2008 Cadillac STS Owner's Manual - Page 104

Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for the shift lever. CAUTION: (Continued) PARK (P): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into PARK (P) on page 2-36. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer (Vehicles With Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-34 or Towing a Trailer (Vehicles Without Heavy Duty Cooling) on page 4-40. Make sure 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 first and then press the shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P) when the vehicle is running. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-37. {CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. CAUTION: (Continued) 2-32