GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2002 🢒 SL 🢒 Features and Controls 🢒 Starting and Operating Your Vehicle 🢒 Shift Lock Bypass Procedure

Shift Interlock By-Pass

If for some reason the shifter is not released when you apply the brake, or if service or towing requires the car to be shifted out of Park (P) without running the engine, turn the ignition key to the Accessory (ACC) position. Apply the regular brakes and then shift to Neutral (N). The vehicle may now be operated normally.

    • Reverse (R)
        Use this gear to back up.
    • To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging your transaxle, see If Your Vehicle is Stuck in Sand, Mud, Ice, or Snow .
    • Neutral (N)
        In this position your engine is not engaged, and therefore will not be able to power your vehicle in a forward or reverse motion. To restart when you're already moving, use Neutral (N) only. Also, use "N" when your vehicle is being towed.
    • Drive (D)
        This position is for normal driving at all speeds, and in most street and highway situations. If you need more power for passing, and you're:
       - Going less than 35 mph (56 km/h), push your accelerator pedal about halfway down.
       - Going about 35 mph (56 km/h) or more, push the accelerator pedal down until downshift occurs or until you reach your desired speed.
       - You'll shift down to the next gear and have more power.
    • Third Gear (3)
        "3" is like "D", but you never go into 4th gear.
        Here are some times you might choose "3" instead of "D":
       - When driving on hilly, winding roads.
       - When towing a trailer, so there is less shifting between gears.
       - When going down a steep hill.
       - When driving in stop and go city traffic below 45 mpg (72 km/h), so there is less shifting between gears.
    • Second Gear (2)
        When "2" is selected, the transaxle will not downshift into first gear when coming to a stop. Using "2" can help control your speed as you do down steep mountain roads, but then you would also want to use your brakes off and on.