2004 Pontiac Grand Am Owner's Manual - Page 96

Neutral: Use this position when you start or idle your engine. REVERSE (R): To back up, press down the clutch pedal and lift up on the ring on the shift lever to shift into REVERSE (R). Let up on the clutch pedal slowly while pressing the accelerator pedal. Notice: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. Also, use REVERSE (R), along with the parking brake, for parking your vehicle. Once the shift lever is in REVERSE (R), the ignition can be turned to OFF and the key removed. Shift Speeds {CAUTION: If you skip a gear when you downshift, you could lose control of your vehicle. You could injure yourself or others. Don't shift down more than one gear at a time when you downshift. Up-Shift Light If you have a manual transaxle, you may have a SHIFT light located on the instrument panel cluster. This light will show you when to shift to the next higher gear for the best fuel economy. When this light comes on, you can shift to the next higher gear if the weather, road and traffic conditions permit. For the best fuel economy, accelerate slowly and shift when the light comes on. 2-28