2001 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 88

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is 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, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. 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 the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) -- as you maintain brake application. 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)" later in this section. 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) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. 2-23