2008 Saturn Astra Owner's Manual - Page 158

8-6 Driving and Operating Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. The regular brakes must be applied before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P) while holding the brake pedal down, see Shifting Out of Park on page 8-13. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see Rocking Your Vehicle to Get It Out on page 8-30. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart while you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because your vehicle cannot 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. Do not 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 will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park on page 8-11. { 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, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.