1998 Chevrolet Astro Owner's Manual - Page 105

A CAUTION: - Shifting outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL(N) while your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don't shiftout of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing. - Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator pedal all the waydown. You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power. DRIVE (D) should be usedfor normal towing. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however it offers more power andlower fuel economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3) when carrying a heavy load or driving on steep hills. 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 go down steep mountain roads, but thenyou would also want to use your brakes off and on. If you manually select SECOND (2), the transmission will drive in second gear. You may use this feature for reducing torque to the rear wheels when you are trying to start your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces. FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector lever is put in FIRST(l), the transmission won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slow enough. NOTICE: Damage to your transmission caused shifting by out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you're: Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. 2-21