2000 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 137

Starting and driving 137 Engine Break-In Period Pistons, bores and bearings need time to obtain uniform, wear-resistant surfaces. If a new engine is driven too hard, this gradual process of bedding-in will not be possible and the life of the engine will be shortened. During the first 1,200 miles (2,000 km), do not exceed 5,000 rpm. In addition, refrain from driving the car at full throttle, other than for brief instances, during the first 1,800 miles (3,000 km). Gear changing Manual gearbox To start the engine the clutch pedal must be fully depressed. The gear positions are marked on the gear lever. Before reverse (R) can be engaged, you must lift the ring underneath the gear-lever knob. To change gear, fully depress the clutch pedal and then release it smoothly. It is inadvisable to drive with your hand resting on the gear lever, as this can increase the wear on the gearbox. When changing down from 5th to 4th gear, ease the gear lever straight back, without applying any lateral pressure. This will prevent 2nd gear being engaged by mistake, which can result in overreving and possible damage to the engine. Before engaging reverse, wait till the car is at a standstill, release the accelerator and fully depress the clutch. From neutral, press the gear lever firmly to the right before easing it back into reverse. 1 3 5 2 4 R Wearing in new brake pads New brake pads take time to bed in, about 90 miles (150 km) if the car is driven largely under stop-and-go conditions or about 300 miles (500 km) of highway driving. To extend the useful life of the pads, avoid hard braking as much as possible during this period. Shift-up indicator for improved fuel economy (U.S. models only) Cars equipped with a manual transmission have a "Shift-up" light on the instrument panel. The light begins to work after the vehicle is warmed up and provides you with a good indication when to shift to a higher gear. It is not necessary or recommended to follow the shift-up recommendations in all driving conditions, for example, when driving in heavy urban traffic or steep downhill grades. However, shifting with the light should result in improved fuel economy. Therefore, for reduced fuel consumption and better energy conservation, you should make a habit of shifting before or when the shift-up light comes on. Brake-pad wear indicators The outer brake pads on the front wheels have acoustic wear-indicators. When 3 mm remains on the pad, a scraping or screeching noise is heard during braking. The brake pads should be changed as soon as possible. Brake pads should only be replaced by an authorized Saab dealer. Towing Towing of cars with manual gearbox, see page 158. IB471