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Saab Service and Warranty Reference Library

Date: 12/2/02

To: All Saab Dealers
Saab Service Manager
Saab Parts Manager

From: Rich Miller

Code: 100/200

Reference: REVISED - Recommended oil grades for 2003 Model Saabs including 9-3 Sport Sedan Service Intervals/Requirements

All 2003 Saab models will come with an underhood label indicating "Recommended oils/Use Saab Genuine Oil/Mobil 1". It is important that the different requirements for each model is understood.

9-3 Sport Sedan Service Intervals/Requirements: Requires Full Synthetic oil which meets GM-LL-A-025 specification

The Saab 9-3 Sport Sedan enters a new level of maintenance intervals and requirements. Service intervals fall under main categories: Intermediate and Main Service interval. A message on SID indicates to the owner when either service is required.

MAIN SERVICE interval is based entirely on mileage driven: 30,000; 60,000 and 90,000 miles.

INTERMEDIATE SERVICE is set by an algorithm that determines when service is required. Miles driven, crankshaft revolutions, number of starts/cold starts, ambient temperatures, speed and engine temperature are among the measurements used to compute the interval with the TIME FOR SERVICE message being set between 8,000 and a maximum of 15,000 miles. If the mileage interval is not met, the message will be set at 2 years.

NOTE: The actual oil condition is NOT measured, only the above calculations performed.

It is important to note that this computation is based on the use of fully-synthetic oil which meets GM-LL-A-025 specification. This is a specification that is currently not commonly found in the US. The only oils that are readily available that meet this specification are Mobile 0W40 SuperSyn and Saab 0W30 Turbo Long-Life Fully Synthetic oil.

Saab Fully Synthetic Turbo oil is available under the following part numbers:
12 799 131 = 4 liter container
12 799 130 = 1 liter container

If an oil of lesser quality is used, the algorithm will be incorrect and severe engine problems may occur.

9-5, 9-3 Convertible Service Intervals/Requirements: Requires Semi-Synthetic oil which meets ACEA A3/B3, API SJ specification or higher.

For 2003, the 9-5 and 9-3 Convertible requirements remain the same as for 2002. Oil changes are required every 10,000 miles under normal driving conditions. Oil requirements remain the same at either semi-synthetic or full-synthetic. For the purpose of Saab No-Charge Scheduled Maintenance, only Saab Semi-synthetic should be used. Claims submitted for Saab Long-Life Full Synthetic on 9-5 or 9-3 CV models will be returned.

Saab Semi Synthetic Turbo oil is available under the following part numbers:
02 86 609 = 1 liter container
02 86 617 = 4 litre container

Sincerely,
Rich Miller
Manager,
Technical Services Quality

Abe Buchbinder
Director,
Product Quality and Service