1998 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 334

Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing on While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn downhill. Keeping your foot the regular brake, set the the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. parking brake. 0 To check the parking brake's holding ability: With With an automatic transaxle, the should turn to key the engine running transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), and LOCK only when theshift lever is in PARK (P). slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake With a manual transaxle, the key should turn to LOCK pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held the parking by only when theshift lever is in REVERSE (R). brake only. On vehicles witha key release button,try to turn the key 0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: to LOCK without pressing the button. key should The With the engine running, shift PARK (P). Then to turn to LOCK only when you press the key button. release all brakes. On all vehicles, the key should come out in LOCK. only Underbody Flushing Service Ignition Transaxle Lock Check Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check A CAUTION: When you are doing this check, your vehicle could begin to move. You others could be or injured and property could be damaged. Make sure there is morn in frontof your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready apply the regular to brake at once should the vehicle begin to move. At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect. 7-33