2001 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 165
2001 Saab 9-3 Manual
Page 165 highlights
Starting and driving Automatic transmission fault indicator If the symbol appears on the main instrument panel, the system has detected a fault in the automatic transmission or its control module (see page 64). This also means that the Limp-home mode has been selected, to guard against further damage being done to the transmission. In this mode, the automatic transmission starts in 4th gear, and gear changes (if necessary) will have to be made manually. It is not possible to select the SPORT or WINTER mode when the Limp-home mode is active. You should have the automatic transmission checked as soon as possible by an authorized Saab dealer. The following gears will be engaged in the respective selector positions when the automatic transmission is in the Limp-home mode: Position R Gear D 3 4th 2 3rd 1 3rd 165 NOTE If the control module has actuated the Limp-home function for the automatic transmission, the car will remain in 4th gear when D is selected, making it very sluggish. To overcome this, move the selector lever to position 2. The transmission then starts in 3rd gear. When the car is moving you can select position D or 3. Driving in hilly country with a heavy load Overheating of the automatic-transmission fluid can occur when the car is towing a heavy load, such as a trailer in hilly country, with the wrong gear selected, resulting in abnormally frequent gear changing. To avoid the transmission oil from overheating always drive in Normal mode, then the adaptive gear change pattern is active. High ambient temperatures can also increase the temperature of the transmission fluid or the oil cooler may be faulty. As the transmission fluid temperature increases, its useful service life is reduced. Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see also page 179). Overheated transmission oil If the transmission oil becomes overheated while driving, the following message appears on the SID: TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING. In this event, stop the car in a suitable place, switch off the engine, open the hood and wait until the message goes out. When driving subsequent to the transmission oil overheating, select either 3rd gear or Drive, whichever will allow the engine to run at 3,000 rpm and maintain the speed of traffic or a safe speed. The transmission oil can become very hot when the car is driven with a heavy load; for example, driving with a trailer on hilly roads when the wrong gear has been selected, resulting in many extra gear changes. Select one of the positions 1, 2 or 3. A high outside temperature or a defective oil cooler can also cause the oil temperature to increase. Contact an authorized Saab workshop, see also page 179. WARNING Remember to use engine-braking (selector position 1, 2, or 3) to spare the brakes when you are driving on a long or steep downhill slope. Brake failure can result from overheated brakes! Reverse 4th Towing Towing a car with automatic transmission, see page 187.