2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owner's Manual - Page 98

Shifting Out of Park (P) If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system which locks the shift lever in PARK when the ignition is in the OFF position. In addition, you have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-22. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) 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. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY. There is no shift interlock in this key position. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear you want. 5. Have the system fixed as soon as possible. Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal Before leaving your manual transaxle model vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to OFF, remove the key and release the clutch. See Manual Transaxle Operation on page 2-25. 2-30