Test Code

Saab's battery test code can be displayed at any time while the test results are being read by pressing the "i" button.

The test code consists of 8 characters and contains all the information obtained from the battery test in encrypted form. The code is required for all warranty claims. The code can be interpreted for warranty and quality control purposes using special software. This test code (together with the VIN and test date) will also be used to chart the condition of the battery from the factory to the final customer and how the distribution chain can be further optimized in the future.

Return to the test results by pressing the "i" button once again.

Note
The test code can only be obtained if the test type "SAAB BATTERY" has been selected. Otherwise, the message "NON-SAAB BATTERY TEST" will be displayed.

Note
To continuously trickle charge batteries in display cars, a specially adapted charger should be used with a lower voltage. If the voltage is too high, the charger will damage the battery due to overcharging.

Charge code





The illustrated button above can be pressed at any time while reading the test results to obtain a charge code. This code is for future use and can then be entered into a special, intelligent battery charger for automatic and specially adapted charging of the battery.

Charging

WARNING!
Never charge a severely discharged battery that has been left in the cold, as the electrolyte will consist mostly of water and may have frozen. If a frozen battery is charged without first being thawed out, the battery can explode.

The battery must be charged if the battery tester displays any of the following test messages:

"GOOD - RECHARGE"
"CHARGE & RETEST"

Use a battery charger with a charging current approx. 10-20 % of the battery's rated capacity, i.e. 7-14 amps for a 70 Ah battery. Normal charge time is 4-12 hours, depending on the condition of the battery and the charging current.

Important
So-called quick-chargers with high charging current must not be used!

Always check the level of electrolyte before and after charging and top up as necessary.

The battery need not be disconnected and the caps can remain closed when the charging rates recommended above are used.

Perform a new test after charging and enter the result on the battery card.

Note
The test should not be performed directly after charging as the gases created during charging form a coating on the battery plates, which results in the capacity reading being too low. The coating can easily be removed in one of the following ways:

^ Leave the battery to rest for 2 hours before performing the test.

^ When testing a disconnected battery:

Shake the battery by alternately lifting up the ends of the battery max. 2 centimeters and then releasing it.

^ When testing a connected battery:

Load the battery, e.g. with dipped headlights or similar load, for about 10 seconds.

Checking the battery electrolyte level

Always check the level of the electrolyte in all the cells before and after recharging the battery by removing the battery caps with a suitable screwdriver. A flashlight can be used to see the electrolyte level more clearly.

Top up with distilled or deionized water to the maximum level mark. Each cell has its own maximum mark.

Important
Never use tap water.

Normal tap water can contain salts and minerals that increase the rate of corrosion of the battery plates and greatly decrease the service life of the battery.

Fit the caps and tighten them securely when finished.

Important
Never top up above the maximum level mark. This may cause the electrolyte to leak.

Measuring parasitic current draw

If the capacity of the battery has severely deteriorated while the car has been parked for a few days, the cause may be that current consumption from the car's electrical system has been abnormally high while the car was turned off. If there is the slightest suspicion that this can be the cause of the inferior battery performance, the parasitic current draw must be measured.

Note
Always make sure the customer has noted any codes for the radio or other accessories before disconnecting the battery.

1

Important
To protect the ammeter (multimeter), connect a jumper lead between the Instrument's negative and positive terminals before connecting it.

Disconnect the positive battery cable and connect the ammeter between the positive cable and the positive battery terminal. Connect the positive instrument cable to the battery and its negative cable to the car's positive cable.

2 Turn the ignition key to the ON position but do not start the engine - the instrument will otherwise be damaged.

3 Turn the ignition key to the OFF position after 10 seconds, remove the key and close all the doors.

4 Wait for 25 minutes (due to the run-on time of certain electronic units), disconnect the jumper lead across the millimeter and read off the parasitic current draw. Normally, it should not exceed the following guideline values (provided no accessories have been fitted, e.g. a telephone):





Transport mode:
Maxi fuse 1 in the maxi fuse box extracted and the TWICE control module programmed to transport mode.

If these guideline values are exceeded, the source must be localized by removing the fuses one by one. As can be seen in the table, it is of great importance to the service life of the battery that the car is left in transport mode for as long as possible.

Battery manufacture date





A manufacturing code has been stamped on top of the negative battery terminal on all factory-fitted batteries. This code indicates the calendar week the battery was activated at the manufacturer. It specifies the year and week as follows:

25 98 alternatively 8 25 = year 1998, week 25.

Pre-delivery Inspection (PDI)

This SI replaces the directions for pre-delivery inspection pertaining to the battery in Service Manual 1 Service.

In connection with pre-delivery inspection (or at the stage in the distribution chain when the dealer takes over maintenance responsibility), the battery must be tested using the Battery tester 311 and the result entered into fields 9 - 11 in the section "Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI)" on the battery card.

Charge the battery if necessary. (See "Charging").

Important
So-called quick-chargers with high charging current must not be used!

Storage care

This SI replaces the directions for storage care pertaining to the battery in Service Manual 1 Service

Each time the car is put in storage, the battery must be tested monthly with the Battery tester 311.

Also check the battery electrolyte level each month (see "Checking the battery electrolyte lever). This is especially important on warm climate markets.

Charge the battery if necessary. (See "Charging").

Important
So-called quick-chargers with high charging current must not be used!

Note
If the car is to be stored for longer periods than one month, the negative battery cable should be disconnected. This will increase the maintenance service interval to 3 months if the battery has been approved after testing with the Battery tester 311. Make a note of this reading on the battery card.

After reconnecting the battery, the time and language must be set in SID.

Delivery service

This SI replaces the directions for delivery service pertaining to the battery in Service Manual 1 Service.

Test the battery with Battery tester 311 as the first step in the delivery service before fitting the transport fuse and programming the TWICE control module to customer mode.

Note
In case of warranty claims, it is important that the test code obtained from the delivery service is available.

The battery card should be kept together with the other vehicle documents at the dealer, so that the test result is available in case the Warranties and Service Record Booklet is lost. The test code must also be registered in the dealer's computer system on markets where the "Saab Service" book does not accompany the car.

Note
Do not fit the transport fuse (maxi fuse 1) or program the TWICE control module to customer mode until the delivery service. This does not apply to demonstration cars, etc.

Maintenance service (Saab Original Service)

Test the condition of the battery with Battery tester 311 on each service occasion and enter the test code and date in the "Remarks box" in the Warranties and Service Record Booklet. From model year 2000, the Warranties and Service Record Booklet will have a special box with the heading "Battery Test Code". The battery electrolyte level must also be checked on each service occasion (see "Checking the battery electrolyte level").

Warranty Information

A If a warranty claim is made during new car in stock or demo service, the test codes (including test dates) from the preceding fields on the battery card including the dates of the battery tests must be used on the claim.

B If a warranty claim is made after delivery, the test code (including test date) that was entered into the customer's Warranties and Service Record Booklet in connection with the delivery must be used on the warranty claim.