2005 Pontiac Grand Prix Owner's Manual - Page 91

The vehicle will shift down to the next gear and have more power. Notice: If your vehicle seems to start up rather slowly or not shift gears when you go faster, and you continue to drive your vehicle that way, you could damage the transaxle. Have your vehicle serviced right away. You can drive in SECOND (2) when you are driving less than 35 mph (55 km/h) and AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) for higher speeds until then. THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving, but it offers more power and lower fuel economy than AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D). Here are some times THIRD (3) could be used instead of AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D): SECOND (2): This position gives the vehicle more power but lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). SECOND (2) can be used on hills. It can help control the vehicle's speed as it goes down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use the brakes off and on. Notice: Driving in SECOND (2) for more than 25 miles (40 km) or at speeds over 55 mph (90 km/h) may damage the transaxle. Also, shifting into SECOND (2) at speeds above 65 mph (105 km/h) can cause damage. Drive in THIRD (3) or AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (D) instead of SECOND (2). FIRST (1): This position gives the vehicle even more power but lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). It can be used on very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever is moved to FIRST (1), the transaxle will not shift into first gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough. Notice: Spinning the tires or holding the vehicle in one place on a hill using only the accelerator pedal may damage the transaxle. If you are stuck, do not spin the tires. When stopping on a hill, use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place. • When driving on hilly, winding roads. • When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears. • When going down a steep hill. • When driving in non-highway scenarios (i.e. city streets, etc.). 2-27