1995 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 71

Ensure the shift leveris fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transmission shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift leverall the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever buttonfloor on shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shiftlever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever buttonbefore moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See "Shifting Out of PARK (P) in part. this To rock your vehicle back and forth to get snow, out of ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow, You're" inthe If Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels. restart when you're To already moving,use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL, (N) when your vehicle being towed. is REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE(R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE only after (R) your vehicleis stopped.