2001 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 93

FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is put in FIRST (1), the transaxle won't shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Forward Gears (4-Speed) AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you need more power for passing, and you're: D Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), accelerator all the way down. NOTICE: If your front wheels can't rotate, don't try to drive. This might happen if you were stuck in very deep sand or mud or were up against a solid object. You could damage your transaxle. Also, if you stop when going uphill, don't hold your vehicle there with only the accelerator pedal. This could overheat and damage the transaxle. Use your brakes or shift into PARK (P) to hold your vehicle in position on a hill. push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. D Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, however, it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose THIRD (3) instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): D When driving on hilly, winding roads. D When going down a steep hill. 2-27