Newbie to SAAB ownership.

[threespins]

Hi Guys and gals,
I have spent several years on the TVR forums, but am new to this one.
I have just bought a 2003 9-5 Vector estate 2.2TiD, one owner with 17,000 miles on the clock.
There are two things I hope you can help me with.
One, the hand book says tyre pressure for 225/45R17 should be 36F, 35R.
When I checked the pressure was 32 all round. The wall chart at the local ATS tyre centre also shows 32 all round, which is correct?
Two, can the radio/CD player be upgraded to play MP3 cd's.
Thanks for any help,
cheers,
G.

[aeropilot]

threespins said:

One, the hand book says tyre pressure for 225/45R17 should be 36F, 35R.
When I checked the pressure was 32 all round. The wall chart at the local ATS tyre centre also shows 32 all round, which is correct?

The handbook is correct, 32 is way too low.

threespins said:

Two, can the radio/CD player be upgraded to play MP3 cd's.

If you mean the standard factory audio, no it can't.

You would have to rip the whole lot out and replace with aftermarket, but that's not straightforward if you have the AS2 or AS3 audio systems, easir if you have the basic AS1 audio.

Edited by aeropilot on Friday 4th April 21:42

[threespins]

many thanks aeropilot, I'll get them adjusted.
looking in the handbook, it looks as though the estate has the Prestige audio version fitted,(out of popular,premium and prestige) am I right to assume it can't be done?

[aeropilot]

threespins said:

many thanks aeropilot, I'll get them adjusted.
looking in the handbook, it looks as though the estate has the Prestige audio version fitted,(out of popular,premium and prestige) am I right to assume it can't be done?

If your car has the Prestige (200w Harmon Kardon) AS3 audio fitted, you can tell by the subwoofer fitted in the rightside of the rear estate compartment, it's not impossible to replace the unit with an aftermarket one, but it's not the easiest thing to do, and is a lot of hassle and expense just to play MP3-CD's.

You'll need to fit a double din chassis for an aftermarket head unit, and then the problem is the connection of the new head unit with the Harmon Kardon amp and speakers as these are balanced and you will need to use special balanced to single end adapters.

You will also loose the steering wheel audio functions as well if you replace the head unit, but I believe some audio companies do converters to retain this.

Not a DIY job, unless you are a real wiz with car audio, so you'll need to find a good quality car audio company to supply and fit.....i.e one that knows the issues with replacing the factory audio on a 9-5.

[threespins]

Thanks for the info, looks like I shall have to use the MP3 Player/ FM transmitter route.

[Prof Beard]

I understand from the Saab Central people that the AudioTroll is now shipping again - might be worth a look:

http://www.granite-embedded.com/products.php

[threespins]

Thanks for that, looks ok. When you say shipping again, did it stop because of problems with it?

[Prof Beard]

I think they had some supply issues...