2005 Dodge Stratus Owner's Manual - Page 146

146 STARTING AND OPERATING WARNING! Unintended movement of a vehicle could injure those in and near the vehicle. As with all vehicles, you should never exit a vehicle while the engine is running. Before exiting a vehicle you should shift the transmission into Park, remove the key from the ignition, and apply the park brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition the transmission shift lever is locked in the Park position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave children unattended inside a vehicle. The following indicators should be used to ensure that you have engaged the transmission shift lever into the "Park" position: • When shifting into Park, depress the button on the shift lever and firmly move the lever all the way forward until it stops. • Look at the shift indicator window on the console to ensure it is in the "P" position. • When engaged in Park you will not be able to move the shifter rearward without depressing the shift lever button. CAUTION! Damage to the transaxle may occur if the following precautions are not observed: • Shift into PARK only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop. • Shift into or out of REVERSE only after the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the engine is at idle speed. • Do not shift from REVERSE, PARK, or NEUTRAL into any forward gear when the engine is above idle speed. • Before shifting into any gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal.