Automatic Transaxle Operation - Saturn 2004 L-Series Owner's Manual

Automatic Transaxle Operation

Your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle,
the shift lever is located on the console between
the seats.
There are several positions for the shift lever.
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:
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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 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 2-28. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-40.
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 on floor shift console
models as you maintain brake application.
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