2004 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 207

Car care and technical information 207 Coolant WARNING • Proceed with caution if the radiator is boiling when you open the hood. Never remove the expansion-tank filler cap when the radiator is boiling. • The cooling system is pressurized - hot coolant and vapor can escape when the filler cap is released. These can cause injury to your eyes and burns. Loosen the cap carefully, and let the engine cool before removing the cap. • Exercise care when adding coolant. Coolant on hot surfaces constitutes a fire risk. The expansion tank is transparent to facilitate checking of the coolant level. When the engine is cold, the coolant must not lie over the KALT/COLD mark on the expansion tank. If the message "Coolant level low. Refill." is displayed on the SID, check the level of fluid in the expansion tank. Top up, as necessary, with equal parts of clean water and Saab-approved coolant. If the expansion tank is empty when coolant is added, run the engine to normal temperature and top up again, as necessary. Note: If incorrect coolant is used or added, the life-time properties will be affected. Even if the coolant is flushed from the system and replaced with life-time coolant, life-time properties are no longer retained and the coolant must then be drained and replaced at regular intervals. NOTICE IB1338 Coolant expansion tank 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. Coolant The cooling system is charged at the factory with coolant containing a 45 % 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 coolant does not normally have to be changed during the service life of the car. The type of coolant used has a reddish color and should not be mixed with other types of coolant. Saab Original coolant should be used all year round. Only use coolant approved by Saab.