1997 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual - Page 86

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Buick has brake-transaxle shdt a interlock. You have to fullyapply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition If key is in RUN. you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on theshift lever -- push the shift lever a l l the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console modelsas you main& brake shift application. Then move the lever into the gear you shift wish. (Press theshift lever button before moving the lever on floorshift console models.) See ''ShiftingOut of PARK (P)" in this section. NEUTRAL (N):In this position, your engine To doesn't connect with the wheels. restart when you're (N) already moving, use NEUTRAL only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicleis being towed. I REVERSE (R): Use this gear back up. to NOTICE: Shifting toREVERSE (R)while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift toREVERSE (R)only after yourvehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and to get out snow, forth of ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud,Ice or Snow"in the Index. Shifting outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)while your engineis "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hitpeople or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)while your engineis racing. I NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle caused shifting out by of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. 2-25