Chevrolet 1998 Lumina Owner's Manual page 95

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has a Brake-Transaxle
Shift Interlock. You must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is
in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease
pressure on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into
PARK (P) while keeping the brake pedal pushed down.
Release the shift lever button if you have a console shift.
Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P), being sure
to press the shift lever button if you have a console shift.
See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" in the Index.
REVERSE (R):
Use this gear to back up.
NOTICE:
Shifting to
REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
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
"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.
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