1996 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 75

I 1' 2 ! '. . I . Ensure the shift lever is fully PARK (P) range before in starting the engine.Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you shift from PARK (P) when the can ignition key is the RUN position. If you cannot shift in out of PARK (P), ease pressureon the shift lever push -the shift lever all the way PARK (P) -- as you into maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button of before movingthe shift lever.) See "Shifting Out PARK ( ? " in this section. I )later REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels.To restart when you're already moving, useNEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. I Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engineis "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 PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing. . NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE(R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damageyour transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after yourvehicle is stopped. NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle caused'byshifting 'out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. To rock your vehicle back and forth get out of snow, to ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "If You're Stuck: I Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. n