2000 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 102

Torque Lock (Automatic Transmission) If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called "torque lock." To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's seat. To find out how, see "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). 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 release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the ignition key to OFF. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want. 5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can. Shifting Out of PARK (P) (Automatic Transmission) Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See "Automatic Transmission" in the Index. Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transmission) Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual transmission in REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the parking brake. If your vehicle is equipped to tow a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. 2-42