2002 SAAB 9-5 towing capacity

174 Starting and drivingTrailer weightMaximum recommended trailer weights for
different gradients, with a view to comfort
and drivability for manual and automatic
cars, are shown on the drawing.
Make sure you are familiar with the law
regarding speed limits for towing, maxi-
mum trailer weights, trailer-braking
requirements, and also any special
driving-licence provisions
(see also page 249).
The specified trailer weights and gradients
assume that the journey starts at the hill and
therefore apply only to short periods. Recommendations for driving in hilly
terrain
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in warm
weather, i.e. approximately 86°F (30°C).
The following time limits are based on the
capacity of the cooling system in hot
weather, i.e. approximately 104°F (40°C).

WARNING
When towing a trailer, do not attempt to
negotiate a hill having a gradient in
excess of 15%. The weight distribution
over the front wheels of the car will be
insufficient to prevent wheelspin, making
further progress impossible.
In addition, the parking brake may not
always be able to hold the car and trailer
securely, with the result that the wheels
can start to slide downhill.
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer weight,
lbs. (kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6-7 3300 (1500) unlimited
8-9 3300 (1500) 15 max
10-15 1870 (850) 15 max
Gradient
of hill, % Maximum
trailer weight,
lbs. (kg)Maximum dura-
tion, minutes
6-7 2000 (900) unlimited
8-9 2000 (900) 15 max
10-15 1000 (450) 15 max.
IB1692
Maximum recommended trailer weights
for different gradients
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175 Starting and driving
Use Normal mode when driving with a trailer
or trailer on hilly roads. The adaptive gear
change pattern function will prevent the
transmission from overheating.
Rises in coolant temperature are indicated
by the temperature gauge in the main instru-
ment panel.
The following can also occur:
 the A/C-compressor can be shut off
 the gear-change pattern is changed
 the CHECK message TRANSMISSION
OVERHEATING can appear on the SID
If TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING
appears on the SID, stop the car as soon as
it is safe to do so and wait until the warning
has been extinguished. When continuing
your journey, select a locked gear (1, 2 or 3)
that will allow you to drive at an engine
speed of about 3,000 rpm (see page 161). Do not drive continuously with the WINTER
mode selected in hilly country when you are
towing a trailer, as this will increase fuel con-
sumption and risk overheating the transmis-
sion.
Driving considerations Always take extra care when towing a
trailer, as the car’s handling will be different
and its braking effect reduced. The trailer’s
braking system and suspension also have a
considerable effect on these characteris-
tics, see also ”Driving with a load” page 178.
If the car is equipped with automatic trans-
mission, select position L when ascending
or descending steep hills.
Trailer hitch loadThe weight distribution on the trailer makes
a lot of difference to the handling properties
of the car and trailer combination. As
regards single-axle trailers, whenever pos-
sible, concentrate the load over the wheels
and keep it as low as possible.
The trailer should be loaded so that the
maximum load on the towbar ball is 5% to
7% of the trailer weight with a maximum per-
missible tongue weight of 165 lbs. (75 kg).
Note that this load must be added to the total
load for the car. If this now exceeds the
specified load capacity, the load in the lug-
gage compartment will have to be reduced
by a corresponding amount.
WARNING
Remember to use engine-braking (selec-
tor position L, 3, or 4) to spare the brakes
when you are driving on a long or steep
downhill slope.
Brake failure can result from overheated
brakes!
NOTEIf the ”Automatic transmission, fault indi-
cator” indicator comes on, cease
towing until the problem has been recti-
fied.
IB106
Distribution of load in trailer a Light
b Moderate
cHeavy
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249 Specifications
Trailer:
Luggage compartment
Volume (SAE):
9-5 Sedan _______________________ 15.9 cu.ft.
(450 litres)
9-5 Wagon, rear seat upright ________ 31.4 cu. ft.
(890 litres)
9-5 Wagon, rear seat folded _________ 73.0 cu. ft.
(2067 litres)
Maximum permissible luggage-compart-
ment load:
At curb weight + 4 passengers at 154 lbs.
(70 kg) _________________________ 176 lbs (80 kg)
or each passenger fewer in the rear seat, the load may be
increased by 110 lbs (50 kg).
With entire rear seat lowered ________ 594 lbs (270 kg)
Luggage compartment, length, 9-5 Sedan:
Rear seat upright _________________ 43.0 in (1092 mm)
Rear seat folded down _____________ 67.5 in (1714 mm)
Luggage compartment, length, 9-5 Wagon:
Rear seat upright _________________ 42.8 in (1087 mm)
Rear seat folded __________________ 61.2 in (1732 mm)
WARNING
The GVW and maximum axle loads must not be exceeded. Note
that if some accessories (e.g. towbar, CD changer) are fitted, the
available load capacity is reduced by the weight of these.
When carrying a load in the luggage compartment, make sure that
it is tied down securely, particularly when part or all of the rear seat
is folded down.
Maximum towing speed, trailer with brakes 60 mph (100 km/h)
Trailer with brakes _________________ Maximum weight:
3500 lbs (1588 kg)
Trailer without brakes ______________ Maximum weight:
1000 lbs (450 kg)
Maximum load on ball hitch __________ 165 lbs (75 kg)
The above speed and weight restrictions are those specified by
Saab Automobile AB.
Note that local restrictions may apply to trailer speeds and
weights (see page 173).
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263 Index
Light switches
___________________ 65
Luggage-compartment lighting
______ 69
MMain instrument panel
_____________ 50
Main/dipped beam
_______________ 65
Maintenance schedule ___________ 244
Manual gearbox, technical data
____ 254
Maxi fuses
_____________________ 217
Milometer ______________________ 56
Motoring abroad
________________ 237
NNight Panel
_____________________ 63
OOil capacity, engine
______________ 250
Oil change, engine ______________ 194
Oil specification
_________________ 250
OnStar
________________________ 105
Outdoor temperature
______________ 59
Owner assistance
_______________ 245
PPaintwork, touching-in
____________ 234
Parking Assistance
______________ 184
Parking lights
___________________ 65
Plates and labels ________________ 257
Poly-V-belt
____________________ 201Power steering
_________________198
Power-steering fluid
_____________198
Pressure gauge
__________________58
Programming I, ACC
______________78
Programming II, ACC _____________79
Programming the ACC ____________78
QQuestions on function of airbag
_____35
Quick guide, Audio System
_________85
RRadio
__________________________88
Rain sensor
_____________________70
Rear fog light ____________________66
Rear seat, 9-5 Sedan, folding
______132
Rear seat, 9-5 Wagon, folding _____135
Rear-seat head restraints
__________18
Rear-view mirror, antidazzle _______124
Rearview mirrors
________________123
Reclamation
___________________237
Recommendations for cars with
automatic transmission,
towing a caravan or trailer
________174
Refuelling
_____________________152
Relay panel ____________________219
Remote control __________________38
Remote-control battery, changing
____40
Remove the key
________________146
Reporting safety defects
__________246Reprogramming of systems
______ 259
Reservoir, power-steering fluid ____ 198
Rev counter
____________________ 56
Reversing lights
_________________ 68
Roof load
_____________________ 176
Running-in ____________________ 170
SSID
__________________________ 59
SRS (airbag)
___________________ 29
SRS, supplementary restraint system
29
Saab 9-5 Audio System
___________ 83
Saab Information Display (SID)
_____ 59
Saab Parking Assistance
________ 184
Safety belts
____________________ 12
Safety belts, care of
_____________ 232
Safety-belt pretensioners
_________ 13
Safety-belt reminder
_____________ 12
Seats
________________________ 118
Securing a load
_________________ 41
Selector lever indication,
automatic transmission
__________ 59
Service costs
__________________ 245
Service information
_____________ 246
Service intervals
_______________ 244
Service record retention
_________ 245
Settings, seats
_________________ 118
Side airbags
___________________ 32
Signalling, horn ________________ 122
Sliding floor, 9-5 Wagon
_________ 140
Snow chains
__________________ 171
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