1998 Chevrolet Lumina Owner's Manual - Page 95

Make surethe shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle Shift Interlock.You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. If you cannot shift of PARK (P), ease out pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all way into the PARK (P) while keeping brake pedal pushed down. the Release the shift lever button if you have a console shift. Then move the shift leverout of PARK (P), being sure to press the shift lever button if you have a console shift. See "Shifting Outof PARK (P)" in the Index. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect withthe wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL only. Also, use (N) NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting toREVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. only after yourvehicle Shift toREVERSE (R) is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get outof snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. Shifting outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engineis "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your footis firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don't shift outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engineis racing. 2-19