what does the "S" button do

[no1wombat]

i have a 1999 9-5 se wagon 2.3 lpt. I was under the impression that the "S" button on my auto transmission just allowed the engine to rev higher so have never used it.... until the other day and WOW!!! it feels alot more than revving harder....does it adjust the turbo somehow too? it seem a hell of a lot faster from right low down the rev range.

[Wulf]

The S button is the best thing about the automatic.

To choose the sport setting, the driver engages the ‘S’ button. When this happens the drive-by-wire throttle becomes more sensitive to the driver’s foot pressure, effectively increasing the throttle angle at the same pedal position. This change will adapt the shifting points to provide a sportier drive by concentrating the gearbox’s best efforts on the engine’s mid-range power.

It doesn't increase the power output of the engine but it sure feels that way. The regular mode is for the best fuel economy.

[Kermit]

It just sharpens up the throttle response, meaning you need to push the "go" pedal a lot less further down for the same result. Its very addictive, but hits economy big time.

[brewtide]

Originally Posted by Kermit

It just sharpens up the throttle response, meaning you need to push the "go" pedal a lot less further down for the same result. Its very addictive, but hits economy big time.

To further explain this; It sharpens throttle response because we have electric throttle bodies that take a LOT of calculations between 'pushing the pedal' and the actual angle of the throttle plate. Load, current speed, all types of conditions are sorted by the ecu, and then the ecu basically opens the throttle plate off of its calculations.

As you mentioned, it also holds gears longer, and has a far more aggressive 'kickdown' routine, to drop a gear or two.

Basically, when I had my automatic, it was part of my 'starting' routine...

[smartski]

my dad thought the s was for snow and only used it when it was icy or snow! i **** you not.
what is this economy word you speak of?

[J-Rod]

Originally Posted by smartski

my dad thought the s was for snow and only used it when it was icy or snow! i **** you not.
what is this economy word you speak of?

HAHA! It's what you don't want to use in the snow! In the 2002 and up auto's they have a "W" for winter.

Fuel Economy/Gas mileage

[Shepp1691]

The W is on them before 02, my 96 vert had it and my 2000 9 5 wagon has it too.

[J-Rod]

Oh, that's cool. Shows how many sub-2002 9-5's I've looked at. haha

[raquettelaker2]

All automatic 9-5's have the "W" up until about halfway through 2004.

[justin.graeff]

Originally Posted by raquettelaker2

All automatic 9-5's have the "W" up until about halfway through 2004.

Why did they get rid of the 'W' button?

[zachc]

its the sex button. just press it when your in the moood and a hot woman appears. its freakn awesome

[raquettelaker2]

Originally Posted by justin.graeff

Why did they get rid of the 'W' button?

Because with the paddle shifters (2003+) you can start in 2nd or 3rd from a stop. W just stuck it in 3rd...

[J-Rod]

Originally Posted by raquettelaker2

Because with the paddle shifters (2003+) you can start in 2nd or 3rd from a stop. W just stuck it in 3rd...

Ah, that makes sense.

[MacNoob]

Originally Posted by zachc

its the sex button. just press it when your in the moood and a hot woman appears. its freakn awesome

I pressed the button and my wife appeared. What's wrong with my car?

[8ball-mb]

Originally Posted by MacNoob

I pressed the button and my wife appeared. What's wrong with my car?

hahahahaahah

funniest thing i've heard all day hahahaah

[Tom-Rod]

It's the SMILE button.

Puts a big big smile on your face when you have it depressed.

Great for functions and events cos' the smile doesn't go away for at least 20 mins.

Great for socializing....