GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: It can be 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. 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, use the steps that follow. If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer .

Steering Column Shift Lever

If your vehicle has a steering column shift lever, use the following procedure to shift the vehicle into PARK (P):

  1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
  2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pulling the shift lever toward you and moving it up as far as it will go.
  3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake for more information.
  4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
  5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

Console Shift Lever

If your vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever, use the following procedure to shift the vehicle into PARK (P):

  1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
  2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle and then to the left.
  3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal down, set the parking brake. See Parking Brake for more information.
  4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
  5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).

Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine Running

Caution: It can be dangerous to leave the vehicle with the engine running. The vehicle could move suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine running, it could overheat and even catch fire. You or others could be injured. Do not leave the vehicle with the engine running.

If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your parking brake is firmly set before you leave it. See Parking Brake for more information.

Torque Lock

If you are parking on a hill and you do not shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called torque lock. To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park .

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).