1996 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 222

If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow What you don't want to dowhen your vehicle is stuck is to spin your wheels too fast.The method known as "rocking" can help you get out when you're stuck, but you must use caution. NOTICE: Spinning your wheels can destroy parts your of vehicle aswell as thetires. If you spin the wheels too fast while shifting your transaxle back and forth, you can destroy your transaxle. For information about using tire chains on your vehide, see "Tire Chains" in the Index. If you let your tires spin at high they can speed, explode, andyou or otherscould be injured. And, of the transaxle or other parts the vehicle can overheat. That could cause an engine compartment fire or other damage. When you're stuck, spinthe wheels as little as possible. Don't spin the wheels above 35 mph (55 km/h) as shown on the speedometer. I Rocking your vehicle to getit out: First, turn your steering wheelleft and right. That will clear the area around yourfront wheels. If your vehicle has the Enhanced TractionSystem, you should turn the system off. (See "Enhanced TractionSystem" in the Index.) Then shift back and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear (or with a manual transaxle, between FIRST (1) or SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal whenthe transaxle is in gear. If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out, see "Towing Your Vehicle" in the Index. 5-33