2000 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 141

Starting and driving 141 Gear changing Manual transmission 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 shifting 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. Automatic transmission WARNING • Make it a habit to keep your foot on the brake when selecting a drive position, to prevent the car from creeping forward (or backwards if reverse is selected). • The car must be at a standstill before P, R or N is selected. You have to have your foot on the brake pedal to move the lever out of park. If the car is still moving when a drive position is subsequently selected, this could cause an accident or damage the automatic transmission. • Never park the car with the selector lever in a drive position, even if the parking brake is on. • If you want to leave the car with the engine running, move the selector lever to P or N and apply the parking brake. 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. NOTE When the reverse gear is to be engaged the car must be at a standstill with the accelerator fully released. Lift the reverse lock-out collar and push the gear lever firmly to the right in neutral before easing it into reverse. IB864