2006 Saturn Ion Owner's Manual - Page 105
2006 Saturn Ion Manual
Page 105 highlights
Torque Lock If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called "torque lock." To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-28. When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake. If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, then you will be able to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). The shift lock release is designed to do the following: • Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless the shift lever is in PARK (P), and • Prevent movement of the shift lever out of PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a position other than LOCK. The shift lock release is always functional except in the case of a dead battery or low voltage (less than 9 volt) battery. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever - push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P), 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. Parking Your Vehicle (Manual Transaxle) Before leaving your vehicle, fully press the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into REVERSE (R), and firmly apply the parking brake. Once the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key to LOCK, remove the key and release the clutch. See Manual Transaxle Operation on page 2-25. Shifting Out of Park (P) Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock release system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-22. 2-29