2011 Chevrolet Volt Owner's Manual - Page 334

9-32 Driving and Operating Electric Drive Unit The vehicle uses an electric drive unit. The shift lever is on the console between the seats. { 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. Do not leave the vehicle when the propulsion system is running unless you have to. If you have left the propulsion system 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. Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the propulsion system. The vehicle has an electric drive unit shift lock control system. The regular brake must be fully applied first and then the shift lever button pressed before shifting from P (Park) when the vehicle is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park on page 9‑23. R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the electric drive unit. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped. To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the electric drive unit, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck on page 9‑13. P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when starting the propulsion system because the vehicle cannot move easily.