2004 Saturn Ion Owner's Manual - Page 90

For vehicles with the VTi variable transaxle, if the TRANS COLD message is displayed in cold temperatures (below −13°F (−25°C)) and the shift lever is moved out of PARK (P), the transaxle will not go into gear. Return the shift lever to PARK (P) and wait for the TRANS COLD message to turn off. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. 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. 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 4-30. For vehicles with the VTi variable transaxle, if you accidentally shift into REVERSE (R) while the vehicle is moving forward or into DRIVE (D) while the vehicle is moving backward, the transaxle will remain in NEUTRAL (N) to protect itself. NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine doesn't connect with the wheels. To restart when you're already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed. {CAUTION: Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is 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. Do not shift into a drive gear while your engine is running at high speed. Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing may damage the transaxle. The repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not racing when shifting your vehicle. 2-24