1997 GMC Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 402

Ignition Transmission Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). The key should come out only in LOCK. Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. 0 To check the parking brake's holding ability: 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: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes. 0 When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin tomove. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room in frontyour vehicle in case of it begins toroll. Be ready to apply the regular brake atonce should the vehicle begin to move. 7-46