1997 Chevrolet Suburban Owner's Manual - Page 99

Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force onthe parking pawl in the transmission. You may find it difficult to pull the shift leverout of PARK (P). Thisis called "torque lock." To prevent torque lock, setthe parking brake and then shift intoPARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's seat. To find out how, see "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in the Index. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever outof PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transmission, so you can pull the shift lever outof PARK (P). Shifting Outof PARK (P) Your vehicle has a brake-transmission shift interlock system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See "Automatic Transmission" in the Index. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way up into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then, move the shift lever into the gear you want. If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift outof PARK (P), try this: 1. Turn the key to OFF. 2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4. 3. Shift the vehicle to NEUTRAL (N). 4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear you want. 5. Have the brake-transmission shift interlock system fixed as soon as you can. 2-28