2011 Chevrolet Express 1500 Cargo Owner's Manual - Page 242

9-28 Driving and Operating 1 (First): This position reduces vehicle speed without using the brakes. You can use it for major/ severe downgrades where the vehicle would otherwise accelerate due to steepness of grade. When you shift to 1 (First) it provides the lowest gear appropriate to current road speed and continues to downshift as the vehicle slows, eventually downshifting to 1 (First) gear. The transmission can be held in 1 (First) gear using Range Selection Mode or the shift lever. See "Range Selection Mode" under Manual Mode on page 9‑30. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transmission. The repair will not be covered by the vehicle warranty. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. Automatic Transmission (Four Speed) WARNING (Continued) Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park on page 9‑22. If you are pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips on page 9‑45. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must first press the brake pedal before you can shift from P (Park) with the ignition in ON/RUN. There are several different positions for your shift lever. P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. It is the best position to use when you start the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily. { WARNING It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. (Continued)