2009 Chevrolet Cobalt Owner's Manual - Page 106

Automatic Transmission Operation If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats. There are several different positions for the automatic transmission. { CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 2-32. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transmission) on page 4-35 or Towing a Trailer (Manual Transmission) on page 4-41. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the regular brakes first and then press the shift lever button before the vehicle can shift from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily. 2-26