1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 355

Steering Column Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake try to turn set, the key to LOCK 11 each shift lever position. With an automatic transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P). With a manual transmission, the key should turn to LOCK only whenthe shift lever is in REVERSE (R). On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key to LOCK without pressing the button. The keyshould turn to LOCK only when you press the key button. On all vehicles, the key should come outonly in LOCK. Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. To check the parking brake: With the engine running and transmission in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicleis held by the parkingbrake only. To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes. Underbody Flushing Service Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission PARK (P) Mechanism Check At leastevery spring, useplain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect. A CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could beginto move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is room front of your vehicle in case in Be it begins to roll. ready to apply the regular brake at once should the vehicle beginmove. to I -4L