Saab 900 1983 - Service Information; Flat Towing; Towing by Commercial Tow Truck

56
Service Information
Service Manuals for Saab vehicles can be or -
dered through the dealer. The complete 900
Manual is comprised of ten paperbound sec-
tions in three ring-type binders. Sections may
be ordered individually.
A
list of authorized sales and service dealers is
available from your local Saab dealer for those
planning to travel in the United States and
Canada.
Flat towing
The 900 is equipped with towing lugs at the
front and rear. Flat towing over long distances is
not recommended. Check applicable state and
local laws to determine if flat towing is permit ·
ted.
Proceed
carefully and never exceed the speed
limit applicable to vehicles In tow. Try to keep
the
tow-line taut to prevent sudden jerking. Re -
member that power-assisted braking does not
function when the engine is switched off. Con-
sequently, cons i derably greater force than
usual will have to be applied to the brake pedal.
11 a car with automatic transmission has to be
towed, the
following rules must be observed:
1. The selector must be at N.
2. The transmission case must be filled with oil
to the correct level.
3. The maximum safe towing speed for cars
with automat ic transmissi on is 25 mph (40
km/h).
4. The maximum recommended towing dis-
tance is 25-30 miles (50 km). If the car has to
be towed any greater distance, the front
wheels must be lifted off the ground.
5.
An engine with automatic transmisson can-
not be started by towing or pushing.
Towing by Commercial Tow Truck.
Due to pot en tial damage to the vehicle's trans-
mission (manual and au tomatic), we recom-
mend that this vehicle not be towed from the
rear
with the front wheels on the ground. If abso-
lutely mandatory to tow the vehicle from the
rear use a wheel dolly under the front wheels.
Attach J· hooks to the rear axl e, clear of the
brake lines. Position the tow bar under the trunk
floor . Attach safety chains to rear axle.
Proceed as
follows to tow the vehicle from the
front wi th a tow truck. Attach J-hooks to the
lower c ontrol arms behind ball joints, placing
4" x 4" x 6' board crossways on the pan of the
vehicle
using spacer blocks to protect the lower
body panel.
Attach safety chains to the lower
control arm.
WARNING! Never attach J·hooks or tow
chains between the branches of the
lower control arms or damage will result.
Attach at outboard ends only, nearest
ball joint.
l