1998 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 83

Ensure theshift lever is fully PARK (P) range before in starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock ( BTSI). You have tofully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is the RUN position. If you in ease pressure on the cannot shift out of PARK (P), the shift lever-- push the shift lever all way into PARK (P) -- as you maintain brake application. Then move the shiftlever into the gearyou wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) See "Shifting Out ofPARK (P)" later in this section. NEUTRAL ( )In this position, yourengine N: To doesn't connect with the wheels. restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle being towed. is I REVERSE ( ) Use this gear to back up. R: I NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. 1 Shifting out of PARK (P) NEUTRAL (N) while or your engine is "racing" (running at high speed)is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, yourvehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit peopleor objects. Don't shift outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)while your engine is racing. NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle caused shifting out by of PARK (P) NEUTRAL (N) or with the engine by racing isn't covered your warranty. To rock your vehicle back and forth to getofout snow, ice orsand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, or Snow" in the Index. Ice 2-22 -~