2000 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 137

Starting and driving Saab 9-3 Viggen: The Saab 9-3 Viggen has a high-performance engine which means that a certain amount of care should be exercised, in particular when accelerating in the lower gears. This is especially important when the road surface is slippery to avoid the driving wheels losing their grip 137 Important considerations with catalytic converters The catalytic converter is an emission-control device incorporated in the car's exhaust system. It consists of a metal canister with a honeycomb insert, the cells of which have walls coated in a catalytic layer (mixture of precious metals). NOTE If constant knocking occurs every time a load is put on the engine, this indicates a malfunction in the system. Have the car checked without delay by an authorized Saab dealer. NOTE Use only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gasoline is detrimental to the catalyst and oxygen sensor and will seriously impair the function of the catalytic converter. To ensure that the catalytic converter continues to function properly, and also to avoid damage to the converter and its associated components, the following points must be observed: • Have the car serviced regularly in accordance with the service program. The fuel and ignition systems are particularly important in this context. • Always be alert to any misfiring of the engine (not running on all cylinders) and any loss of power or performance. At the first sign of a malfunction, reduce speed and take the car to an authorized Saab dealer as soon as possible. • If the engine fails to start (in very cold weather or if the battery is dead), the car can be push started (manual gearbox only) or started using jumper cables to a donor battery. However, as soon as you IB1315 Engine-management system with catalytic converter 1 Engine control module 2 Oxygen sensor (lambda probe) 3 Catalytic converter NOTE If the engine is being run with the car on a rolling road or dynamometer, longer than for a standard state emission inspection, to ensure adequate cooling, air must be blown into the engine compartment and under the car at a rate equivalent to the ram-air effect that would be obtained at the corresponding road speed. have started the engine, it is important that it runs on all cylinders. If it is misfiring, allow it to idle for up to five minutes to give it time to settle and run smoothly. If, after this time, the engine still fails to run properly, turn off the engine and get in touch with an authorized Saab dealer for advice. • Never park the car on dry grass or other combustible material. The catalytic converter gets very hot and could therefore start a fire. • Never drive off if the engine is misfiring. • If you jump start the car when the engine is already up to normal temperature, the engine must start to run on all cylinders.