1998 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 99

Make surethe shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock (BTSI). You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on theshift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" in the Index. 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. - A CAUTION: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could losecontrol and hitpeople or objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. only after your vehicle Shift to REVERSE (R) is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice orsand without damaging your transaxle, see "If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in Index. the NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn't coveredby your warranty. 2-23