1997 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual - Page 82

Ensure the shift lever fully in PARK (P) range before is starting the engine. Your Buick has a brake-transaxle shift interlock.You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shiftfrom PARK (P) when the ignition keyis in the RUN position. If you c m o t shift out of PARK (P), ease pressureon the shift lever-- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button onfloor shift console models -- as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift leverinto the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift on floor shift lever console models.) See "Shifting Outof PARK (P)" in this section. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect withthe wheels. To restart when you're already moving, useNEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. REVERSE (R):Use this gear to back up. I NOTICE: Shifting toREVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage yourtransaxle. Shift toREVERSE (R)only after yourvehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get of snow, out ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, "If see You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow"in the Index. Shifting outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)while your engineis "racing" (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 hitpeople or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)while your engineis racing. 1 NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle caused shifting out by of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. 2- 1