2004 Chevrolet Impala Owner's Manual - Page 92

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 can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-38. Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) while the ignition is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down. Release the shift lever button if you have a console shift. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P). See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-30. There is also a display, like the graphic above, located on the instrument panel cluster that will indicate the gear the vehicle is in. Maximum engine speed is limited on automatic transaxle vehicles while you're in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) to protect driveline components from improper operation. There are several different positions for your shift lever. 2-24