1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 78

THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however,it offers more power and lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D).Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D): 0 FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, in deep snowor mud. or If the selectorlever is put in FIRST (l),the transaxle won't shift into first gear untilthe vehicle is going slowly enough. When driving on hilly, winding roads. When towing a trailer,so there is less shifting between gears. When going down a steep hill. NOTICE: If your front wheels can't rotate, don't to try drive. This might happen you werestuck in if very deepsand or mud or were up against a solid object. You can damage your transaxle. Also, if youstop when going uphill, don't hold your vehiclethere with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat damage the and transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle position ona hill. in SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as you down steep go mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakesoff and on. NOTICE: Don't drive in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (41 km), or atspeeds over55 mph (88 km/h), or you can damage your transaxle. Use DRIVE (D) or THIRD (3) as much as possible. Don't shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slowerthan 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage your engine. 2-21