2009 Buick LaCrosse Owner's Manual - Page 101

The positions for the shift lever are: P (Park): 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 P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. You must fully apply the brakes before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting Out of Park on page 2-32. 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. R (Reverse): 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 4-19. N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed. { 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. Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the vehicle. 2-27