2011 Buick LaCrosse Owner's Manual - Page 276

9-26 Driving and Operating Torque Lock Torque lock is when the weight of the vehicle puts too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. This happens when parking on a hill and shifting the transmission into P (Park) is not done properly and then it is difficult to shift out of P (Park). To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into P (Park). To find out how, see "Shifting Into P (Park)" listed previously. If torque lock does occur, your vehicle may need to be pushed uphill by another vehicle to relieve the parking pawl pressure, so you can shift out of P (Park). If you are towing a trailer and parking on a hill, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑56. Shifting Out of Park Automatic Transmission Shift Lock The vehicle has an electronic shift lock release system. The shift lock release is designed to: . If the console shift lever cannot be moved out of P (Park): 1. Apply and maintain the regular brakes. 2. Turn the ignition to the ON/RUN position. See Ignition Positions (Key Access) on page 9‑17 or Ignition Positions (Keyless Access) on page 9‑19 for more information. 3. Let up on the shift lever and make sure the shift lever is pushed all the way into P (Park). 4. Press the shift lever button. 5. Move the shift lever into the desired gear. If you still cannot move the shift lever from P (Park), consult your dealer or a professional towing service. Prevent ignition key removal unless the shift lever is in P (Park). Prevent movement of the shift lever out of P (Park), unless the ignition is in ON/RUN and the brake pedal is applied. . The shift lock is always functional except in the case of an uncharged or low voltage (less than 9‐volt) battery. If the vehicle has an uncharged battery or a battery with low voltage, try charging or jump starting the battery. See Jump Starting on page 10‑86.