2008 Cadillac DTS Owner's Manual - Page 101

Automatic Transmission Operation The automatic transmission may have a shift lever located either on the steering column or on the console between the seats. There are several different positions for the shift lever. {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 2-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-27. PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever. Push the shift lever 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 2-33. 2-27