2002 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 90

NOTICE: (Continued) Use AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) or THIRD (3) as much as possible. Don't shift into SECOND (2) unless you are going slower than 65 mph (105 km/h) or you can damage your engine. 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 shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slow enough. Second-Gear Start Your vehicle is equipped with a second-gear start feature. Place the shift lever in SECOND (2) gear to provide more traction when you are starting on ice or other slippery surfaces. The transaxle will be in SECOND (2) gear when the vehicle begins to move. After starting in SECOND (2) gear, place the shift lever in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). This feature is only for improved traction when the road surface is slippery and is not intended for continuous use or when the vehicle is stuck in sand, mud, ice, snow or gravel. NOTICE: If your front wheels can't turn, don't try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You can damage your transaxle. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill. 2-27