Christmas FAQ

07/16/05

 

 

German Christmas FAQ

This is a simple FAQ for Christmas.  Things I keep forgetting every year.  This is an attempt to slow the gradual deterioration of my punk-ass brain cells.  What's that mean?  My HTML technical skills increase as vital memories decrease.  Eh, whaddyagonnado?

Disclaimer(s):

This is totally my interpretation based on research gathered from where I could.  I'll try to site sources, but some stuff I won't be able to find, so deal with it.

Table of Contents

  1. Why are there lights on Christmas trees?
  2. How's a German Christmas different than, say, Russian?
  3. What's with the advent calendar?
  4. What's with the gift in your shoe on December 6th?
  5. Why a pine tree?
  6. Uh, what's Christmas about anyway?  Is it one of those "Hallmark Holidays"?
  7. Why is it November & I hear Christmas music already?
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10
  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13

Why are there lights on Christmas trees?

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.  What do you need you 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.

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How's a German Christmas different than, say, Russian?

Please note that if you are upgrading from a Linear or Arc with down turned muffler tailpipes, both these kits have a hole for straight out exhaust.

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What's with the advent calendar?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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What's with the gift in your shoe on December 6th?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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Why a pine tree?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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Uh, what's Christmas about anyway? Is it one of those "Hallmark Holidays"?

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.

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Why is it November & I hear Christmas music already?

There's really no good answer to this question.  Just a section to mark down the gradual creep of Christmas in general (songs, decor, and media advertising) into the wee early days of October.

2004 marks the first year there are 3 all-Christmas stations on XM.  Also, Magic 104 started playing all-Christmas in November.

 

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What's the TP & does RDS/RDBS work?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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Does the in-dash CD player/changer feature CD Text & can it read MP3 on CDs?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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What's Tech II (Tech 2)?  What are all the available options?  What should I get at my 30 day inspection?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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What's Comfort Open/Close?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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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.
 
Later 9-5s also have this.
 
Part# 12803392
Approx cost: $1.40

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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.

bulletThumb Starting
bulletYou can start your car with your thumb!  Place key near ignition, insert thumb into ignition depressing it (the lock should click), turn thumb.  Car will start.  Remove thumb & key.  Turn off with thumb.  Aside from an amusing party trick, I don't think anyone's found a use for this. More details...
bulletWhen you shut the car off after a drive, but to not remove the ignition, certain things stay lit that you can activate. When you open the door, your options change. Your car is telling you what you can do when. That's pretty complex for an electrical system.  More details...

-Shut car off & pull key out (but don't open door).
1: Eject button & CD insertion location light are on (you can eject or insert a CD)
2: Window button are lit (all windows will still work)
3: Door lock buttons are lit (you can lock/unlock all doors)

-Open door
1: Same as above: CD action still good.
2: Same as above: window action still good (I think, it was early & this doesn't make sense to me)
3: Door lock buttons are unlit (driver side won't work anymore). 
bulletYou can turn on the stereo/CD player/(navi?) while the car is off. The key doesn't even need to be in the ignition.
bulletYour center armrest slides back & forth (2003 Linears don't though)
bulletOn the 9-3s with Navigation, you can change the volume of the speaking voice simply by using the normal volume button while the voice is speaking.
bulletThere's a coinholder in the center armrest.  It's the wavy rubber thing.
bulletThat rectangular raised plastic cap right next to the coinholder is the aux-in port.  Read more about Aux-in here.
bulletInside your glovebox there is a pen holder

Source

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"I want an ashtray instead of a shelf!" & "I want a shelf instead of an ashtray!"

shelf: 12 802 362 $48
Rubber mat: 12 806 035  
 
http://www.saabcentral.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=43322
 
Ashtray, LHD: 12785423
Ashtray, RHD: 12789501  $42

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Can Onstar unlock my car?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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Can Onstar unlock my car?

[This is the answer to the question.]

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This site was last updated 01/02/05