2001 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 199

Car care NOTE Always mix the antifreeze with the appropriate volume of water before adding it to the cooling system. If pure antifreeze is added, the engine could still freeze and be damaged. This is because the antifreeze will not mix properly with the coolant before the thermostat has opened to allow full circulation. 199 6 Add the coolant slowly to the expansion tank. This will take about two minutes, as the air needs time to escape. 7 Screw the expansion-tank cap on and run the engine to normal temperature. Top up with coolant until the level is just under the "KALT - COLD" mark on the tank. 8 Check the coolant again after a few days and top up as necessary. IB893 Radiator drain cock 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 239) and use only coolant approved by Saab - other makes may need changing more frequently and may damage the system. Changing the coolant (Usually carried out as part of the Saab original service by an authorized Saab dealer) 1 If the engine is hot, loosen the expansion-tank filler cap a little to release the pressure. Leave the cap in place. 2 Fit a suitable piece of hose onto the nipple of the drain cock. Let the hose discharge into a receptacle under the radiator and open the drain cock, which is located on the inside of the radiator facing the engine bay. 3 Remove the filler cap on the expansion tank. 4 In a couple of minutes the system will be empty. Close the drain cock. 5 Mix antifreeze and water in a suitable container. Use only Saab-approved coolant.