2004 Oldsmobile Bravada Owner's Manual - Page 84

Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your gear shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks the rear wheels. It's the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle can't move easily. {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. Do not 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 will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-25. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-50. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply the regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, press the button on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-26. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. 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 transmission, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-42. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. 2-22