1996 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 73

Ensure theshft lever is fully PARK (P) range before in starting the engine.Your Pontiac hasa brake-transaxle shift interlock.You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shiftfrom PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the on position. you cannot shift out If of PARK (P), ease pressureon the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way intoPARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the lever shift into the gear you wish. (Press theshift 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. To rock your vehicle back and forthget outof snow, to ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position,your engine doesn't connect withthe wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. A CAUTION: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is "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 hitpeople or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)while your engine is racing. 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. 2-22