1996 Buick Park Avenue Owner's Manual

Torque LockIf you are parking on a hill and you don’t shift yourtransaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of thevehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl inthe transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shiftlever out of PARK (P). This is called “torque lock.” Toprevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shiftinto PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver’sseat. To find out how, see “Shifting Into PARK (P)”in the Index.When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out ofPARK (P) befure you release the parking brake.If torque lock does occur, you may need to have anothervehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of thepressure from the transaxle, so you can pull the shiftlever out of PARK (P).Shifting Out of PARK (P)Your Buick has a brake-transaxle shift interlock. Youhave to fully apply your regular brake before you canshift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in the RUNposition. See “Automatic Transaxle” in the Index.If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure onthe shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way intoPARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Thenmove the shift lever into the gear you want.If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can Ishift out of PARK (P), try this:1. Turn the key to OFF. Open and close the driver’sdoor to turn off the Retained Accessory Powerfeature (if equipped).2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.3. Shift to NEUTRAL (N).4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the drive gearyou want.5. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as you can.