2000 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 143

Starting and driving 1 Position 1 should be used when maximum engine-braking is required on steep downhill slopes and to avoid frequent gear-changing on steep climbs. Do not move the selector to position 1 at speeds in excess of 37 mph (60 km/h). 143 Adaptive gear-change patterns Adaptive gear-change patterns are selected automatically depending on the engine load and the present temperature of the transmission. The function is available in Normal and Sport modes. The changes occur at a higher engine speed and the car remains in the same gear for longer, if the transmission control module senses that the load has not decreased. These gear-change patterns prevent unnecessary changing up and down, when for example driving up long slopes with a trailer or caravan, and to prevent overheating the transmission oil. The adaptive gear-change function is also selected automatically when the transmission oil becomes too hot, to protect the transmission itself from serious damage and to lower the oil temperature. The adaptive gear-change pattern function is deselected when: • Winter mode is selected. • The engine is switched off. • The load is reduced so much that the function is no longer required. • "Fault indicator, automatic transmission" instrument panel, see page 140. appears on main If the gear selector lever is moved from position D to 1, a change-down to 3rd gear will occur at about 110 mph (180 km/h). A change-down to 2nd gear will occur at about 75 mph (120 km/h) and to 1st gear at about 40 mph (65 km/h). When position 1 is selected, all the other gears will be locked out. Manual gear-changing is not recommended on slippery roads.