2006 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 101

Automatic Transaxle Operation (Base Models) Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. {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. Do not 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 will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-34. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-42. Make sure 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 and press the shift lever button before you can shift from PARK (P). If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, then 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. 2-27 PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.