2002 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 175

Starting and driving Use Normal mode when driving with a trailer or trailer on hilly roads. The adaptive gear change pattern function will prevent the transmission from overheating. Rises in coolant temperature are indicated by the temperature gauge in the main instrument panel. The following can also occur: • the A/C-compressor can be shut off • the gear-change pattern is changed • the CHECK message TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING can appear on the SID If TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING appears on the SID, stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and wait until the warning has been extinguished. When continuing your journey, select a locked gear (1, 2 or 3) that will allow you to drive at an engine speed of about 3,000 rpm (see page 161). Do not drive continuously with the WINTER mode selected in hilly country when you are towing a trailer, as this will increase fuel consumption and risk overheating the transmission. 175 Driving considerations Always take extra care when towing a trailer, as the car's handling will be different and its braking effect reduced. The trailer's braking system and suspension also have a considerable effect on these characteristics, see also "Driving with a load" page 178. If the car is equipped with automatic transmission, select position L when ascending or descending steep hills. NOTE If the "Automatic transmission, fault indicator" indicator comes on, cease towing until the problem has been rectified. Distribution of load in trailer a Light b Moderate c Heavy Trailer hitch load The weight distribution on the trailer makes a lot of difference to the handling properties of the car and trailer combination. As regards single-axle trailers, whenever possible, concentrate the load over the wheels and keep it as low as possible. The trailer should be loaded so that the maximum load on the towbar ball is 5% to 7% of the trailer weight with a maximum permissible tongue weight of 165 lbs. (75 kg). Note that this load must be added to the total load for the car. If this now exceeds the specified load capacity, the load in the luggage compartment will have to be reduced by a corresponding amount. WARNING Remember to use engine-braking (selector position L, 3, or 4) to spare the brakes when you are driving on a long or steep downhill slope. Brake failure can result from overheated brakes! IB106