2004 Pontiac Vibe Owner's Manual - Page 85

Ensure that 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 release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-30. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, your vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Don't shift into a drive gear while your engine is racing. 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 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. Notice: Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting into a drive gear with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. DRIVE (D): This position is for normal driving. If you need more power for passing, and you're: • Going less than about 27 mph (43 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down. • Going about 29 mph (47 km/h) or more, push your accelerator pedal all the way down. You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power. 2-21