1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 61

Key Release Button The key cannot be removed of from the ignition . manual . . transmission vehicles ~ Starting Your Engine Automatic Transmission Move your shift lever to PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). Your engine won't start in any other position -- that's a safety feature. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. To remove the key on manual transmission vehicles, turn the key to the OFF position. Then turn the key to the LOCK position while pressing the key release button down at the same time. Pull the key straight out. On automatic transmission vehicles, turn the key to LOCK and pull it straight out. Don't try to shift to PARK (P) if your vehicle is moving. If you do, you could damage the transmission. Shift to PARK (P) only when your vehicle is stopped. Manual Transmission The gear selectorshould be in NEUTRAL (N). Hold the clutchpedal to the floor andstart the engine. Your vehicle won't start if the clutch pedal is not all the way down -- that's a safety feature. 2-13