1997 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual - Page 90

Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weightof the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called "torque lock." To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake andthen shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's seat. To find out how, see "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need have another to vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). Shifting Out of PARK (P) Your Buick has a brake-transaxle shift interlock.You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the RUN position. See "Automatic Transaxle" in theIndex. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever-- push the shift lever all the wayinto PARK (P) as you maintainbrake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the key to OFF. Open and close the driver's door to turn off the retained accessory powerfeature. 2. Apply and hold the brake untilthe end of Step 4. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want. 5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can. 2-30