SAAB WIS ONLINE

(321-2661) Battery care

Symptom: The battery has no charge. The battery cannot be charged. The battery analyser indicates "Charge & test" or "Replace battery".

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN
Bulletin Nbr: 321-2661
Date: ........... April 2007
Market: ej US/CA
Battery care

This bulletin provides information on battery care and takes effect immediately.

WIS edition 2007-2 will contain this information.

Note

The accompanying methods have also been reported for purposes other than battery care.


Cars affected

Saab 9-3

Background

If a battery is left without maintenance for long periods, its level of charge will gradually drop. The rate at which the level of charge drops depends mainly on how much current is being used by the car's electrical system. There is a certain amount of self-discharge even when the battery has been disconnected. This will increase with the temperature.

If the battery is left standing with too a low degree of charge for long periods, a chemical process starts where the battery electrolyte gradually converts to water and the battery plates start to corrode (sulphating). This corrosive process starts to become critical if the battery is left for approximately 2 weeks with a degree of charge below 65-75 % (corresponds to an unloaded battery voltage less than about 12.4 Volts).

The damage that is then caused is permanent and cannot be remedied with normal battery recharging. As a result, the capacity and service life of the battery will be permanently impaired.

The aim of this TSB is to prevent this type of damage occurring in the battery and to therefore increase the service life of the battery, and above all to ensure that the customer receives a battery in good condition.

To make this possible, the following procedures have been modified/introduced:


1. Pre-delivery inspection

1.1. Battery check during pre-delivery inspection

2. Storage care

2.1. Battery check during storage care

3. Delivery service

3.1. Battery check during delivery service

4. Battery check during service

5. Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system


Symptom description

The battery has no charge.

The battery cannot be charged.

The battery analyser indicates "Charge & test" or "Replace battery".



Parts required

Not affected.

Procedure

Carry out/update handling as per the following instructions.

Underlined text symbolises links to other instructions found in this bulletin or in WIS. WIS instructions not attached are not affected by this bulletin.

1. Acceptance delivery inspection

Pre-delivery inspection of a new car is mandatory for all Saab cars.

Carry out the checks and confirm the inspection by signing the Pre-delivery inspection form .

A new car is to be inspected immediately after reception. The receiver is responsible for ensuring that faults and deviations are reported as described in applicable routines.


1. Check that the car's specification matches the order form. This also applies to optional equipment.

2. Check the underbody for transport damage.

3. Check that the car's spare wheel/repair kit and tools are present.

4. Check that accompanying material is present.

5. Carry out battery check during pre-delivery inspection .

6. Clean the car for paintwork and damage inspection. If you clean away dust and dirt with a strongly alkaline cleaning agent, it could affect the paintwork. Keep chemical usage to the bare minimum for this cleaning.

Cars with paint protection plastic: If there has been damage to the paint protection plastic, remove it to examine the damage. Then store the car under a roof.

7. Check the car for damage both inside and out.

8. Note and report any damage and other observations.


Action if the car will be stored




1. Check and if necessary adjust tyre pressure to 3.5 bar (50 psi).

2. If the car is stored in an ambient temperature greater than +20°C (69°F), fuel should be filled to min 2/3 tank. Otherwise, there is a risk of fuel pump malfunction due to oxidation.


Additional action if the car will be stored outdoors




1. Check the coolant level and anti-freeze content. The coolant should handle at least -30°C (-22°F). It then also provides maximum corrosion protection. For certain climates, the mixture must handle lower temperatures. Top up as necessary following the specification.

2. If the car's paint protection plastic has been removed, the car must be stored under a roof.

3. Drive the car to the parking area. While doing so, brake repeatedly very briefly so that the brake discs become clean and dry.

4. Make sure:

The parking brake lever is released to its home position.

Manual gearbox: Reverse gear engaged.

Automatic transmission: Gear selector in P.

All windows, doors and the boot lid/tailgate are properly closed.

5. Check the protective plastic on the seats and correct as necessary.

6. Open the bonnet.

7. Lock the car.

Note

As the car's electrical system is in Transport mode, the car can only be locked manually. The left front door is locked using the metal key that is in the remote control and other doors are locked from the inside using the lock buttons.



1.1 Battery check during pre-delivery inspection


1. Switch off all consumers and check that the text "Transport fuse removed" appears in the main instrument unit. If not: Put the car in transport mode - see Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system . Then remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.

Note

Some diagnostic trouble codes may be generated if the battery check is carried out with the key in the ignition switch.


2. Check the battery electrolyte level. The battery cannot be topped up with electrolyte. It must be replaced if the level is too low.

Note

The electrolyte level is checked through an indicator window on the battery that appears white if the level is too low. If the electrolyte level is sufficiently high, the indicator window appears black.


3. Remove the cover from the underhood electrical centre (UEC).

4. Remove fuse 30. Wait at least 20 seconds before connecting the battery analyser.

5. Connect the battery analyser with the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) and the black clamp to the negative terminal (-). Incorrect polarity will not damage the analyser. Make sure that the clamps make as good contact as possible.

Follow the instructions on the analyser display.

Note

Once both clamps are connected, the analyser activates automatically. For a more detailed description on analyser use, see the analyser's user manual.


6. Under "SELECT TEST", you choose whether the battery is connected to the car's electrical system ("IN VEHICLE") or not ("OUTSIDE VEHICLE"). Select ("IN VEHICLE") since the battery is connected to the car.

7. Under "BATTERY TYPE", select whether the battery is factory-fitted ("SAAB BATTERY") or a replacement battery from another manufacturer ("NON-SAAB").

8. Confirm "SELECT TEST BY SAE (A)" if the battery's cold starting current is specified as per CCA (SAE or EN) standard. For batteries specified as per DIN standard, select and confirm "SELECT TEST BY DIN (A)".

Note

The DIN standard can be selected when the analyser is used to test replacement batteries that are not specified according to SAE or EN.


9. Enter the cold starting current for the battery in question (CCA).

For Saab's factory-fitted batteries, this value if found in large text on the label on the top of the battery.

60 Ah = 580 CCA

70 Ah = 700 CCA

85 Ah = 750 CCA

After selecting and confirming the value, battery measurement starts automatically.

Under certain voltage and conductance conditions, the analyser will require information on whether the test is being performed before or after the battery has been charged in order to assess it correctly.

Select "BEFORE CHARGE" or "AFTER CHARGE".

Follow the action suggested by the battery analyser:

Good battery = Battery is good. No action.

Good, recharge battery = Battery must be charged, but not replaced.

Replace battery = Battery must be replaced.

10. Fill in the battery card.

11. Note the test code if the analyser has indicated that the battery must be replaced within the warranty period. The test code from this measurement must then accompany the warranty claim (for more information, see Warranty policy).

12. Fit fuse 30 and check that the transport fuse is in the TRANSPORT position.


13. Fit the cover over the underhood electrical centre (UEC).


2. Storage care

Storage care is mandatory for all Saab cars with intervals of no more than 60 days until the car is sold.

For the battery the check intervals are no more than 30 days. Check the battery card to see when the last battery check was performed. Follow the procedure under Battery check during storage care .

Carry out the checks and confirm the inspection by signing the Storage care form .

See workshop information and routines for the remedying of faults.

Check and action points


1. Check that the paint protection plastic is intact. If there has been damage to the paint protection plastic, remove it to examine the damage. Then store the car under a roof.

2. Unlock the car.

Note

Since the car's electrical system is in transport mode, the car can only be unlocked manually. The left front door is unlocked with the metal key incorporated into the remote control.


3. Carry out Battery check during storage care .

4. Fill the fuel up to min 2/3 tank to prevent dry running of the fuel pump.

5. Check the engine oil. If the oil is thick or contains clumps, the oil and oil filter must be replaced.

6. Check and if necessary adjust tyre pressure to 3.5 bar (50 psi).

7. Check the coolant level.

8. Drive the car at least 200 metres. While doing so, brake repeatedly very briefly so that the brake discs become clean and dry.

9. Park the car facing the opposite direction to distribute the effects of the sun.

10. Open the bonnet to enable the engine to cool more quickly.

11. Check the protective plastic on the seats and correct as necessary.

12. Make sure:

The parking brake lever is released to its home position.

Manual gearbox: Reverse gear engaged.

Automatic transmission: Gear selector in P.

All windows, doors and the boot lid/tailgate are properly closed.

13. Lock the car.

Note

As the car's electrical system is in Transport mode, the car can only be locked manually. The left front door is locked using the metal key that is in the remote control and other doors are locked from the inside using the lock buttons.


14. Check the engine bay for the start of corrosion, particularly on the aluminium.

Treat as necessary with 91 21 548 Protective wax . Apply a covering wax film without excess.

15. Close the bonnet.


2.1 Battery check during storage care


1. Switch off all consumers and check that the text "Transport fuse removed" appears in the main instrument unit. If not: Put the car in transport mode - see Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system . Then remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.

Note

Some diagnostic trouble codes may be generated if the battery check is carried out with the key in the ignition switch.


2. Check the battery electrolyte level. The battery cannot be topped up with electrolyte. It must be replaced if the level is too low.

Note

The electrolyte level is checked through an indicator window on the battery that appears white if the level is too low. If the electrolyte level is sufficiently high, the indicator window appears black.


3. Remove the cover from the underhood electrical centre (UEC).

4. Remove fuse 30. Wait at least 20 seconds before connecting the battery analyser.

5. Connect the battery analyser with the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) and the black clamp to the negative terminal (-). Incorrect polarity will not damage the analyser. Make sure that the clamps make as good contact as possible.

Follow the instructions on the analyser display.

Note

Once both clamps are connected, the analyser activates automatically. For a more detailed description on analyser use, see the analyser's user manual.


6. Under "SELECT TEST", you choose whether the battery is connected to the car's electrical system ("IN VEHICLE") or not ("OUTSIDE VEHICLE"). Select ("IN VEHICLE") since the battery is connected to the car.

7. Under "BATTERY TYPE", select whether the battery is factory-fitted ("SAAB BATTERY") or a replacement battery from another manufacturer ("NON-SAAB").

8. Confirm "SELECT TEST BY SAE (A)" if the battery's cold starting current is specified as per CCA (SAE or EN) standard. For batteries specified as per DIN standard, select and confirm "SELECT TEST BY DIN (A)".

Note

The DIN standard can be selected when the analyser is used to test replacement batteries that are not specified according to SAE or EN.


9. Enter the cold starting current for the battery in question (CCA).

For Saab's factory-fitted batteries, this value if found in large text on the label on the top of the battery.

60 Ah = 580 CCA

70 Ah = 700 CCA

85 Ah = 750 CCA

After selecting and confirming the value, battery measurement starts automatically.

Under certain voltage and conductance conditions, the analyser will require information on whether the test is being performed before or after the battery has been charged in order to assess it correctly.

Select "BEFORE CHARGE" or "AFTER CHARGE".

Follow the action suggested by the battery analyser:

Good battery = Battery is good. No action.

Good, recharge battery = Battery must be charged, but not replaced.

Replace battery = Battery must be replaced.

10. Fill in the battery card.

11. Note the test code if the analyser has indicated that the battery must be replaced within the warranty period. The test code from this measurement must then accompany the warranty claim (for more information, see Warranty policy).

12. Fit fuse 30 and check that the transport fuse is in the TRANSPORT position.


13. Fit the cover over the underhood electrical centre (UEC).


3. Pre-delivery service

The material needed for pre-delivery service if packed in the car's glove box and luggage compartment.


1. Unlock the car.

Note

Since the car's electrical system is in transport mode, the car can only be unlocked manually. The left front door is unlocked with the metal key incorporated into the remote control.


2. Remove the paint protection plastic .

3. CV: Remove the protection from the soft top.

4. Remove the transport supports from the suspension.

5. Remove the transport guards from the brake discs and the label from the windscreen.

6. Carry out battery check during delivery service .

7. Fit the battery cover .

8. Adjust the tyre pressure (including the spare tyre, if present).

9. Cars with steel rims: Fit hubcaps.

10. Check the level and top up the following fluids:

Washer fluid

Engine oil

Coolant

Brake and clutch fluid

Power steering fluid

11. Remove the protection from the following in the interior :

Seats

Rear seat

Gear lever/gear selector

Steering wheel

Floor

Door trim on driver's side

Front sills

Bottom part of dashboard

Cars with navigation system: Navigation unit display.

12. Put extra mats in place (not US/CA).

13. Remove the VIN label from the rear door window.

14. Take the accompanying items from the glove box.

Fit the cover washer in the lock cylinder of the left front door.

Affix anti-theft alarm labels (not US/CA).

EU: Put the Certificate of Conformity in the Owner's Manual folder.

CV: Fit the radio antenna.

Cars with navigation system: Put the map disc in the navigation unit's DVD player.

CV: The navigation disc is factory-fitted. Check!

Fit the wheel bolt caps .

15. Set date and time.

16. Check the functionality of the washer and wiper system .

17. Clear the diagnostic trouble codes in all systems.

18. Configure dipped beam/front fog lights .

19. Fit the foam plate for the number plate following the instructions (not JP and KR) and fit the number plates.

20. Cars with pinch protection: Remove fuse F5 in the dashboard. Fit fuse F5. Initiate pinch protection .

21. Test drive the car.

22. Check that no diagnostic trouble codes have been detected in any system.

23. Remove the towing eye, close the cover, remove the spare wheel and stow the towing eye in the tool compartment. Refit the spare wheel, if present.

24. Clean the car.


3.1 Battery check during pre-delivery service


1. Switch off all consumers and check that the text "Transport fuse removed" appears in the main instrument unit. If not: Put the car in transport mode - see Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system . Then remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.

Note

Some diagnostic trouble codes may be generated if the battery check is carried out with the key in the ignition switch.


2. Check the battery electrolyte level. The battery cannot be topped up with electrolyte. It must be replaced if the level is too low.

Note

The electrolyte level is checked through an indicator window on the battery that appears white if the level is too low. If the electrolyte level is sufficiently high, the indicator window appears black.


3. Remove the cover from the underhood electrical centre (UEC).

4. Remove fuse 30. Wait at least 20 seconds before connecting the battery analyser.

5. Connect the battery analyser with the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) and the black clamp to the negative terminal (-). Incorrect polarity will not damage the analyser. Make sure that the clamps make as good contact as possible.

Follow the instructions on the analyser display.

Note

Once both clamps are connected, the analyser activates automatically. For a more detailed description on analyser use, see the analyser's user manual.


6. Under "SELECT TEST", you choose whether the battery is connected to the car's electrical system ("IN VEHICLE") or not ("OUTSIDE VEHICLE"). Select ("IN VEHICLE") since the battery is connected to the car.

7. Under "BATTERY TYPE", select whether the battery is factory-fitted ("SAAB BATTERY") or a replacement battery from another manufacturer ("NON-SAAB").

8. Confirm "SELECT TEST BY SAE (A)" if the battery's cold starting current is specified as per CCA (SAE or EN) standard. For batteries specified as per DIN standard, select and confirm "SELECT TEST BY DIN (A)".

Note

The DIN standard can be selected when the analyser is used to test replacement batteries that are not specified according to SAE or EN.


9. Enter the cold starting current for the battery in question (CCA).

For Saab's factory-fitted batteries, this value if found in large text on the label on the top of the battery.

60 Ah = 580 CCA

70 Ah = 700 CCA

85 Ah = 750 CCA

After selecting and confirming the value, battery measurement starts automatically.

Under certain voltage and conductance conditions, the analyser will require information on whether the test is being performed before or after the battery has been charged in order to assess it correctly.

Select "BEFORE CHARGE" or "AFTER CHARGE".

Follow the action suggested by the battery analyser:

Good battery = Battery is good. No action.

Good, recharge battery = Battery must be charged, but not replaced.

Replace battery = Battery must be replaced.

10. Fill in the battery card.

11. Note the test code if the analyser has indicated that the battery must be replaced within the warranty period. The test code from this measurement must then accompany the warranty claim (for more information, see Warranty policy).

12. Fit fuse 30 and fuse 37 (moved from TRANSPORT to position 37). Put the car in customer mode - see Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system .


13. Fit the cover over the underhood electrical centre (UEC).


4. Battery check during service


1. Remove the battery cover.

2. Check the battery electrolyte level. The battery cannot be topped up with electrolyte. It must be replaced if the level is too low.

Note

The electrolyte level is checked through an indicator window on the battery that appears white if the level is too low. If the electrolyte level is sufficiently high, the indicator window appears black.


3. Remove the cover from the underhood electrical centre (UEC).

4. Put the car in transport mode - see Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system .

5. Switch off all consumers and check that the text "Transport fuse removed" appears in the main instrument unit. Then remove the ignition key from the ignition switch.

Note

Some diagnostic trouble codes may be generated if the battery check is carried out with the key in the ignition switch.


6. Remove fuse 30. Wait at least 20 seconds before connecting the battery analyser.

7. Connect the battery analyser with the red clamp to the positive terminal (+) and the black clamp to the negative terminal (-). Incorrect polarity will not damage the analyser. Make sure that the clamps make as good contact as possible.

Follow the instructions on the analyser display.

Note

Once both clamps are connected, the analyser activates automatically. For a more detailed description on analyser use, see the analyser's user manual.


8. Under "SELECT TEST", you choose whether the battery is connected to the car's electrical system ("IN VEHICLE") or not ("OUTSIDE VEHICLE"). Select ("IN VEHICLE") since the battery is connected to the car.

9. Under "BATTERY TYPE", select whether the battery is factory-fitted ("SAAB BATTERY") or a replacement battery from another manufacturer ("NON-SAAB").

10. Confirm "SELECT TEST BY SAE (A)" if the battery's cold starting current is specified as per CCA (SAE or EN) standard. For batteries specified as per DIN standard, select and confirm "SELECT TEST BY DIN (A)".

Note

The DIN standard can be selected when the analyser is used to test replacement batteries that are not specified according to SAE or EN.


11. Enter the cold starting current for the battery in question (CCA).

For Saab's factory-fitted batteries, this value if found in large text on the label on the top of the battery.

60 Ah = 580 CCA

70 Ah = 700 CCA

85 Ah = 750 CCA

After selecting and confirming the value, battery measurement starts automatically.

Under certain voltage and conductance conditions, the analyser will require information on whether the test is being performed before or after the battery has been charged in order to assess it correctly.

Select "BEFORE CHARGE" or "AFTER CHARGE".

Follow the action suggested by the battery analyser:

Good battery = Battery is good. No action.

Good, recharge battery = Battery must be charged, but not replaced.

Replace battery = Battery must be replaced.

12. Note the test code if the analyser has indicated that the battery must be replaced within the warranty period. The test code from this measurement must then accompany the warranty claim (for more information, see Warranty policy).

13. Fit fuse 30 and fuse 37 (moved from TRANSPORT to position 37). Put the car in customer mode - see Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system .


14. Fit the cover over the underhood electrical centre (UEC).

15. Fit the battery cover.

16. Carry out Procedures after disconnecting the battery .


5. Transport mode/customer mode of car's electrical system

Because the car's electrical system requires current, there are two different adaptations - transport mode and customer mode.

Transport mode

Minimises the car's current consumption during transport from the factory to the customer. Many customer-oriented functions are then not available, such as central locking of rear doors, rear window lifts and the audio/navigation system. The car is to be removed from this mode only as an exception during the car's handling up until delivery service has been performed. An example of an exception is cars parked in a showroom. If the car is put in customer mode, battery condition must be checked more often.

Function description: Activate transport mode

The front electrical centre sends a signal on the I-bus that the fuse is removed. At the same time, a number of control modules in the rear electrical centre that are powered by this fuse are deactivated. Examples of deactivated functions include the parking assistance system, sunroof and rear door modules.

The Body Control Module (BCM) reads the signal, at which time BCM sends a message on the I-bus indicating that transport mode is activated. This affects the control module containing customer functions/comfort functions that are not necessary to be able to safely move the car, which is not supplied current by maxi fuse 37 and the rear electrical centre. This operation only occurs during cycling of the ignition to be able to distinguish from the fuse blowing while driving, at which point indications/warnings would be given to the driver.

Indication in MIU: "Transport fuse removed".

Activate transport mode

Move the transport fuse from position 37 to TRANSPORT and turn the ignition key to "Ignition ON". Wait until the text "Transport fuse removed" appears in the main instrument unit and then turn the key back to the OFF position and remove it. The car is now in transport mode.


Customer mode

All functions (as per car specification) are now available to the customer.

Note that only the combination of fitting/removing maxi fuse 37 and turning the ignition key to "Ignition ON" changes the mode. Starting and moving the changes the selected mode if the fuse is removed/inserted (customer or transport mode).

Function description: Activate customer mode

The front electrical centre sends a signal on the I-bus indicating that the fuse is inserted.

The Body Control Module (BCM) reads this signal, at which time the BCM sends a message on the I-bus indicating that customer mode is activated. This only occurs during cycling of the ignition. Thus, the ignition must be switched on and off to activate customer functions (customer mode).

No indication in MIU. Only the "normal view" appears.

Activate customer mode

Move the transport fuse from TRANSPORT to position 37 and turn the ignition key to "Ignition ON". Wait until the text "system check" in the main instrument unit shows "OK" and then turn the key back to the OFF position and remove it. The car is now in customer mode.


Demo/showroom cars

Trickle charging is recommended to prevent battery discharge and damage. The amount of charging should be adapted to current consumption. Too high voltage/current from the charger could damage the battery due to overcharging.

If trickle charging is not possible, the battery must be checked often (depending on current consumption) - a minimum of once a week. Use the standard battery analyser to check battery status.

Warranty/Time Information