1998 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 83

DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you're: Going less than about 35 mph (55 kmh), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator all the way down. You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power. FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power (but lower fuel economy) than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the selector leveris put in FIRST (1) while the vehicle is moving forward, the transmission won't shift into FIRST (1) until the vehicle is going slowly enough. DRIVE (D) should not be used when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, drivingon steep hills, or for off-road driving. Select THIRD (3) when operating the vehicle under any of these conditions. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however it offers more power and lower fuel economy than DRIVE (D). You should use THIRD (3) when towing a trailer, carrying a heavy load, drivingon steep hills or winding roads or for off-road driving. I NOTICE: If your rear wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive. This might happen you were stuck in if or very deep sand or mud were up againsta solid object. You could damage your transmission. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transmission. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold yourvehicle in position on a hill. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use SECOND ( 2 ) on hills. It can help control your speed as you go down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on. You can also use SECOND (2) for starting your vehicle from a stop on slippery road surfaces. 2-19