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| This is going to be a page all about the 2003 Saab 9-3. Everything I've learned about it. Over the years there've been lots & lots of tips, tricks, and general knowledge I've picked up. Almost all of this has been validated by doing "experiments" on my own car, and validated by other across the world by chatting about it on the SaabCentral forums. It has as much Frequently Asked Questions as well as rare morsels of info. There's a great site for doing "Saab-supported activity" (removing your radio/doorpanel, etc) at Saba's website. You can find still more at GenuineSaab's website. Disclaimer(s): I did the best I could finding info & part numbers, but I don't work for Saab. Model years change, and parts get revised. If there are errors, or updates, please let me know and I'll update this. This is as accurate as I can make it. If you find info you want to add, or correct, please let me know!
Table of Contents
A hearty plug for the Manual.RTFM. There is an awful lot of information in the Manuals (Main & Infotainment). It is a well-put-together manual that deserves a read. It's worth the effort to read front to back. You will find a plethora of stuff that you will inevitably forget. That's okay, there's a lot to process. Keeping that in mind, it's good to dust off the Manual after you think you know everything there is to know about your car, and skim through it. Something may pop out & surprise you. You might discover a map pocket you forgot about, or functionality of the SID, or the proper air pressure for your tires. This Tech diary will try to stay away from things you can find in the Manual, and strive to be a collection of knowledge that was found the hard way: someone's car not starting, or dying in the middle of the highway, or through other misfortune & happenstance. If you are so inclined, you can actually download the manual from Saab's website for your specific car if you lost it or whatever. Back to Top
What's that button with the '-' dash on it located under the Nightpanel button for?This button is found on the Sedans, but not the Convertibles. it is not the button to open the sunroof. The convertibles have their own button & it isn't in the same place. That said...this button is useful. It is used to control an auxiliary lights that can be mounted to the front of the car. Possible uses include rally lights, or a spotlight, or whatever. It simply is an on/off switch. Why do you need to ask? Connectivity kit Saab P/N: 12787159 includes a wiring harness to connect to a plug in your car, a relay, and a fuse. Oh, and it has to be enabled through Tech II. What I don't understand yet are it's parameters. It's obvious it provides power. But will it provide power when the car is off? Will it kill power when the car turns off? All important questions. The possibilities are endless. It's basically switched power. You can turn on/off an amp, lights, siren, use it as a switch to power a relay for something, etc etc. No one in the US has been able to get this to work.
Apparently, the software is disabling it. What happens is that you can
activate the option, but the software in the car to make it work is missing.
It's like turning on a light switch that's not connected to anything (you know
you turned it on, but the bulb still ain't on). That's why a dealer may swear up
& down the the option is enabled, but still not working. Thanks to the folks at SaabCentral who figured this one out! You can read the installation instructions here. Back to Top
I can't find the screws for the license plate in the front/rear. What size screws are supposed to be used?For those of you who have a car delivered without a front plate, and you want to add something up front in the future, here is some information which might help you out. In the picture below, the black screw on the left is for the front, and the silver screw on the right is for the rear. Front Screw: Threaded portion: 13mm long, 4.7mm in diameter. Front Screws: Part#: 92150384
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How do I hardwire my radar detector?Glad you asked! You have to go here to find out. It's a bit too long to put here. Back to Top
Can Onstar unlock my car?Yes. It could not on older 9-3s, or any 9-5s. There was some confusion as far as what salespeople said vs. Onstar's website vs. what's in the Owner's Manual. But I'm happy to report that I actually tried it during my trial period with Onstar. I called 1-888-4-onstar (1-888-466-7827) and asked to
unlock my vehicle. They asked for account number & PIN & they said "Wait 10 min
& if it is unsuccessful we'll call you back". Their first attempt was
unsuccessful, but their second attempt was! Yippie! (First time failed due to
weak Onstar cellular signal). It unlocked all doors, BTW, not just Driver. Back to Top
My Speed Dependant Volume (SDV) doesn't work!There is a setting in your radio called Speed
Dependant Volume. It's goal is to automatically make the radio (or anything
coming through the head unit) more audible at higher speeds. Since the faster
you go, the more noise you will hear (from tires, wind, engine), most people
turn the stereo up a couple of notches at highway speeds. This is Saab's way to
automating that. Back to Top
What's the TP & does RDS/RDBS work?The SID displays the radio station currently playing. For different stations (in the US) it does so in different ways. This question centers more around why do some stations have different types of info than others? Let's take the theoretical example of Station 88.7 on the dial, Station name "Rock88", currently playing the song "Du Hast" by Rammstein. There are 3 different types of displays you'll see, depending on what the station's set up to transmit. 1: 88.7 MHz 2: Rock88 (Scrolling) 3: Rock88 Du Hast Rammstein (Scrolling)
There are 2 separate channels of info. One is PS (Program Station Name), and one is RT (Radio Text). Radio Text can contain 32 or 64 characters of anything from commercials to song/artist info, to static info. This is all thanks to RDS (Radio Data System), and the similar RDBS (Radio Data Broadcast System) in the USA. These features are more prevalent in Europe, where the system began about 20 years ago. This explains a bit about RDS.
Here's an example of Birmingham Alabama's list of stations & what signals they broadcast: I wish all cities would do this. If you have more info please email me & let me know!
Here is a list of many of the different signals that can be broadcast on the carrier signal. Our radio picks out CT (Clock Time), TP (Traffic Program Flag), PTY (Program Type Code), PS (Program Station Name), and RT (Radio Text). Below is how they are used:
this signal, once found, it reads it & adjusts the clock accordingly.
will switch to that station so you can hear the alert, then switch back when finished.
out only "Rock" stations if desired.
Sadly, this is all a technology that many stations have somewhat reluctantly embraced in the US. Why should stations invest in services & equipment like this when so many listeners are flocking to satellite radio? Back to Top
Does the in-dash CD player/changer feature CD Text & can it read MP3 on CDs?Yes & no. The CD players in the 9-3 will read CD text if you burn a CD with that option, or if a store bought CD has it. However, you will only see it in the "Change Tracks" section of the display. Therefore, only vehicles with the ES2 (green monochrome screen) or ES3 (navigation) can experience this. It will not show up in the SID (display by the front windscreen). To see it, go into the CD menu, and choose the option "Change Tracks", and it should list all the tracks. The reason it is seemingly so rudimentary is that according to one of the original stereo developers, this was a feature that the stereo manufacturer forgot to take out. It's a fluke that it works, in other words. One source reports that that it was not included because it would cause the driver too much distraction. That could be the same reason that normal CD display info is not present (like elapsed track time). As for MP3 CDs, no. The CD player cannot read a CD with MP3 data files on them. However, if you take your MP3 files & burn them onto a CD as music, then it will be played as a regular music CD. That all being said, it will play home-made CDs, although it doesn't like to. The manual recommends that this not be done. The CDs will get very hot. No one to date has recorded any damage due to this though (that I know of). Back to Top
What's Tech II (Tech 2)? What are all the available options? What should I get at my 30 day inspection?Glad you asked! You have to go here to find out. It's a bit too long to put here. Back to Top
What's Comfort Open/Close?This is an option that allows you to remotely open or close all the windows/sunroof via the key fob. Comfort Open: According to the manual on pg 99 & 100, if you hold the "unlock" button on the fob for more than 2 seconds, all the windows will lower & the sunroof opens all the way. This is useful in the summer if you want to quickly vent all the hot air in the car before entering. Comfort Close: You can close all the open windows by pressing the "lock" button on the fob for more than 2 seconds. Good for putting your windows up when it starts raining & you're inside. Yours doesn't do any of that? Well, things will start to get a little complicated. First of all, this option is ONLY available on Arcs, Aeros & Vectors, and NOT Linears. The reason being is that in order for this feature to work, the vehicle requires an anti-pinch feature. It's a sensor that's integrated into the motor. Even if the window switches have a one-touch (press the button once & it automatically lowers by itself), the anti-pinch feature is in the motor, not the switch. So Linear owners (at least as of 2005) are completely out of luck. You could TRY to replace the motor in the door (you need a motor with 6 pins instead of your current motor which has 4 pins) to enable anti-pinch, but... You need for the door module to be programmed. I believe all dealers worldwide will enable Comfort-open with minimal fuss. And apparently, when the first 2003s came out, US dealers would program Comfort-close as well, just like any other option via Tech II. However, a letter came out from Saab to all the US dealers that made them refuse activating this. I believe dealers in other parts of the world will still will activate Comfort-close, but I'm not sure. If anyone is aware, please email me! Back to Top
Am I supposed to have a Keyhole Cover?Yes. All model years have this little black plug that
will insert into the driver's side keyhole. Why? It removes the unsightly
silver dot that will stick out like a sore thumb and it will then blend into the
rest of the black plastic. Most people find it in the vehicle's glovebox upon
delivery, or if missing, the dealer usually has a couple lying around. Back to Top
By Geronimo, what else don't I know about my car?This is going to be a catch all for all sorts of odd undocumented features, easter eggs, etc. Most all of this stuff is in your manual, but easy to miss.
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Where can I find what TSBs apply to my 9-3?This information provided by ALLDATA. Automotive Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins for:
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What's Tel1, or, how can I get a handsfree phone in my car?There are a couple ways to integrate a cellular phone into your vehicle, depending on what country you're in, and what level vehicle you have. It quite ridiculous the lengths Saab has gone through so this is as difficult as possible. But where there's a will, an international forum full of enthusiasts, and good ol fashioned gumption, there's a way. For discussion, it must be noted that TEL1 & TEL2 are different. You can find a more in-depth explanation here.
Australia & Europe: Handsfree 375. US 2003, 2004 (all models) & 2005 Linears: no wiring. Back to Top
Why doesn't my gas gauge read full after I fill up?There is a known issue that makes the gas gauge not read full after you fill
it up. If you have the car on while at the pump and fill it up, you may guess
that the tank is full (either by noticing you put enough fuel in or if the pump
stops automatically). Now, if the car is on & you look at the gauge, it will
register as 3/4 full or so. For some reason, this is just the way it acts. If
you do the exact same fill up procedure when the car is turned off, then the
gauge will register as full when the car is tuned on. If you know why this
happens, please let me know. Back to Top
Does turning off the AC help fuel economy?I have personally seen the effect of the air conditioning (AC) on driving
performance. It's great. One requirement for my next car was that I didn't see
the RPMs jump & the engine complain when I hit the AC button. This car passed
with flying colors. It's hard to notice when the AC compressor is running at
all, either by sapped power when driving or noise from the engine. In fact, it
is more beneficial to keep the AC on, because the computers do a better job of
monitoring it that you can. Back to Top
Why are my door handles fading?During the 2003 model year, the exterior door handles used will eventually
look like they are fading, or turning white or silvery white. To my knowledge,
this has no bearing on the handles being waxed, oil in your hand, exposure to
sunlight or other type of weather, or anything else beside time. I believe it is
the material composition of the plastic. You will notice it first on black cars,
and then Linears with black bottom trim, as it will not match anymore. "There are two types of fasteners securing the rod for the
exterior door handle to the door latch. The early style that slides out to
release the rod has a nasty habit of popping loose again after a few door
openings. There is a later design that secures far more securely that flips
open. Back to Top
XYZ was removed from my car this model year. What else was?There is a Saab Global Factory Options Guide (SGFOG) that details all of the options available from the factory. It shows all the different options available in all countries, and also what was decontented from model year to model year. You can find part numbers, where-found info, approximate prices, gathered advice, installation instructions and more. This guide is very helpful in adding options you couldn't get when you ordered your car, or replacing items that were removed due to cost-cutting measures. You can find this guide here. Back to Top
I Want to change Tech II setting myself! Can't I just buy a Tech II from eBay?Easy answer: No. At least no one's found a way of doing it yet. There are various components involved in this. The Saab 9-3 uses a diagnostic interface tool called Tech II. It is used by most modern GM vehicles for interfacing with the vehicle CAN bus, reading & writing diagnostic codes & settings. This alone (plus the proper software loaded into the Tech II) is sufficient for dealing with many GM vehicles. The Saab 9-3 however, is a beast of a different color... Having said that, it is not impossible. All Saab dealers have this, and many independent shops have this as well. The problem is that it is rather pricy, and involves quite a bit of upkeep & attention, so it is not worth it if you don't use it regularly. You can obtain at SPX Corporation's website.
The first kit is about $5500, and the second is $1500. On top of that you need a subscription. Many settings on the Sport Sedan require 'security access', which is done
with a program called TIS (Technical Information System) . There are also
hardware 'keys' and a CANDI box in order for the TECH II to communicate with the
Sport Sedan. It is security access that requires a contact with
Saab. You download VIN and vehicle build from the vehicle, then via TIS
ask for security access. when it is granted it allows you to make system
changes. Even resetting a service prior to its requested time require security
access. Thanks to partsmanager & Nimisys for this information. Back to Top
The passenger seat sensor is too sensitive!Some folks have had occasion where the SID will give a warning that the front seat passenger must put their seatbelt on, but there is either no passenger sitting there, or there is a small item like a book or bookbag. This problem is not on all seats/vehicles. The problem is that the sensor is too sensitive, and is in a position that compounds its sensitivity. You can fix the problem by moving the sensor further back if you want if you follow the instructions. Disconnecting the sensor is not recommended due to it's possible interaction with the airbag. ctrlz has done this modification, and has posted excellent instructions here. I repeat them here for posterity (but it's kinda long, so I put it here. Back to Top
Why do my radio presets advance from 5 to 1When in FM radio mode, having more than 1 preset, using the NXT steering wheel button will advance the preset station to preset #1. Background: Assuming you have more than 1 radio presents stored, there is a known issue from model year 2003 to at least 2005 vehicles. You can scroll upwards through the presets using the NXT button on the steering wheel. If you are on preset 1, pressing NXT again advances to preset 2, pressing again advances to preset 3, etc. However, due to the manner in which the internal programming is structured, the next preset (regardless of what preset you are currently on) is 1. The radio does this because (and this is pure speculation) that the radio stores the preset list by PS (Program Station Name), not frequency. The PS is RDS/RDBS data transmitted along with the rest of the audio. Not all radio stations transmit PS. Read more about Saab & the RDS/RDBS channels it gets here. Take the following example. Assume you have these stations and have programmed presets 1 through 4:
When you scroll through the list, the index the radio steps through would be ("89X","103.5","Oldies4U","The Rock"). When the radio lands on a station "Oldies4U", it looks up the rest of the info to display (Preset 3, and Frequency of 104.3). In my opinion, this is Bad Programming. There must be some logic to indexing via PS, but it seems to escape me. What I am getting at is that if this stored index is changed, for instance if "Oldies4U" decides to change it's name to "The Shizzle", the radio will try to match Oldies4U to the master PS<->frequency table, and yield nothing. So it dumps the resulting value (null) into the preset list. The resulting preset index will be ("89X","103.5","","The Rock"), and pressing the NXT button will yield 1,2,1. This is the behavior of advancing to preset 1. The indexing failed because it came across a bad value, so it reset to the beginning of the index. Another way to be clued in on if the radio will go to the next preset is to see if the currently selected preset number is listed in the SID. If not, it will revert back to preset 1. Solution: The solution is pretty straight forward. If you notice the behavior, remember that the PS name may have changed (if your NXT goes from 5 to 1 instead of 6, then station 6 has changed). Simply press 6 on the numberpad to get to that station, wait for the PS to show up, and then hold that button down to reprogram the PS into the preset index. Thanks to the many folks at SaabCentral who figured this out (and the fix) when Saab dealers, Service Techs, letters, emails, & telephone calls to Saab could not figure it out. To date it still has not been addressed by Saab. If it was designed to work this way, no explanation has been given. You can read more about this here and here. Back to Top
My tire jack might break? No way!Way. This seems to be only for 2003 vehicles. The old jack part number is
12794626, and the new one is 13162852. The new one has a metal saddle. Back to Top
Missing Trunk Hinge Plastic Cover!There is a body-colored plastic cover only on the left side trunk hinge, who's purpose is to supposedly cover wires, neaten the appearance & prevent wires from catching on items in the trunk. There is no cover on the right side (no wires). To date no one has found a way of duplicating this cover for the right side. Back to Top
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This site was last updated 07/06/05
