2002 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 100

There are several different positions for the shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle can't move easily. CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're on fairly level ground, always set your 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. Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply the regular brakes and press the shift control button located on the front of the shift lever, before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the shift lever button. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P), being sure to press the shift lever button. See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" in the Index. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after the vehicle is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging the transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. 2-40