Saab 9-3 Convertible M2003, Owner'S Manual

Page: 79 / 256

79 Instruments and controls
The air conditioning is combined with the
conventional climate-control system and is
switched on by pressing the button,
provided that the fan control is in position 1–
4.
The incoming air is treated in three stages:
first it passes through a filter; it is then dehu-
midified and cooled and, finally, if required,
heated.
The air conditioning can be used at outdoor
temperatures down to 32°F (0°C).
Condensation water
When the A/C compressor is on, the incom-
ing air is dehumidified. The resulting con-
densation water is drained away through an
outlet under the car.
It is therefore perfectly normal for water to
be seen dripping from this outlet when the
car is parked. The warmer the ambient air
and the higher the humidity, the more con-
densation will form.
When the button is depressed the
regular air intake will be closed. In this posi-
tion, the air inside the cabin is recirculated.
Use recirculation when you want rapid cool-
ing, at extremely high air temperatures.
Switch the air conditioning (A/C) on first.
Recirculation can be useful to activate man-
ually to prevent unpleasant smells being
drawn into the car from outside.
Note that recirculation should not be
used when the outside temperature is
lower than 50°F (+10°C) except briefly,
e.g. to avoid unpleasant air from enter-
ing the car. Prolonged use of recircula-
tion could cause the windows to mist or
ice up.
The button is located on the climate-control
panel. An LED in the button is lit as long as
heating is on.
Switch off the heating as soon as the rear
window is clear. It will go off automatically
after about 10 minutes.
If the battery voltage is lower than 12 V the
heating will be switched off earlier so that
the battery can get the benefit of the alterna-
tor charge.
Do not switch the heating on until you have
started the engine.
Air conditioning (A/C)
Recirculation
Electrically heated rear
window/external mirrors
93uC03.book Page 79 Thursday, May 30, 2002 11:36 AM