Pontiac 1996 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 75

I
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before
1
' .
I
.
starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle
! '
2
.
shift interlock. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the
ignition key is in the RUN position. 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 ( I ? ) " later in this section.
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 "If
You're
Stuck: I n 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.
I
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.