2004 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 85

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. {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) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-26. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle) on page 4-37 or Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle) on page 4-43. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) or releasing the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. See Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-27. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-28. 2-21