2003 Pontiac Montana Owner's Manual - Page 141

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. As you step on the brake pedal, while in PARK (P), you may hear a click from the solenoid of the system. This ensures that the system is operating properly. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-40. v n w suddenly. Yob ur others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always your set parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into Park (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer,see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. 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. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-30. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicleif the shift lever is not fully inPARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engineis running Unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move CAUTION: (Continued) 2-34