1997 Chevrolet S10 Pickup Owner's Manual - Page 64

Automatic Transmission Operation Your automatic transmission may havea shift lever located on the console between theseats or on the steering column. There are several different positions for your shift lever. If your vehicle is equipped with a column shift lever, it features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument cluster. This display must be powered anytime the shift lever is capable being moved out of of the PARK (P) position. This means that if your key is in the OFF position, but not locked,there will be a small current drain on your battery which could discharge your battery overa period of time. If you need to leave your key in the ignition in the OFF position for an extended period, it is recommended that disconnect you the battery cable from the batteryto prevent discharging your battery. Lf! C A TION: PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best position to use whenyou start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. It is dangerous toget out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brakefirmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave yourvehicle when the engineis running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or otherscould be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you'reon fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). If you have four-wheel drive, your vehicle will be free toroll even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) if your transfercase is in NEUTRAL (N). So, be sure the transfer case isin a drive gear, two-wheel high (2HI)or four-wheel high (4HI)or four-wheel low (4LO) not in NEUTRAL (N). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer,see "Towing a Trailer'' in the Index. -- -- -- 2-17