1999 Oldsmobile 88 Owner's Manual - Page 79

yellowblue There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is on. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" later in this section. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. 2-23