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Automatic Transmission Operation
Your automatic transmission may have a shift lever
located on the console between the seats or on the
steering column.
There are several different positions for your shift lever.
If your vehicle is equipped with a column shift lever,
it features an electronic shift position indicator within
the instrument panel cluster. This display must be
powered anytime the shift lever is capable of being
moved out of PARK (P). This means that if your key
is in OFF, but not locked, there will be a small current
drain on your battery which could discharge your battery
over a period of time. If you need to leave your key
in the ignition in OFF for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging your battery.
PARK (P): This position locks your rear wheels. It’s the
best position to use when you start your engine because
your vehicle can’t move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine is
running unless you have to. If you have left the
engine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.
You or others could be injured. To be sure your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. If you
have four
-wheel drive, your vehicle will be free to
roll
-- even if your shift lever is in PARK (P) -- if
your transfer case is in NEUTRAL. So, be sure
the transfer case is in a drive gear
-- not in
NEUTRAL. See “Four
-Wheel Drive (Automatic
Transfer Case)” in the Index. If you’re pulling a
trailer, see “Towing a Trailer” in the Index.