2001 Saab 9-3 Owner's Manual - Page 166
2001 Saab 9-3 Manual
Page 166 highlights
166 Starting and driving P To shift out of the P position you must depress the brake pedal and the ignition must be ON. The parking position (P) must only be selected when the car is at a complete standstill. The selector lever is locked and the transmission is mechanically immobilized. Always apply the parking brake after parking the car. The engine can be started. R The reverse (R) position must only be selected when the car is at a complete standstill. The detent-release button must be pressed before the selector lever can be moved to R. Wait until reverse gear has engaged (car starts to creep) before touching the accelerator. N In the Neutral position (N), the transmission is disengaged from the engine. The engine can be started, but first ensure that the parking brake is on, to prevent the car from moving off unexpectedly. To prevent the engine and transmission from becoming hotter than necessary, select N for stops other than brief ones, e.g. if stuck in a traffic jam. The normal drive position (D) is recommended for waiting at traffic lights. D The Drive position (D) is the position for normal motoring. Gear changes between 1st and 4th will take place automatically, the timing of which is determined by the throttle (accelerator) position and the speed of the car. After moving the selector lever to D, pause to give the gear time to engage (car starts to pull). 3 In position 3, 4th gear is locked out. The car will start in 1st gear and normal gear changing (up and down) will take place automatically between gears 1, 2 and 3. Moving the selector lever from D to 3 will cause a downshift to 3rd gear, which will give better engine-braking. Do not move the selector to position 3 at speeds in excess of 90 mph (150 km/h). 2 Position 2 is recommended in hilly country as it provides effective engine-braking. Normal gear changing (up and down) between 1st and 2nd gear will take place automatically. Third and 4th gears are locked out. Do not move the selector to position 2 at speeds in excess of 70 mph (110 km/h). 1 Position 1 should be used when maximum engine-braking is required on steep downhill slopes. Do not move the selector to position 1 at speeds in excess of 30 mph (50 km/h). Selector positions