2000 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 174

174 Car care (80°C). This can be achieved by driving the car for about 30 min on the open road. 2 With the engine idling, move the selector lever to D and wait for at least 15 seconds. Next, move the selector lever to R and wait for 15 seconds again. Finally, move the selector lever to P. Let the engine idle. 3 Wipe the dipstick clean with a lint-free cloth and put it back. 4 With the fluid at normal temperature, the level should be between the MAX and MIN marks on the dipstick. Top up, as necessary, with Texaco Texamatic Dexron III automatic-transmission fluid, adding it through the dipstick pipe. The distance between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick corresponds to a volume of approximately 0.4 qts (0.4 litre). Coolant The expansion tank is transparent, to facilitate checking. The level must be a little under the mark "KALT - COLD" on the tank when the engine is cold. If the SID message "FILL COOLANT FLUID" is displayed, the level in the expansion tank should be checked. Top up as necessary with equal parts of clean water and coolant. Use only coolant approved by Saab. If the expansion tank is empty when coolant is added, run the engine to normal temperature and top up again, as necessary. Coolant The cooling system is filled at the factory with coolant containing a 50% concentration of a combined antifreeze and corrosion inhibitor. A weaker mixture will result in reduced anticorrosion protection. For protection against freezing in very cold weather, a stronger concentration will be needed. A 60% concentration of antifreeze will provide protection at temperatures down to -58 F (-50°C). The corrosion-inhibiting properties of the coolant deteriorate over time, but coolant approved by Saab can be used for year-round protection. Change the coolant as specified in the service program (page 215) and use only coolant approved by Saab - other makes may need changing more frequently and may damage the system. Coolant expansion tank NOTE If there is a burnt smell or the fluid is black, change the fluid as soon as possible. If the outside temperature is below 50°F (10°C), the fluid will not reach the specified temperature of 175°F (80°C). In this case, the correct fluid level may be 0.8 in (20 mm) below the MAX mark.