2004 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 94

Torque Lock If parking the vehicle on a hill and the transaxle is not shifted into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. It might be difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before leaving the driver's seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park (P) on page 2-26. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before releasing the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, another vehicle might have to push yours a little uphill. This takes some of the pressure off the parking pawl in the transaxle, enabling the shift lever to be moved out of PARK (P). Shifting Out of Park (P) The vehicle has an automatic transaxle shiftlock control system which locks the shift lever in PARK (P) when the ignition is in the OFF position. The regular brakes have to be fully applied before the vehicle can be shifted from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-22. If the vehicle cannot be shifted out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into PARK (P) as brake application is maintained. Then move the shift lever into the desired gear. If the brake pedal is held down but still cannot be shifted out of PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the ignition key to ACCESSORY. There is no shift interlock in this key position. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the desired gear. 5. Have the system fixed as soon as possible. 2-28