1996 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual

Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range beforestarting the engine. Your Buick has a brake-transaxleshift interlock. You have to fully apply your regularbrakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when theignition key is in the RUN position. If you cannot shiftout of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- pushthe shift lever all the way into PARK (P) as youmaintain brake application. Then move the shift leverinto the gear you wish. See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)”in the Index.REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.NOTICE:Shifting to REVERSE (R) while your vehicle ismoving forward could damage your transaxle.Shift to REVERSE (R) only after your vehicleis stopped.To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,ice or sand without damaging your transaxle, see “IfYou’re Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): In this position, your enginedoesn’t connect with the wheels. To restart when you’realready moving, use NEUTRAL (N) only. Also, useNEUTRAL (N) when your vehicle is being towed.Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) whileyour engine is ‘(racing”(running at high speed) isdangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on thebrake pedal, your vehicle could move veryrapidly. You could lose control and hit people orobjects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) orNEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.I NOTICE:Damage to your transaxle caused by shifting outof PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with the engineracing isn’t covered by your warranty.