1997 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 65

Automatic Transmission Operation Your automatic transmission may have a shift lever located on the console between the seatsor on the steering column. There are several different positions for shift lever. your If your vehicle is equippedwith a column shift lever, it features an electronic shiftposition indicator within the instrument cluster. This display must be powered is anytime the shift lever capable of being movedout of the PARK (P) position. Thismeans that if your key is in the OFF position, but not locked, there will be a small current drainon your battery which could discharge your battery over a period of time. If you need to leave your key in the ignition in the OFF position foran extended period, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery cable from the battery to prevent discharging your battery. I C ION: - PARK (P): This locks your rear wheels. It's the best position touse when you start your engine becauseyour vehicle can't move easily. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicleif the the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle roll. can Don't leave your vehicle whenthe engine is running unless you have to. you have leftthe If engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle won't move, even when you're fairly on level ground, always setyour parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). If you have four-wheel drive, vehicle your will be free to roll even if your shift lever n is i PARK (P) if your transfer case isin case NEUTRAL (N). So, be sure the transfer is in a drive gear, two-wheel high (2HI) four-wheel or high (4HI) or four-wheel low (4LO) not in NEUTRAL (N). See "ShiftingInto PARK (P)" in the Index. If you're pullinga trailer, see "Towing a Trailer'' in Index. the -- -- -- 2-17