1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 84

PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. ~ It is dangerous to get out your vehicle if the of shift lever is not fully PARK (P) with the in parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unlessyou have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or otherscould be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towin9: a Trailer" in Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Buick has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shiftlever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" in the Index. REVERSE (R): Use this gearto back up. NOTICE: Shifting toREVERSE (R)while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift toREVERSE (R) only after yourvehicle is stopped. I theIndex* 2-24 I To rock your vehicle back and forth to out of snow, get ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index.