Pontiac Wave 2008 Owner's Manual page 99

Automatic Transmission Operation
If your vehicle has an automatic transmission, the shift
lever is located on the console between the seats.
Movement between certain positions requires pushing
the release button on the front of the shifter.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle cannot 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 Transmission) on page 2-29.
Ensure that the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to apply
your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P)
when the key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out
of PARK (P) while holding the brake pedal down,
see Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-30.
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