Saab 2001 9-3 - Manual (Page 162)

162 Starting and driving
Automatic transmission
The electronic control module for the auto-
matic transmission receives information on
engine torque and road speed. It also con-
trols the hydraulic pressure in the transmis-
sion to ensure that gear changing is as
smooth as possible.
The position of the selector lever is shown
by the symbols adjacent to the lever and
also by an indicator on the main instrument
panel.
The ignition key can only be removed when
the selector lever is in the P position.
When the car is stationary, the engine must
be idling when the selector lever is moved.
You must have your foot on the brake
pedal to move the lever out of park. If the
accelerator is depressed while the lever is
moved, this will result in abnormal wear in
the transmission.
WARNING
• Make it a habit to keep your foot on the
brake when selecting a drive position,
to prevent the car from creeping for-
ward (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 subse-
quently 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.
NOTE
After selecting a drive position, pause
briefly to allow the gear to engage (the car
starts to pull a little) before you acceler-
ate.
IB865
Selector lever
1 Catch
2 Button for SPORT position
3 Button for WINTER position