2003 Pontiac Bonneville Owner's Manual - Page 94

PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It's the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle can't move easily. if the shift lever is not fullyin PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. ? s dangerous to get out of your veh Don't leave your vehicle when the enginei s running unless you haveto. If you have left the engine running, the vehicle can move suddeniy. 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 theshift lever to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into Park (P)" in the Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Tr2?!!er" the !ndPY= in 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 fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) and also release the shift lever button on console shift models 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 on floor shift console models). See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-35. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If You Are Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow on paye 4-53. 2-29