, II ts auggostod that acco1dloo to tnet appll
cablo Ca1tlo1n1a rogu1011000 19<1u11'd m~lntonnnce II
that which must be P"rlormOd to IHI !lllQt>lo lor COOOO
uncio1 tho Calllornla Emission Control Syllnm W~111nty
In not porlormlog rocommondod rnJlnt on.mco" CalllC><
nlo Emission Control System Warrnoty 1lghta MO In no
way lnvolldatod. Rolor to tho wrll ton worranl y lor lurthor
lnlormatlon perta1nln(} t o sp~lllc purohmoor/oporot or
rights ond obllgatlo ~s.

NOTE! The Maintenance Schedul e In

eludes a break-i n service at 1,000 mlles.
This important service will be done by
your Saab dealer at no charge except for
flu ids and oil fllter (which are to be paid
for by the Saab owner). The car Is
equi pped with a special break-In oll fitter
which must be changed at the break in
service.

SERVICE RECORD RETENTION

Service coupons and record stubs are provided
In the Saab 900 Warranties/Service Record
booklet . When scheduled services are performed your dealer will tear out the applicable
coupon. chock off tho operations performed
and enter i t Into tho service Ille at the dealership. The servicing deal er's stamp, along with
date and mileage at which tho service was performed should bo entered on the coupon stub
which remains In your booklet. This is your permanen t record I hat recommended maint enance
has boon perl ormod. Au thorized Saab dealers
regularly receive up-toda te Service Manuals
and bulletlns lrom Saab -Scania of America, Inc.
and are able, through their franchise agreement
with Saab-Scanla ol America, Inc., to attend
Saab service schools and purchase special
tools and original equipment spare parts.
Supplied when you purchased your new Saab.

IMPORTANT! 11 ls advisable lo retain re

ceipts and, If possible, copies of shop
work orders for all service and repair
work, wherever performed.

EMISSION SYSTEMS MAINTENANCE PRu'GRAM

3

-~

g
t>

1l

"'
"

1,000
Ml.
Break In
Service

A. EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

Valve Clearance - Check; If necessary adjust l o

specifica ti on (cold engine). Wash and blow clean oil
separator in camshaft cover. ... . .... . .. ....

Engine Head Bolts and Manifolds- Torque 10

specilica tions (including Tu rbocharger allachmont
bolts-Turbo). - . - .

..

Fuel Fllter- Replaco

X-Every 15,000
m iles.

..

Spark Plugs - Replace and adjusl gap to

specllication.
Air Cleaner lnser1- Rop1oco

Where "miles" or "months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit i s reached first.
Every
Every
7,500 Mi.
15,000
Other
(5,000
Mi. or
Turbo)
12
Mos.
or 6 Mos.

X- Every 30,000
miles. (1 a.

..... . .

... ............ ... .

Evaporative Emission Controlled Fuel System Check luel llller cap, vont !Ines, canlsler, and
conneclions for wear, deterioration and/or damage
which could cause leakage. Tighten any loose
connectidn s and/or replace any leaking components.

X-Every 30.000
miles.(1b.
X-Every 30,000
miles. (1c.
X-At 60,000 miles
or 48 mos. and
every 12 mos.
I herea fter.

1. Under the following severe driving conditions. replace every 15.000 miles:
a. Spa rk Plugs-Extensive Idling, slop-and-go driving. towing, high speed driving, driving in cold c limates over repea ted snort trips wflhout suHicien l
engi ne warm-up.
b. A ir Cleaner-Dusty conditions.
c. Fuel Filler-Dusty conditions or II c logged (accompanied by an increase in fuel pump operating noise level).
3. These columns refer to provisions of l hc California Emission Contr ol System Warra nty and apply only to residents of Cali lornia.

45

-3

-~

"'

1.000
Mi.
Break In
Service

A. EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

(continued)
Charcoal Canister- Replace.

Whore "mih:is" or ~months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is ronchod llrst.
Evory
Every
71500 Ml,
15,000
(6.()()().
Mi. or
Other
Turbo)
12
or6 Mos.
Mos.

........... ........ ..

X- Every 60,000
miles.

Crankcase Ventilation -Check connections and

hoses. flgtiten or replace as necessary. .... .. ....

X- At 60,000 miles
or 48 mos. and
every 12 mos.
ihereafter.

Secondary Ignition Wires-Clean and Inspect for

cuts. burn s. or abrasions. Replace any damaged
wires. .. . . ............... .. .... . ......... . .

X-AI 30,000 miles.

or 24 mos. af\d every
12 mos. thereafter.

Check resistance of ignition wires and replace, it

necessary. ........... .. .. .......
. ... .... ....

X-At 60,000 miles.

Distributor Cap and Rotor- Replace. Check and

adjust Ignition timing to spec.
..... .. ... .

X- Every 60,000
miles.

Ignition System - Check spark control system . ....

X-Every 60,000 miles

Oxygen Sensor- Replace sensor (all) and check

operation of enrichment microswllch [Turbo only).
(Reset service reminder l11mp.) .... ... .. .. .. . .. .

X- Every 30.000 miles

..

.
.

......

Oil and Oil Filter Change-(NOTE: Standard

engine-7500 mi/6 mos.; Turbo -5,000 mi/6 mos.)

46

...

(2.

2. Under sevcro oporntlng condlllon s (dusty condrtlo ns. frequent trailer tow ing or mountain driving, ex tensive idling. s topandgo driving, driving In cold
c lfmn los over repeated short trips without sufficient eng ine warmup), change every 5.000 miles or 4 months (Turbos-3750 miles or 4 mon ths). whichever
comes flrst.
3. These columns retor 10 provisions ot the Call lornla Emission Control System Warranty and app ly only 10 residen ts of California.

3
,_,_
"i
~

.
.

1,000
Ml.
Brook In
Sorvlco

A. EMISSION SYSTEM MAINTENANCE

(continued)
Idle Speed-Check idle speed and adjust to
specification, if necessary. . . . .... . . .... .. ..... ..

X- At 60,000 miles
(and whenever the
vehicle is relocated
for a prolonged period
of operation at a
different altitude).

Decelerat ion System-Check operation: odJust to

specification, if necessary. . .. . ...

X-At 60,000 miles.

X- Every 60,000
miles.

EGR System - Clean and lnspoc1 EOR vatvo 11111 lnlut

pipe. Check th e EGR system operollon

.
.

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is reached first.
Every
Every
15,000
7,500 Mi.
Other
Ml. or
(5,000
12
Turbo)
Mos.
or 6 Mos.

Charging Pressuro- CMck, ndjur.t to ~p1c lllc ot l on , ii

necessary. Reseal with onllt11mpo11ng wire (Turbo
only) .. . . ..

...

Overpressure Safety Switch

(Turbo only) .... . . .. ..

..... .

..

Check operation.

...

.. . . . ..

X- Every 15,000
miles.
X- Every 15,000
miles.

3. These columns reler to provisions or l he Call lorn la Emi ssion Control Sy stem Wa rranty and apply only to residents or California.

47

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

1,000
Mi.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

Where " miles" or " months" arP shown, perfonn at whichever

limit is reache..; first.
Every
Every
7,500 Ml.
15,000
Other
(5,000
Mi. or
Turbo)
12
or6 Mos.
Mos.

ENGINE
VBelts-Check; if necessary adjust tension or
replace. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .

Cooling System-Check hoses and connections for

leaks. Tighten clamps or replace clamps or hoses if
necessary. Check coolant level and antifreeze
content.

. .

. ....

X-At 30,000 miles

or 24 mos. and
every 12 mos.
thereafter.

Engine Coolant-Flush system and replace with

approved mix. . ... . ..... .. .. . . ..... .. .. ... . . ...

X- At 30,000 miles
or 24 mos. and
every 15,000 miles
or 12 months
thereafter.

Fuel Injection System Safety Check-Inspect

components, electrical cables, fuel hoses, and all
connections for wear, damage, and/or deterioration.
Tighten any loose connections and/or replace any
damaged components. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exhaust System-Check for leakage and ensure that

all fasteners and hangers are secure. Correct as
necessary. . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. .. . . .

48

1,000
Ml.
Break In
Sorvlco

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whl'chever

llmlt Is reached first.
Every
Every
15,000
7,500 Mi.
Other
Ml. or
(5,000
12
Turbo)
Mos.
or 6 Mos.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Gearbox 011 Level - Check:add as necessary

Gearbox Oil-Change, cloan mognollc drnln plug
(Be careful not to confuso drnln PIUQ'I for 1111glnl' ond
gearbox.) . . . . . .. .. . . .

..

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Gearbox Oil Level -Chock; add os necessary.

.....

Adjust automallc transmi ssion gear selector contro l

cable and retlghten cover bolts under gearbox ....

x
x

Differential Oil Level-Check; add as necessary....

Differential Oil-Change ........................

x
4

1,000
Mi.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is reached fi rst.
Every
Every
7,500 Ml.
15,000
Ml.or
Other
(5,000
Turbo)
12
or 6 Mos.
Mos.

ELECTRJCAL SYSTEM
Battery- Check electrolyte level (batteries with 1111
caps). Tighten cable terminals and coat with
petroleum jelly. . .. . ....... .......... ..... .. .. ..

Functional Check - Headlights, stopligh ts, dlrectlonal

lights, warning flashers, back-up lights, Indicator
lights, buzzers, horn, rear defogger, elec tric mirrors (If
equipped), power windows (If equipped), power door
locks (if equipped), windshield wipers, heater fan.
Correct as necessary. . . . . .
. .
.

. . . .. .. . .. . .. . . . . .
x

Headlights -Check for proper aiming; If necessary

adjust (per State requirements as applicable). . .. . .
CHASSIS
Suspension- Tigh ten bolts o f rear axle crossbar and
bolts which hold control arms to body (front) and
spring links to body (rear). . ...................
Toeln-Check; if necessary adjust.

50

. . ..

.. ... ...... ...

Wheel Alignment-Measure, if necessary adjust

..
camber, caster, toe-in . . . . . . . .. .

..

.. . .. . . . .

Upper and Lower Ball Joints and TleRod EndsCheck both sides of vehicle for wear. Also check
s teering gear universal joint. Correct any unsafe
condition ..... ........ . . . ....... . . . .. . .. .. . .. ..

x
x

1,000
Ml.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where " miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit is reached first.
Every
Every
7,500 Mi.
15,000
Mi. or
Other
(5,000
Turbo)
12
or 6 Mos.
Mos.

Shock Absorbers- Check rubber bushings; replace

shock absorbers when dampening action is no longer
effective. .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tires-Check tire tread depth and rep lace when wear

bars in tread appear. . .. .. .. ... .. .... . ... .. . .. .

x
x

Check rubber bellows for inner and outer drive shaft

joints, and rubber boots for ball joints and tie-rod
ends. Replace any damaged boots. .
.

Brake System-Check condition of brake lines and

hoses, tightness of master cylinder, calipers, and
screw caps. Correct as necessary. . . . . . . . . .. .

Power Steering Fluid-Check; add as necessary

..

General Inspection- Check all suspension and

steering components, exposed fue l lines, and brake
components for damage due to road hazards or
driving conditions. Replace any damaged
components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ...

. .. . . . . . ... .
. .. .
x

Check power brake vacuum servo hose and

connections. Correct any vacuum leaks. . . . . . . . . ..
Check function of hand brake.

x
51

1,000
Mi.
Break In
Service

B. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
(continued)

Where miles" or " months" are shown, perform at whichever

limit Is reached fi rst.
Every
Every
7,500 Ml.
15,000
(5,000
Mi. or
Other
Turbo)
12
or6 Mos.
Mos.

Remove wheels and check brake pad thickness.

Replace pads when lining thickness is less than 1/1
inch.

Grease sliding surfaces of front brake caliper yokes

(special grease required). ..... .... ... . ..... .... .

X- Repeat, if
necessar~whenever

brake pads are

changed.
Check brake fluid level; if necessary replenish fluid in
master cylinders for brake and clutch (manual trans.).
Replace brake fluid and bleed system.

.. . ...... ...

X- Every 30,000
miles or 24 months.

MISCELLANEOUS
Change ventilation air filter (except 900 with A/C)

Lubricate sparingly the door stops and hinges,

throttle control, and engine hood lock mechanism.

Test drive vehicle and check overall condition, noting

especially the function of brakes and clutch ......
Free corrosion inspection (see terms of Corrosion
Perforation Warranty) .. .. . .... .. .. . .... .... .. . ..

52

x
12-14 months and
24-26 months after
purchase.

B. General Information
ENGINE TROUBLE SHOOTING
1. Engine will not st art- st arter cranks engine
in normal manner
A. No fuel In tank.
B. Fuel pump not running-blown fuse, cor
roded connections, faulty relay or discon
nected lead wire.
C. No spark at spark plugs.
a. Loose electrical connections.
b. Moisture or cracks In distributor cap.
D. Engine flooded-spark plugs fouled with
gasoline.

2. Engine sta rts-runs rough, mlsllroa, low

power.
(Note; Misfiring should bo corrncl nll lmnw
diately to prevenl ovorhonllng ol tht onltt
lytic convorto1.)
A. Spark pl ugs fou10~, worn or tn n11od or
adjustmen t.
B. Spark plug coblos not propurly plugged
Into distri bu tor cop or onto op111k plugs.
C. Loose or corroded connoatlons-low
voltage l oads 10 coll.
D. Engine oll flller cap or dips rick no t seated
admltllng excess air th rough crankcase
vent system
E. Fuel Injec tion system In need of adjust
men I.
3. Stallin g at Idle, rough operation duri ng
engine warmup and hesitation or lack of
power on acceleration.
A. Unscheduled servicing of the Lambda
Control system may be necesary. If so.
th is should be perfor med by a Saab
dealer.

B. Unscheduled servicing of the EGA system may be 11ecessary. If so th is should

be performed by a Saab dealer.
C. Decal fuel shut off system may require
unscheduled servicing.
4. Improper Idle spoed- too las t or too slow.
A. Idle spood nit bloed adjustment Incorrect
or l ock nut loose.
a. Ooeol dnshpot oul of adJuslmen t (fast
ldlll)
C. ldlo nhllual mixture ou t of speci fication.
0. Throlllo ttop 11crow Incorrec tly set. (Note:
StOP screw 111 for adjusting butterfly rest
clootianoo ilnd Is not to be used for mak
Ing ldlu apood 11dJustm ents.)
l Doool tuo l shul off mal func tioni ng.
r ldlo spood 111 ofloc tod by l arge changes in
ol tl tude (fdlo tnc roases as elevation In
cronsos duo to roducod ambien t pressure
and vtoo vo rsa).

5. Charge Indicator lamp falls t o llght when lg

nltlon Is swi tched on.
A. Bulb l)urnod ou t.
B. Discharged ba11ory or loose battery cable.
C. Improper wi ri ng to voltage regulator
causi ng an open circuit.

6. Charge Indica tor l amp light s up with engine

running.
A. Broken or slack allerna101 drive belt.
B. Mallunctlon In voltage regulator.
C. Mallunctlon In alternator.
7. Di scharged battery
A. Sllppfng alternator drive bel t.
B. Defective or worn out battery.
C. Frequent use of high drain equipment.

such as headlights,.combined with short

trips.
D. Mallunction in voltage regulator or alternator.

8. 011 pressure Indi cator lamp lights up with

engine running.
A. Mallunction In engine lubrication system
causing low oil pressure.
B. Oil level In sump extremely low.
9. EXH Indicator lamp illuminates
Illuminates every 30,000 miles as a reminder
to perform emission control system main
l enance. Must be reset by dealer a.fler service. This tamp does not Indicat e engine
malfunction.

APPEARANCE CARE
Care of paintwork
To keep Its gloss and fin ish, the paint work
needs proper care. II the paintwork Is damaged,
e.g. by a llytng stone, the spot can be cleaned
and covered w ith atrdrylng touchup painl.
Touchup in the standard Saab colors can be
purchased from your Saab dealer.
Washing
The car should be washed frequ ently. When It is
new, it should be washed by hand using only
cold water and a clean, soft brush attached to a
hose. Automatic car washes should be avoided
during the first few months. After five to six
months the paintwork has hardened and to
make washing easier, a car shampoo or mild
washing-up l iquld may b e added to the water,
which may be warm but not hol. Even the under
body should be washed regularly and special
attention should be given lo the wheel hous

53

ings. This ls particularly necessary when auto

matlc car washes are used as these do not
generally Include washing of the underbody.
Never wash the car In strong sunlight, and always wipe It dry with a clean chamois leather If
streaks on the paintwork are to be avoided.
Windows are best cleaned with a chamois
leather or soft linen cloth moistened i n water.

Engine Compartment Cleaning

Seat belts

The engine compartmen t should be cleaned

with an engin e detergent and then hosed with
hot water. Cover the distributor before washing
th o engine. If you use a high-pressure hoso,
avoid directing the jet straight onto the dlstrlbu
tor, alterna tor, starter motor, voltage regulator,
or brake master cylinder reservoir.

Clean the seat bells with mild soap and Iuka

warm water.

Care of Carpets
Polishing
The general rule Is that synthetic enamel should
not be polished until It rs absolutely necessary.
In any event, II should not be polished until it
has aged properly, which takes live or six
months. Never use a polish containing abrasive
subst ances on a new car. Only after some years
will this be necessary to remove oxide and other
deposits. The paintwork must be thoroughly
cleaned before being polished as otherwi se it
may be scratched.
A new car must not be w axed until th e
pal ntwork is at least five or six months old.

Maintenance of undercoating

54

In addition to Its rustproofing properties, undercoating has an Important soundproofing lune

lion. To preserve Its effectiveness It should be
regularly Inspected and touched up If neces
sary. This applies particularly to the lenders
and wheel housi ngs, which are constantly exposed to abrasion by flying gravel, etc. If the
composition has worn or flaked off, the steel
must be thoroughly cleaned and dried before a
lresh coat Is applied. Tho cleaning Is best done
with a scraper and a steel wire brush, followed
by wash ing with solvent. Apply the new coating
thinly, as otherwise It may run off or fall off when
dry.

Textile carpets should be cleaned with a bru sh

or sponge using carpe t shampoo and then
rinsed thoroughly with water. Stubborn grea se
or oil stains ca n be removed with a commercial
solven t formulated for this purpose.
Should the trunk carpet become soiled or
stained it may be more easily cleaned If re
moved from the car. The carpet is fastened to
two plywood panels that make up the forward
lioor section and the tool compartment cover.
To remove, lilt up the tool compartment cover,
disconnect the two rubber hinges from lhelr
bu lion like fasteners and remove the cover from
tho car. Grasp the forward floor section with
both hands and pull straight back to disengage
tho retaining clips. Lift floor out of trunk.

Care of Upholstery
The fabric upholstery may be effectively
cleaned with a cloth moistened In soap solu
lion. Use lukewarm water.
Grease and oil stains can be removed with a
commercial solvent formulated tor this purpose.
Wet stains such as oll or softdrlnks should be
dried up Immediately with an absorbing paper
or similar material. Then apply a stai n remover.
Plastic surfaces can be easily cleaned with
lukewarm water and a synthetic detergent. A
semlstlff brush may be used.

RUST PREVENTION
What causes rust?
Steel body panels of automobiles are subject to
rusting whenever air and moisture manage to
pene tra te the protective finish, and body panels
moy rust through If the process Is unchecked.
Rusting can occur wherever water Is trapped or
whore the car's panels are continuously damp.
Oamage to paint and undercoating by stones,
ornvol and minor accidents Immediately exPosos rnetal lo air and moisture.
Road salts used for de-icing will collect on the
bottom of the ca r and promote rusting.
Arons ol the country with high humidity have
oroot poten tial for rust problems, especially
whoro 1011 is used on roads or there is moist sea
alt
lnduatrlol pollutlon (fallout) may also damage
palrll ond promote rusting.

Preventive maintenance
The following procedures are necessary to help
protect against rusting. Refer also to the terms
and conditions of th o Corrosion Perforation
Warranly described In the warranty booklet.
1. Wasti tho car frequently, and wax at lea st
twice a year.
Under adverse conditions, where there Is a
rapid build-up of dirt, sand or road salt, wash
your car at least once a week. After extreme
exposure to salted snow or slush, evidenced
by a while film on the car, wash the car Immediately.

A. Begin washing by rinsing the entire car

with water to loosen and flush off heavy
concentrations of dirt (include the underbody).
B. Sponge the car with a solution of either a
good quallly car soap or mild general pur
pose (dish washing) detergent and water.
C. Rinse car thoroughly with clean water.
0. After washing , check and clear all drains
in doors and body panels.
E. Wipe the car dry, preferrably using a cha
mois.
2. Cleon tho underside of the car during the
winter.
Use high pressure water to clean the car's
underside (floor panels, wheel wells) at least
at midwlntor and In the Spring.
3. Inspect tho car lroquontly for leaks or dam
age, and arrange for needed repairs
promptly.
After washing or alter heavy rain , check for
leaks. When washing the car Inspect body
surfaces for paint damage.
While checki ng for leaks, llft the floor mats
and check beneath them. Water can collect
In these areas and rem ain for prolonged perI
ods. Ory any wet areas including the floor
mats. Have leaks repai red as soon as possible.
Use touch-up paint to repair small scratches
or minor finish damage. Areas where metal Is
exposed will rust quickly and MUST be repaired Immediately by touch-up or professional repainting. Rust must be removed, the
bare metal primed and painted. Major body
damage should be repaired Immediately and
new panels or exposed areas should be undercoated with anti-corrosion material.
Repai rs of this type a.re the owner's responsibility and are not covered under warranty.

OWNER ASSISTANCE
Flat towing
The 900 Is equipped with towing lugs at the
lront and rear. Flat towing over long distances is
not recommended. Check applicable state and
local laws to determine If flat towing is permit
ted
Proceed care fu lly and never exceed the speed
limll applicable to vehicles In low. Try to keep
the tow-line taut 10 prevent sudden jerking. Re
member lhot power-assisted braking does not
function whon 1he engine Is switched off. Con
sequontly, cons iderably greater force than
usual wlll hove to be applied to the brake pedal.
If a car with automatic transmission has to be
towed, lho l ollowlng rules must be observed:
1. Tho soloc tor must be at N.
2. Tho tr ansmission ca so must be filled with oil
to tho correct level.
3. Tho maximum sale towing speed for cars
with ou tomalic transmission Is 25 mph (40
kml h)
4. Tho maximum recommended towing dis
tan co la 2530 miles (50 km). If tho car has to
bo towed 11ny greater distance, the front
wheels mull bo llltod off tho ground.
5. An onglno with outomolfc tronsmlsson cannot bo llllltod by towing or pushing

Towing by Commercial Tow Truck.

Oue to potontlol damage to the vehicle's transmission (manual and au tomatic), we recom
mend that this vehicle not be towed from th e
roar with the front wheels on the ground. If abso
lutely mandatory to tow the vehicle from the
rear use a wheel dolly under the fron t wheels.
Attach J-hooks to lho rear axle. clear of the
brake lines. Position the tow bar under lhe trunk
floor. Attach safety chains to rear axle.

Proceed as follows to tow the vehicle lrom the

front with a tow truck. Attach J-hooks to the
lower control arms behind ball Joints. piecing
4 x 4 x 6' board crossways on th e pan of the
vehicle using spacer blocks to protect tho lower
body panel. Attach safety chains to the lower
control arm.

WARNING! Never attach Jhooks or tow

chains between the branches of the
lower control arms or damage wlll result.
Attach al outboard ends only, nearest
ball Joint.

Service lnfonnation
Service Manuals for Saab vehicles can be or
dered lhrough the dealer. The complete 900
Manual Is comprised of ten paperbound sec
lions i n two ringtype binders. Sec lions may be
ordered i ndividually.
A list of authorized sales and se rvice dealers Is
available from your local Saab dealer for those
planning to travel In the United States and
Canada.

Service problem assistance

The Warranties/Service Record bookl et which
accompanies th is manual contains the new car
and emission control system warrant ies and
owner assistance Information.
There Is a Saab Consumer Relations Coordlna
tor al each of SaabScania of America, lnc:s
three regional offices in th e continental U.S.
(Alaska Is served by the Western Region. Puerto
Rico Is handled by an Independent imporler.)

Eastern Region:
P.O. Box 697
Orange. CT 06477
(203) 7955671

Central Region:
10415 United Parkway
Schlller Park, IL 60176
(312) 671-4920

Western Region:
1225 East Artesia Blvd.
P.O. Box 6202
Carson, CA 90746
(2 13) 5373901

56

NOTES

'

-.J.

Y. ..,' '

57

NOTES

58

NOTES

IV. IN DEX
Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Alternator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 38
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 29, 37
Air Conditioning . . .......... ... 14
Battery . ..... .............. . . . 30
Belt Tension, Alternator . . . . . . . . . 30
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 37
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33, 37
Break-In ... . . . . . .. . . . .. .. . ... 17
Bulbs, changing .. . ... . ...... 31, 39
Carpets, cleaning ...... .. . ... . . 54
Clock . . .............. ....... . 10
Continuous Injection System . . . .. 25
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Crankcase Emission Control
System . . ... .. . . . . . .. . . ... . . 24
Dipstick, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Drain Cocks, Coolant ... .. .. . ... 22
Electrical System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Emission Control Systems . . . . . . . 24
Emissions Systems Maintenance
Program ... .. . ........ .. . . . . 45
Engine .......... ... . ....... 21 , 36
Engine 011 Capacity ............. 36
Evaporative Emission Control
System . ... . .... . .. ......... 25

FrontWheol Allgnmont . . . . . . . . 38
, , , . . . . . 22
Fuel Fiiter . . .
Fuel Recommondollon . . . . 19
Fuel System . . . . . . . 36
...... 32
Fuses . . . . . . . .
Gear Changing, Economy Shift
. 16, 17
Points . .
12
.
Gear Positions
. . . . . 53
Gear Inform ation
, , . . 33
Handbrake . . . .
Hazard Warning Switch . 11
Headlights AdJustrn ont . . . . 31
Heating and Vonlllotlon ... , . 14
. . . 3
Hood Lock .
40
Identification Numbora
Ignition Switch and Ooar
11
Level Lock . . . . . . . . .
Ignition Timing ............... 36
Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Jacking Vehicle ......... . ... 35
Key . . . ...................... 2
Kick-down, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lambda Control System . . . . . . . . 26
Light Bulbs . .. .... . .. . .... .... 39
Luggage Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Manual Transmission ... . .. . . . .. 37
Oil Changing, Engine ...... 21, 36, 46
Oil Changing, Transmission ... 37, 49

Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Paintwork, Care of .............. 53
Power Steering ..... .. .. . ... . . . 33
Power Steering, Fluid . . . ....... . 38
Rear Seat . .. ... . ..... . .. . . ... . . 3
Regular Maintenance Program ... 48
Rust Prevention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Relays ...... ... . . ... . . .. . ..... 32
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Seat Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . 44
Service Record Retention . . . . . . . . 44
Spark Plugs ....... ... . . . ..... . 38
Specifications . ... . ...... ... . .. 36
Starting and Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Tire Changing . .. . . . .......... . 34
Tire Pressure . . . . .. ... . ... .. .. 38
Towing by Tow Truck . .. . .. .. . ... 55
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Troubleshooting Engine . ... . . .. . 53
Upholstery, Care of ... . .. . . . . .. 54
Valve Clearances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Wheels and Tires . . ... . .. ... . 34, 38
Windshield W ipers and
Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 30
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

59

AN INTRODUCTION TO SAABSCAN IA

Saab automobi les are designed and manufactured by the Saab Car Division of SaabScania
AB, one of Sweden's largest and most diversified companies. SaabScan ia's three other
operating divisions produce diesel trucks and buses, specialized aircraft and aerospace
products, and industrial fluid controls. Serving all of these divisions is Scandinavia's largest
research and development organization for advanced technology.
Saab-Scania's automotive origins date back to 1897 when the 'first Swedish factory-bui lt
passenger car was produced by the company which was later to become the current Scania
Division. In addition to its present mainstay, truck and bus production, the Scania Division
has, since 1972, been responsible for development and manufacture of the modern 2.0 liter
OHC four cylinder engine which powers the Saab 900 models. Scania's heavy duty vehicle
experience contributed to the introduction of the award winning turbocharged version in
1977.
Manufacture of cars under the Saab name commenced in 1949 with the introduction of the
Saab 92, the first in a succession of models renowned for their front wheel drive, innovative
engineering and performance character. The main production plant for the current Saab 900
line is in Trollhattan, Sweden (near Gothenburg) where design, development and testing
facilities are also located. For certain markets, Saabs are also assembled in Arl<>v, Sweden;
and Uusikaupunki, Finland. A modern, highly automated central spare parts warehouse
serving Saab distributors worldwide is located in Nykoping (near Stockholm).
Importation and distribution of Saab automobiles and spare parts in the United States are
handled exclusively by Saab-Scania of America, headquartered in Orange, Connecticut.

1
I

SAMlsc:ANIA
OF AMERICA, INC.
SAAB DRIVE
ORANGE, CONNECTICUT 06477

Saal>-Scanla of America Inc. reserves the right to make changes

at any time, without prior notice, to Information, specifications
and Illustrations contained herein.

1982 SAAB OWNER 'S MANUA L SUPPLE MENT

INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN APPLIES ONLY
TO 900 TURBO MODELS EQUIPPED WITH APC SYSTEM

Starting and Driving

The starling and driving Instruc tions given In thr lfl82 8 ftb
Owner's Manual also apply to lhe Saab 900 Turbo 111111 APC
System. Observe the notes about starting and stopping tho hllbO
charged engine. Do not tamper wit~ the turbocharglng, APC or
emission control systems.
RECOMMENDED FUEL

The Turbo with APC System Is designed to run on any unf IHl(l(I
gasoline luol. A pump octane rating of 87 to 94 Is recomnwnd 11
(see Owner's Manual for explanation of rating method). rh~ conCll
tlonat gasohol recommendations in the Owner's Manual 1100 no
ply.
NOTE! It Is normal for "pinging" or knocking to occur In
short bursts while the engine is operated undot 1011d,
particularly on lower octane grades of fuel. Whon 11uch
knock Is heard you may observe the noodle of the Turbo
pressure gauge oscillating sllghtly1 an Indication thllt
tho APC System Is functioning. If severe 1uatalned
knock Is heard or, conversely, If the engine seems
unable to develop an appreciable amount of chnrge
pressure, take your car to an authorized Saab dealer for
Inspection.
CHARACTERISTI CS OF THE TURBO WITH APC SYSTEM

The APC System detects the onset of engine knock and adjusts
the charging pressure of the turbocharged engine accordingly.
With the engine thus protected from excessive and potentially

1mtyl Mnok, 11111 compression ratio was able to bu i,;01

lfflfJIOvO ovo1 II luol olllclency. The APC Systoms onptlb
on uinlly OclJulll maximum charging pressure tor "'ulnr
hJ I OOIM 1 ttnd onglno operating conditions allows OJllilTllJll I
lortnnnco to b1 obtained relative to the fuel quallly cho11011 Uo
2 octono (purnp rating) fuel, little or no knocKlng will 1)(1 h
nd 1tlhlm11rn performance will be available. On 87 00111
1ut11blo kn ock wlll be present (but controlled) under load .ind Po
rorm11ncu wlll be somewhat reduced due to the APC Syst(-111' I
luct upon the maximum charging pressure.
A control system, such as the APC System, which Is based upon
knock dotector cannot eliminate individual occurrences of kr1oc
Ing <ts these are necessary for the function or the system. Wh""
tho knock detector "'hears" engine knock the control unit lowor
the charge pressure In stages to the point where knock does not
occur. If the same power demand (throttle position) is malntatnod
the APC System increases pressure until knock once again oc
curs. The knock detector will again "hear" the knock and tht
cycle will be repeated. The System thereby constantly searches 101
the optimum charge pressure tor the combination or engine
speed, load and knock level.
The APC System control unit has been optimized with a fixed
sensitivity and pre-set high charge pressure limit to protect the
engine. Maximum operating charge pressure under full load Is ad
justed electronically. The wastegate Is mechanically adjusted lo
provide a safe, low charge pressure limit should the APC System
cease to funct ion. The latter two adjustments, which have anti
tampering seals, are to be checked by a qualified Saab technician
at the Break-In Service and every 15,000 miles (see Maintenance
Program, charging pressure).

Power Unit
EMISSION CONTROL SYSTEMS
Engine Family
The 1982 Saab 900 Turbo \\/Ith APC System, engine family
CSA2.0V6FTA8. Is certified to both U.S.A. Federal Standards and
California State Standards. The engine family and appropriate
tuneup specifications are identified on a label affixed to th e left
fron t Inner lender. This family Is equipped as follows:

APCSYSTEM
Tho APC (Automatic Performance Control) System consists or
simple electronic components that make It durable and easy to
service. A knock detector (1) on the engine block senses the onset
and degree of engine knock and transmits an electronic signal to
the con trol unit (3) which also receives a signal from the Inlet
manifold pressure transducer (2) and from lhe Ignition system
(engine rpm). Tho data Is processed by the control unit (3} which
transmits a signal to a solenoid valve (4) that modulates the con
lrol pressure to the c hargr pressure regulator (wnstegate).

A. Continuous Injection System

B. Lambda Control System
C. ThreeWay Catalyst
D. Decal Dashpot (automatic transmission)
E. Decal Fuel Shut Off (manual transmission)
Note: A limited number of pre-Introduction Turbos with APC
System are also equipped with an exhaust gas rec1rculalion
system and are certified under the standard Turbo engine family.
These vehicles have VIN Serial Numbers below - C1012900.
TURBOCHARGING SYSTEM
In the Saab 900 Turbo with APC System the turbocharging system
Is comprised of an exhaust driven turbocharger lo compress the
air entering the engine cylinders and a charge pressure regulator
(wastegate) to control the flow of exhaust gases to the turbine.
Unlike previous turbocharger applications, the wastegate Is
regulated by an electronically modulated pressure signal from the
APC System rather than a manifold pressure signal. Seo the
Owner's Manual for a schematic or tho basic turbocharging
system.

Electrical Signal from

- - - - Ignition System (RPM)

1. Knock Detector
2. Pressure Tran sducer
3. Control Unit
4. Solenoid Valve

Specifications
ENGINE, TURBO WITH AP C
Ty po
4 cyl. 4 s1roko Intl no OHC wllh contlnuo lts lu1 I in1octlon
Cyllnder Bore ...... ,

3 543"
Stroke .. . . . ..... ...... ,
3 071 "
Displacement
121 Cl u In
Order of Firing (Cylinder I Maros l 1110 .... n ll)..
1342
Valve Clearance, Co ld Englno:
ln1ako ..
(0 1& o JOmm) 0.000..-0.01 2"
Exhaust
. (0 A0-0 50mm) 0 .016" -0 020"
Engine Family Numbor

CSA2.0V6FT AS
Power Rallng, SAE Nol HP lt/I RPM
135@ 4600
Max. Torque 3500 RPM (8792 oclano)'
100 110 I t.lbs.
Compression Ratio..
8 5 1
Dashpot Aduslment (Automatic)
.
2200 100 RPM
Decel Fuel Shut Off (Manual) . . . .
Activates a oov 1575 .. 75
RPM, thro ll lo closod;
deactivates below 1375 :. 1'J RPM.
011 Capacity Including Fiiter .. . ... ...... ... .. ,
4.!l U S Ql s.
Charge Pressure Setllngs :
Wastegate (safety hmit only) . ..... . ... . .. 0 30 ... 0.03 bar
Conlrol Unit (operating limit) . . . . . . . . . 0 .60 ::; 0 .05 bar
RPM Limiter Seti Ing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5900- 0200 RPM
Overpressure Safety Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 .95 + 0 .05 bar
Ignition Advance Set ting .. . ......... .. .. 200 BTDC ~r 2000 RPM
(vac hose plu gged)
Spark Plug Type .. . . .. .. .. . . . . . . .. . .. . .. .. . NGK-BP 7ES
Spark Plug Gap. . . .
. . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . 0.024 0.028"
Engine Idling Speed in Neutral (A.C. off)..... . . . 875 ~ 50 RPM
Maximum Torque Increases with fuel octane number up to 92
(pump rating).
Adjust plunger to con1act throttle lever with engine operating
al Indicated RPM.
Checked at 3,000 RPM lull load with special test equipment.

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
N o ch moo

Own or 'o M 1nunl

AUTOMATI C TRANSMISSION
Torquo Convorlor Stoll Spood .. ... 22002700 RPM
Primary Gear Rati o
.. ...... . ................. ....... 0 93 1
Gear ratios (t111n sm1ssion)
Isl Gear
..
.. ............... . . .......... 2.39. I
2nd Gear
. .......... ............ ...... 1 49.1
3rd Gear . . . . . . ... ... . ......... . .. . .... . ...... 1.00: 1
Reverse Gear
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.09 I
Final Drive Ratio
... . .. ... . .. .... . ......... . ...... . .... 3.67: 1
WHEELS AND TIRES
Wheel Size . . . .... . . . .......... 5 1/2 J x 15" H2 (Aluminum Alloy)
Spare Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ... ... ... . .. . .. .. .. 4 J H 1 x 15"
Tlre Dimensions:
4-door (Sid.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185165 SR 15
4door (Spl. Ed.), 3door .............. ...... . 195/60 HA 15
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . .. . . . . . .. . . . . .. T115170 D15

OJ ..sumer Information
Other Consumer Information required by Part 575, Code of fedefal Regulations Is giver;i in the 1982 Saab 90,0 Owner's Manual. The Tire
Reserve Load table in the manual does not apply to the 900 Turbo with APC System. See below.
I

Tire Reserve Load

Refer to the Tire Information Label on the left side vehicle doorpos~ to ~eterrnlne the tire size that your vehicle is equipped with

1
l

This table lists the tire size designations recommentled by Saab for use on the vehic les to which it applies,
with the recommended inflation pressure for maximum loading and the tire reserve load tor each of the tires
listed. The tire reserve load indicated is met by each vehicle to which this table applies.

This table applies to all 1982 Saab 900 Turbos with APC System.
WARNING: Failure to maintain the re
commended tire inflation pressure or
to increase lire pressure as recom
mended when operating al maximum
loaded vehicle weight. or loading the
vehicle beyond the capacities specilied on the tire lnformatloo placard affixed to the vehicle, may result in un
safe operating conditions due lo pre
mature tire failure, unfavorable hand
ling characteristics and excessive tire
wear. The lire reserve load percentage
is a measure to lire capacity, not of
vehicle capacity. Loading beyond the
specified vehicle capacity may result
In failure of other vehicle components.

RECOMMENDED
TtAEStZE
DESIGNATIONS

RECOMMENDED COLD INFLATION PRESSURE

FOR MAXIMUM LOADED VEHICLE WEIGHT

TIRE
RESERVE
LOAD
PERCENTAGE'

FRONT

REAR

195160 HA 15

30

32

18%

185165SR15

30

32

17%

The dillerence, expressed as a percentage of tire load rating, between (a) the load
rating of a tire at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended Inflation pressure at
maximum loaded vehicle weight and (b) the load imposed upon the tire by the vehicle at
that condition.

SAABSC ANIA
OF AMERICA, INC.
SAAB DRIVE
ORANGE, CONNECTICUT 06477

Saab.Scanla of America Inc. reserves the right to make chan

ges at any time, without prior notice, to Information, specific&
lions and Illustrations contained herein.