There are several different positions for your shift lever. Push in the button on top of the shift lever when shifting into position.

PARK (P): The engine can be started in this position. This position prevents the rear wheels from turning and so should be selected, together with the parking brake, when leaving the vehicle.

Caution: It is dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.

Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park . If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer .

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system. You must have your foot on the regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition key is in ON. The vehicle will not shift from PARK (P) if the button is pressed before the brake is applied. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever, push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P), and release the shift lever button as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into the desired gear. See Shifting Out of Park .

REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.

Notice: Shifting to R (Reverse) while the vehicle is moving forward could damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only after the vehicle is stopped.

To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice or sand without damaging your transmission, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .

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 the engine is running at high speed is dangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on the brake pedal, the vehicle could move very rapidly. You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.

Notice: Shifting out of P (Park) or N (Neutral) with the engine running at high speed may damage the transmission. The repairs would not be covered by the vehicle warranty. Be sure the engine is not running at high speed when shifting the 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.

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):

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).