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The '90 is right. The '89 has been modified Posted by Ari [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: Starts in Reverse?!, Kevin, Fri, 26 Jul 2002 04:32:05 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
As you'll notice, there is no steering column lock on your Saab. The '90 is right - all Saabs with console-mounted ignitions are that way. It's an anti-theft feature. You can't take the key out unless the car is in reverse, and the tranny is now locked in reverse. The idea is that even if the thief hotwires your car, he can only drive backwards.
I suspect your '89 has been modified. There is a spring that keeps the key from being removed, and sometimes that spring will break. Then the owner will remove the interlock, instead of replacing the spring. So you can remove the key without being in reverse.
As to starting without depressing the clutch. Some cars, notably GM cars, have an interlock on the clutch to prevent starting unless the clutch is depressed (or at least very sad). Saabs, and many other cars, don't have this 'feature'. Saab makes the assumption that you will depress the clutch and shift into neutral before you start the car.
Look at it this way - if you're absent-minded enough to start the car in gear, do you have the presence of mind to control the car once you get it up to speed? I'd rather have an oopsie in the parking lot than on the highway.
Also - I've seen LOTS of problems with those clutch-mounted interlock switches. They fail, and you can't start the car. That sucks.
posted by 140.157.4...
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