1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 75

PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can'tmove easily. It is dangerous toget out of your vehicle if the shift leveris not fully in PARK with the (P) parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle whenthe engineis 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 won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, alwaysset your parking brake and move the shiftlever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in theIndex. If you're pullinga trailer, see"Towing a Trailer'' in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Chevrolet 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 RUNposition. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on theshift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brakeapplication. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" in the Index. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) onlyafter yourvehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle backand forth to get out of snow, ice orsand without damaging yourtransaxle, see "If You're Stuck: InSand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect withthe wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL(N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. 2-17