1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 342

Steering Column Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the key to LOCK in each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R). On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to LOCK without pressing the button. The key should turn to LOCK only when you press the key button. On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK. Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin tomove. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure thereis room in frontof your vehicle incase it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake atonce should the vehicle begin tomove. ~ ~~~~ Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: Shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes. 7-50