Automatic Transmission Operation - Cadillac 2008 DTS Owner's Manual

Automatic Transmission Operation

The automatic transmission may have a shift lever
located either on the steering column or on the console
between the seats.
PARK (P): This position locks the front wheels.
It is the best position to use when you start the
engine because your vehicle cannot move easily.
There are several different
positions for the shift lever.
CAUTION:
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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.
Do not 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 will not move, even
when you are on fairly level ground, always
set your parking brake and move the shift
lever to PARK (P). See Shifting Into PARK (P)
on page 2-31. If you are pulling a trailer,
see Towing a Trailer on page 4-27.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before
starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK
(P) while the ignition key is in ON/RUN. 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 another
gear. See Shifting Out of PARK (P) on page 2-33.
2-27