1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 76

PARK ( ) This locks your front wheels. It'sthe best P: position to use when youstart your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. A CAUmION: It is dangerous to get of your vehicleif the out shift lever is not fully PARK (P) with the in parking brakefirmly set. Your vehicle roll. can Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is I f running unless you have to. you have left the engine running, the vehiclecan move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK ( ) in the Index. If P" you're pullinga trailer, see "Towinga Trailer" in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fullyin PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Chevrolet has brake-transaxle a shift interlock. You have to apply your regular brake 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 theshift lever -- push the shift lever al the l way into PARK (P) -- as you maintain brake application. Then move theshift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shft lever button before moving the lever.) See shift "Shifting Outof PARK (P)"later in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear back up. to NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get outsnow, of ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. 2-19