2009 Dodge Grand Caravan Owner's Manual - Page 336

334 STARTING AND OPERATING Gear Ranges Do not race the engine when moving the shift lever from PARK or NEUTRAL positions into another gear range. PARK This range supplements the parking brake by locking the transaxle. The engine can be started in this gear. Never attempt to use PARK while the vehicle is in motion. Apply the parking brake when leaving the vehicle in this gear. When parking on a flat surface, place the shift lever in the PARK position first, and then apply the parking brake. When parking on a hill, it is important to set the parking brake before placing the shift lever in PARK, otherwise the load on the transaxle locking mechanism may make it difficult to move the shift lever out of PARK. As an added precaution, turn the front wheels toward the curb on a downhill grade, and away from the curb on an uphill grade. WARNING! • Never use the PARK position as a substitute for the parking brake. Always apply the parking brake fully when parked to guard against vehicle movement and possible injury or damage. • 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 move the shift lever 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 unattended children or pets inside a vehicle.