2004 Saab 9-5 Owner's Manual - Page 162

162 Starting and driving Overheated transmission fluid If the automatic-transmission fluid should overheat, the following message will appear on the SID: "Gearbox too hot. Make a safe stop.". In this event, stop the car in a suitable place, switch off the engine and open the hood. Wait for several minutes then turn on the ignition to check that the message has gone out. When driving subsequent to the transmission fluid overheating, select a gear in which the engine speed is about 3,000 rpm. Overheating of the automatic-transmission fluid can occur when the car is towing a heavy load, such as a camping trailer in hilly country. High ambient temperatures can also increase the temperature of the transmission fluid or the oil cooler may be faulty. Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see also page 178). NOTICE If the control module has actuated the Limp-home function for the automatic transmission, the car will remain in 5th gear when D is selected, making it very sluggish. Select position L to prevent unnecessary wear on the transmission. The transmission then starts in 2nd gear. Once the car is moving you can select position D. When the indicator light is on, the car must not be driven with a caravan or trailer attached. Driving on hilly roads 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 in Normal mode. 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. Contact an authorized Saab dealer (see also page 178). WARNING Remember to use engine-braking (selector position D or L) to spare the brakes when you are driving on a long or steep downhill slope. Brake failure can result from overheated brakes! Towing Towing of cars with automatic transmission, see page 188.