Shortened instructions on how to change oil in a Saab 9-3 (expanded version on page 3)
1. (not required) TURNING THE WHEELS TO THE LEFT to allow better access to the oil plug.
2. OPEN THE HOOD NEXT BEFORE PROCEEDING.
3. Position a drain pan under oil plug, put some newspaper under the drain pan. Note that oil shoots approximately 6 inches (15 cm) rearward. The drain plug is arms length from the right side of the car about level with the front edge of the tire. It faces backwards.
oil drain plug is to the right. Unscrew it counterclockwise with a 15 mm socket wrench.
oil drain plug has been removed. See some oil dripping from it and a small paper sticker above it.
2. The best position is to lie down in the same orientation as the map with your feet pointing in the same direction as the headlights.
Note the angle of the map on the floor which is positioned in the direction that one should lie down for best access to the drain plug. You feet should be pointing ahead and your head towards the rear of the car near the lake on the map.
3. After oil drains, change the rubber washer on the plug and tighten the plug wrist tight (18 ft. lbs. of torque or 25 Nm).
4. Remove black plastic engine cover (says SAAB turbo) by unscrewing the 3 Torx screws to gain access to the oil filter.
5. Remove the oil filter cover using a 32 mm socket and an extension (approx. 6.99-7.99 at Sears) which connects to the socket wrench. My 32mm socket is very tall so I must first loosen the cover, remove the socket, and finish unscrewing by hand.
box wrench is used to point to the oil filter cover
6. Pull off the oil filter from the oil filter cover. Replace the green oil filter cover gasket and lubricate the new gasket with some oil. Place new oil filter. Tighten cover to slightly more than finger tight (18 ft. lbs. of torque or 25 Nm).
7. Fill the engine with 5.9 quarts of oil (yellow cap over the silver metal part of the engine). Check for oil leaks when the engine is running. Check the dipstick and see if you need to add 0.1 quarts. The capacity is 6.3 quarts but if you add 6.3, it will be overfilled according to the dipstick.
LIST OF NEEDED TOOLS
1. socket wrench set
2. 15 mm socket wrench (should be included in set)
3. 32 mm socket wrench (need to purchase separately)
4. 6-9" extension for 32 mm socket wrench head
5. T-30 Torx screwdriver (may be in tool kit above spare tire)
6. pan to collect used oil
7. if changing oil outside instead of a garage, I recommend at least 6 paperweights (such as a tool) to prevent newspapers from blowing away.
PARTS
1. oil filter (Saab 93175493 or 12605566, 2003-2004 model years may also use 24460713)
2. gasket drain plug (Saab 3536966, can be re-used a few times)
3. sealing ring (oil filter cap gasket) (Saab 90537437, can be re-used a few times)
4. 6 quarts of synthetic motor oil meeting GM-LL-A-025
DISPOSABLES
1. newspaper (I recommend at least 6 sections)
2. disposable gloves
3. paper towels or paper napkins
