1996 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 73

Ensure the shft lever is fully in PARK (P) range before starting the engine. Your Oldsmobile has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift fromPARK (P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shiftout of PARK (P), ease pressure on theshift lever -- push the shift -lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then move theshift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever.) See "Shifting Out of PARK (P)" later inthis section. 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. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R)while your vehicleis moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift toREVERSE (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:.In Sand, Mud, Ice Snow" in the Index. or Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while is your engine is "racing" (running at high speed) dangerous. Unless your foot firmly on the is brake pedal, your vehicle could move very or rapidly. You could lose control and hit people objects. Don't shift out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) while your engine racing. is NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle causedby shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty.