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. With four-wheel drive, if the transfer case is in N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to roll, even if the shift lever is in P (Park). So, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in N (Neutral). If you are pulling a trailer, see Towing a Trailer.
- Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot and set the parking brake.
- Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by holding in the button on the lever and pushing the lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle.
- If you have four-wheel drive, be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in NEUTRAL (N).
- Move the key to LOCK.
- Remove the key and take it with you. If you can leave your vehicle with the 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.
If you have four-wheel drive and the transfer case is in N (Neutral), the vehicle will be free to roll, even if the shift lever is in P (Park). So be sure the transfer case is in a drive gear -- not in N (Neutral). 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 unless you have to.Torque Lock
If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your automatic transmission into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transmission. 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 .
When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.
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 transmission, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).
