Pontiac 2005 GTO Owner's Manual page 78

NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your engine does not
connect with the wheels. To restart when you are
already moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, use
NEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.
CAUTION:
{
Shifting into a drive gear while your engine is
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. Do not
shift into a drive gear while your engine is
running at high speed.
Notice: Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N)
with the engine running at high speed may damage
the transmission. The repairs would not be
covered by your warranty. Be sure the engine is not
running at high speed when shifting your vehicle.
DRIVE (D): This is the most effective position for normal
or freeway driving. This position gives maximum fuel
efficiency, as the transmission can choose the
appropriate gear (1 through 4) for the existing load and
driving conditions.
2-20
THIRD (3): This position is also used for normal driving.
However, it offers more power and lower fuel economy
than DRIVE (D). Here are some times you might choose
THIRD (3) instead of DRIVE (D):
•
When driving on hilly, winding roads.
•
When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting
between gears.
•
When going down a steep hill.
SECOND (2): This position gives you more power but
lower fuel economy than THIRD (3). You can use
SECOND (2) on hills. It can help control your speed as
you go down steep mountain roads, but then you
would also want to use your brakes off and on.
FIRST (1): This position gives you even more power but
lower fuel economy than SECOND (2). You can use it on
very steep hills, or in deep snow or mud. If the shift lever
is put in FIRST (1), the transmission will not shift into first
gear until the vehicle is going slowly enough.
Remember to move the shift lever back to DRIVE (D) so
that the transmission again upshifts into higher gears.
Even though the shift lever may be in FIRST (1), the
transmission does not select first gear until vehicle speed
is less that 35 mph (56 km/h).