2004 Cadillac CTS Owner's Manual - Page 93

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) while pressing the button on the shift lever as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-37. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is 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 hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. At low vehicle speeds, you can also use REVERSE (R) to rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission. See If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-30 for additional information. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. You can also use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. Notice: Shifting our of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting your vehicle. AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you're: • Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down. • Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. The transmission will shift down to a lower gear and have more power. 2-27