Chevrolet 1997 Cavalier Owner's Manual page 87

Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle)
Your Chevrolet has
a
brake-transaxle shift interlock.
You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you
can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the
RUN position. See "Automatic Transaxle" in the Index.
If you car
)t
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.)
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the key to OFF.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gear
you want.
5 . Have the vehicle fixed as soon as
you
can.
Parking Your Vehicle (Manual
Transaxle Models Only)
Before you get out of your vehicle, put your manual
transaxle in REVERSE (R) and firmly apply the
parking brake.
If you are parking on a hill, or if your vehicle is equipped
to tow a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer" in the Index.