2009 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 164

93_US_MY09.book Page 164 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 10:30 AM 164 Starting and driving Lock-up The transmission's torque converter has a lock-up function. This can lock the torque converter, thus reducing the engine speed and fuel consumption. Thermal transmission protection The transmission has built-in protection against overheating. If the temperature of the transmission fluid exceeds 302 °F (150 °C), engine torque will be limited to 147 ft.lbs. (200 Nm). The following message is shown on the SID: Gearbox too hot. Make a safe stop. Open hood. If this message appears, stop the car as soon as it is safe to do so and allow the engine to idle until the message has gone out. The selector lever should be in position P. Driving in hilly country with a heavy load The transmission fluid can overheat when the gearbox is strained, for example, when driving with a trailer on hilly roads. To avoid the transmission fluid overheating, always drive with the selector lever in the D position. The adaptive gear change patterns are then active. High air temperatures or a faulty oil cooler can also cause the transmission fluid to overheat. Overheating reduces the service life of the fluid. Kick-down When the accelerator is pressed down fully, a down change is made to optimize acceleration, e.g. for overtaking. Following this, the next higher gear will be selected at the optimum engine speed, unless you ease off the accelerator before reaching this. WARNING Remember to use the braking effect of the engine (1st, 2nd or 3rd gear) when you are descending long or steep hills to spare the brakes. Overheating can cause the brakes to fade!