2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 102

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when the vehicle is already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is being towed. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy for your vehicle. If the vehicle needs more power for passing, and it is: • Going less than 35 mph (55 km/h), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting your vehicle. • Going about 35 mph (55 km/h) or more, push the accelerator pedal all the way down. The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and have more power. Downshifting the transmission in slippery road conditions could result in skidding, see Skidding under Loss of Control on page 4-12. Notice: If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you could damage the transmission. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and DRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving. However, it reduces vehicle speed more than DRIVE (D) without using your brakes. You might choose THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D) when driving on hilly, winding roads, when towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears, when going down a steep hill and when driving on non-highway scenarios (i.e. city streets etc.). 2-30