1997 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 78

r It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmlyset. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, thevehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shiftlever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. If you're pullinga trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key isin an on position. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever-- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever buttonon floor shift console modelsas you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift 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. I NOTICE: Shifting toREVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after yourvehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out'of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. 2-25 -