2005 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 95

Automatic Transaxle Operation Your automatic transaxle has a shift lever located on the console between the seats. CAUTION: (Continued) 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) on page 2-28. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-38. 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 apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P). If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-29 later in this section. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot 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. CAUTION: (Continued) 2-25