Automatic Transaxle Operation - Chevrolet 2003 Malibu Owner's Manual

Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your automatic transaxle
has a shift lever located
on the console between
the seats.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels.
It's the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can't move easily.
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CAUTION:
-
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.
CAUTION: (Continued)
Don't 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 won't move, even
when you're on fairly level ground, always set
your parking brake and move the shift lever
to PARK (P). See "Shifting Into Park (P)" in the
Index. If you're pulling a trailer, see "Towing a
Trailer'' in the Index.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle
shift lock control system. You have to apply your regular
brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever
-
push the shift lever
all the way into PARK (P)
-
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.) See Shifting Out of Park ( f )
on
page 2-27
later in this section.
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