2000 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 135

Starting and driving 135 Starting the engine WARNING • Always remove the key before leaving the car. • Always apply the parking brake before removing the ignition key. WARNING • Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas. Be alert to the danger of CO - always open the garage doors before starting the engine in the garage. • There is also a danger of CO poisoning if the exhaust system is leaking. Do not run the starter motor for more than 25 seconds at a time. Wait 20-30 seconds before running the starter again, to give the battery time to recover. Avoid racing the engine or putting a heavy load on it before it has warmed up. Let the engine idle for at least 10 seconds and then drive away as long as the engine oil warning light has gone out to enable the engine to attain its normal temperature as quickly as possible. It is possible for air to enter the lubricating system in conjunction with an oil or oil-filter change, or if the car has been stored for some time. This air can cause the hydraulic cam followers to emit a ticking noise, which can persist for up to 15 minutes after starting. Although this is quite normal and does not indicate any malfunction, it is advisable not to exceed 3,000 rpm before the noise has disappeared. The hydraulic cam lifters are completely service free; the valve clearance is set up at the factory and will not need any subsequent adjustment. Starting the engine The engine has an automatic choke and should be started as follows: Cars with manual gearbox To start the engine the clutch pedal must be fully depressed. 1 Depress the clutch pedal but do not touch the accelerator. 2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key spring back as soon as the engine has started and is running smoothly - at very low temperatures, you may need to run the starter for up to 50 seconds. Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do not open the throttle wide for at least 2-3 minutes after starting. Cars with automatic transmission The selector lever must be in the P or N position. 1 Keep your foot on the brake pedal. 2 Start the engine. Let the ignition key spring back as soon as the engine has started and is running smoothly - at very low temperatures, you may need to run the starter for up to 50 seconds. Let the engine idle for about 10 seconds. Do not open the throttle wide for at least 2-3 minutes after starting. NOTE Take care not to spill drinks or to drop crumbs over the ignition switch. If dirt or liquid gets into it, the switch may not operate properly. If the car does not start If the text "KEY NOT ACCEPTED" appears on the SID when the engine refuses to start, the trouble may be a fault in the transponder of the key or in the receiver of the ignition switch. Proceed as follows: • Turn the key back to the LOCK position. • Turn the key to the ON position. • Press one of the buttons on the remote control (the LED on top of the dash stops flashing). • Start the engine. Try the other key. If it works, the trouble is in the first key. Call on an authorized Saab dealer for inspection and correction.