Chevrolet 1997 Camaro Owner's Manual page 80

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK
(P)
before starting
the engine. Your Chevrolet has
a
brake-transmission shift
interlock. You have to fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from
PARK (P)
when the ignition
key is in the RUN position. 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. Then move the shift lever
into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before
moving the shift lever on floor shift console models.) See
"Shifting Out of PARK (P)" in this section.
REVERSE
(R):
Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to
REVERSE (R)
while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transmission.
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 transmission, see
"Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index.
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.
Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N)
while
your engine is "racing" (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. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or
NEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.
I
NOTICE:
~~ ~~
Damage to your transmission caused by shifting
out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the
engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.
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