2009 Dodge Avenger Owner Manual - Page 273

STARTING AND OPERATING 271 WARNING! • It is dangerous to move the shift lever out of PARK or NEUTRAL if the engine speed is higher than idle speed. If your foot is not firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could accelerate quickly forward or in reverse. You could lose control of the vehicle and hit someone or something. Only shift into gear when the engine is idling normally and when your right foot is firmly on the brake pedal. (Continued) WARNING! (Continued) • 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 always shift the vehicle into PARK, remove the key from the ignition, and apply the parking brake. Once the key is removed from the ignition, the shift lever is locked in the PARK position, securing the vehicle against unwanted movement. Furthermore, you should never leave children unattended inside a vehicle. Brake/Transaxle Interlock System This system prevents you from moving the shift lever out of PARK and into any gear unless the brake pedal is pressed. This system is active only while the ignition switch is in the ON position. Always press the brake pedal first, before moving the shift lever out of PARK. 5