2005 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 85

Automatic Transaxle Operation If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, the shift lever is located on the console between the seats. There are several different positions for your shift lever. PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It is the best position to use when you start your engine because your vehicle cannot move easily. CAUTION: (Continued) 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) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-26. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer (Manual Transaxle) on page 4-36 or Towing a Trailer (Automatic Transaxle) on page 4-37. Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in RUN. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever by pushing the shift lever all the way into PARK (P) or releasing the shift lever button on floor shift console models as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you want. Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever. See Shifting Out of Park (P) (Automatic Transaxle) on page 2-27. {CAUTION: 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. CAUTION: (Continued) 2-21