1997 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 340

Ignition Transaxle Lock Check While parked, and with the parking brake try to turn set, the ignition key to LOCK in each shift lever position. The key should turn to LOCK only when the shift lever is inPARK (P). The key should come out only in LOCK. Parking Brake and Automatic Transaxle PARK (P) Mechanism Check Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing downhill. Keeping your foot on the regular brake, set the parking brake. To check the parking brake's holding ability: With the engine running and transaxle in NEUTRAL (N), slowly remove foot pressure from the regular brake pedal. Do this until the vehicle is held by the parking brake only. To check the PARK (P) mechanism's holding ability: With the engine running, shift to PARK (P). Then release all brakes. Underbody Flushing Service vehicle When you are doing this check, your could begin to move. You or others could be injured and property could be damaged. Make sure thereis room infront of your vehicle in case it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular brake at once should thevehicle begin to move. At least every spring, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to clean thoroughly any areas where mud and other debris can collect. 7-40