2003 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 91

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift toREVERSE (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: I Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on n 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 Notice: Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting into a drivegear with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. Forward Gears AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving with the automatic transaxle. If you need more power for passing, and you're: 0 Going less than about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. Going about 35 mph (55 km/h), push your accelerator all the way down. 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): When driving on hilly, winding roads. When going down a steep hill. SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but lower fuel economy. You can use SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed you down as go steep mountain roads, but then youwould also wantto use off and on. Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is "racing" (running high at speed) dangerous. is Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You hit peopleorobjects. couldlosecontroland Don't shift into a drive gear while your engine brakes your acing. is I 2-24