Chevrolet 1997 Monte Carlo Owner's Manual page 76

Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK
(P)
before
starting the engine. Your Chevrolet 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 a l l 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.
NOTICE:
Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting out
of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL
(N)
with the engine
racing isn't covered by your warranty.
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