2011 Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab Owner's Manual - Page 213

Driving and Operating 9-35 Automatic Transmission you disconnect the battery cable from the battery to prevent discharging the battery. There are several different positions for the shift lever. P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily. WARNING (Continued) always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 9‑30. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑56. 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 brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park (Automatic Transmission) on page 9‑32. The vehicle has a shift lever on the steering column. It features an electronic shift position indicator within the instrument cluster. This display is powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being moved out of P (Park). This means that if the ignition is turned off, but not in LOCK/OFF, there will be a small current drain on the battery which could discharge the battery over a period of time. If you need to leave the key in the ignition but not in LOCK/OFF for an extended period, it is recommended that { WARNING 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, (Continued)