2009 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 154

93_US_MY09.book Page 154 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM 154 Starting and driving Limp-home The engine management system has a diagnostic feature that checks a number of internal functions. If a fault is detected in the throttle valve, the engine management system will set the throttle system to the limp-home mode. This means: • idling control will be poor (uneven idling since regulated by ignition and fuel supply) • engine performance will be reduced Limited performance. • the cruise control will not function • the capacity of the A/C compressor will be limited. If the diagnosis function detects a fault in the engine management system, the light "Service Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE" indicator light in the instrument panel will come on (see page 83). Have the car checked at a workshop as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact a Saab dealer. NOTICE • If the engine sounds strange there is a malfunction. We recommend that you contact a Saab dealer immediately. • The use of fuel with too low an octane rating can cause serious engine damage. NOTICE If "Service Engine Light also known as CHECK ENGINE" indicator light warning light starts to flash (indicating that the engine is misfiring and the catalytic converter can be damaged), ease off the accelerator slightly. The light should go out or start to shine constantly. If the light continues to flash despite easing off the accelerator, you may continue to drive the car but at the minimum throttle permitted by the current traffic situation. Have the car checked as soon as possible. We recommend that you contact a Saab dealer. The light comes on in the event of an engine or gearbox fault (cars with automatic gearbox), which may cause driveability problems but that does not affect exhaust emission. The car can still be driven but perhaps with limited performance. Contact a dealer whenever an opportunity occurs. We recommend that you contact a Saab dealer. 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 (precious metal alloy). NOTICE Use only unleaded gasoline. Leaded gasoline is detrimental to the catalyst and oxygen sensor and will seriously impair the function of the catalytic converter.