1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 78

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range before You Oldsmobile has a brake-trmsaxle starting the engine. shift interlock. You have to apply your regular brake before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shiftout of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift l lever al the way into PARK (P) -- as you maintain brake application. Then movethe 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. NEUTRAL (N): In thisposition, 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. r Shifting outof 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. REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up. NOTICE: Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle is moving forward could damage your transaxle. Shift toREVERSE (R) only after your vehicle is stopped. NOTICE: Damage to your transaxle caused shifting out by of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engine racing isn't covered by your warranty. To rock your vehicle back and forth toget out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see "If You're Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow" in the Index. 2-22