1993 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 59

Features & Controls Park (CONT.) Ensure the shift lever isfully in P (Park) range before starting the engine. Your Pontiac has abrake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift from P (Park) when the ignition key is in the Run position. If you cannot shift outof P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever-push the shift lever allthe way into P (Park)-as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before movingthe shift lever,) See Shifting Out of P (Park) later in this section. Reverse R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. Shifting toR (Reverse) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage yourtransaxle. Shift to R only after your vehicleis stopped. Neutral N (Neutral): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N when your vehicle is being towed. 1 To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging yourtransaxle, see the Index under I You 're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, f Ice or Snow. Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) your while engine I 'racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don't shift out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) while your engine is racing. A I . . 58