2008 Buick LaCrosse Owner's Manual - Page 104

{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 (P) on page 2-33. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-28. The positions for the shift lever are: PARK (P): This position locks the vehicle's front wheels. It is the best position to use when the engine is started because the vehicle cannot move easily. Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. You must fully apply the regular brakes before shifting from PARK (P) when the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-35 Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. To rock the vehicle back and forth in order to get it out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow on page 4-20. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart when you are already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when the vehicle is being towed. 2-30