Chevrolet 1999 Prizm Owner's Manual page 94

Torque Lock (Automatic Transaxle)
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your
transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the
vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in
the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift
lever out of PARK (P). This is called "torque lock." To
prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift
into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's
seat. To find out how, see "Shifting Into PARK (P)" in
the Index.
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of
PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another
vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the
pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you
can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
2-24
Shifting Out of PARK (P)
(Automatic Transaxle Only)
CAUTION:
Before shifting out of PARK (P) you must fully
apply your regular brakes. Your vehicle can roll. If
you have left the engine running, the vehicle can
move suddenly. You or others could be injured.
If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a Trailer"
in the Index.
-
Your vehicle has a Brake
(BTSI). You have to fully apply your regular brakes
before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is
in ON. See "Automatic Transaxle Operation" in
the Index.
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 release the shift lever button as you
maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever
button and move the shift lever into the gear you wish.
Transaxle Shift Interlock
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