2004 Saturn Ion Owner's Manual - Page 89

Automatic Transaxle Operation Five-Speed Automatic and VTi Variable If your vehicle is equipped with either the five-speed automatic transaxle or the VTi variable automatic transaxle, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats. There are several different positions for the automatic transaxle. 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. CAUTION: (Continued) the engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly. You or others could be injured. To be sure your vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set your parking brake and move the shift lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-31. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-39. 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 RUN. 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 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. See Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-33. {CAUTION: It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll. Do not leave your vehicle when the engine is running unless you have to. If you have left CAUTION: (Continued) 2-23