2003 GMC Savana Van Owner's Manual - Page 107

Automatic Transmission Operation There are several different positions for your shift lever PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. With the ignition in RUN, you must fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P). If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you continue pressing the brake pedal. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-29. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transmission. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. It is dangerous to get out of your vehicleif the shift lever is not fully in PARK with the (P) parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Don't leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you haveto. If you have left the 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 on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into Park (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on page 4-28. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. 2-24