2009 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 102

Automatic Transmission Operation The automatic transmission has a shift lever on the steering column or on the console between the seats. { CAUTION: It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. 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 must fully apply the brakes first, then press the shift lever button before you can shift from P (Park) while the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park on page 2-29. There is a display, located on the instrument panel cluster that will indicate the gear the vehicle is in. Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transmission vehicles while in P (Park) or N (Neutral) to protect driveline components from improper operation. There are several different positions for the shift lever. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because the vehicle cannot move easily. 2-24