Pontiac 1997 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 77

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before
starting the engine. Your Pontiac has a brake-transaxle
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 (P)" later in this section.
REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.
I
NOTICE:
~~
1
Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is
moving forward could damage your transaxle.
Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicle
is stopped.
1
To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,
ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "If
You're 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.
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.
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