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PARK (P):This position locks the front wheels. It is the
best position to use when you start the engine
because your vehicle cannot 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 rmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Do not 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 will not move, even when
you are on fairly level ground, always set your
parking brake and move the shift lever to
PARK (P). SeeShifting Into Park (P) on
page 2-33. If you are pulling a trailer, see
Towing a Trailer on page 4-41.
Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) before starting
the engine. Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift
lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular
brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) while the
ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out of PARK (P),
ease pressure on the shift lever – push the shift lever all
the way into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application.
Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. See
Shifting Out of Park (P) on page 2-36. Column Shifter (Digital and Analog Cluster similar)
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Performance Shifting (DTS Only)
When your vehicle detects a change in driving
conditions, it will automatically initiate the appropriate
performance shift mode. When this occurs, the
gear display on the instrument panel cluster will change
to indicate that the transaxle has shifted to a different
gear. For example, the gear display on the cluster may
indicate 3 or 2 even though the gearshift is still in
AUTOMATIC OVERDRIVE (
X). Once the performance
shift mode ends, the gear display on the instrument
panel cluster will return to normal.
Shift Lock Release
This vehicle is equipped with an electric shift lock
release system. The shift lock release is designed to do
the following:
Prevent the ignition key from being removed unless
the shift lever is in PARK (P), and
prevent movement of the console shift lever (DTS
only) out of PARK (P) unless the ignition is in a
position other than OFF. The shift lock release is
always functional except in the case of a dead
battery or low voltage (less than 9 V) battery.
Parking Brake
The parking brake pedal is
located to the left of the
regular brake pedal,
near the driver’s door.
This vehicle has a PUSH TO RELEASE parking brake
pedal. To set the parking brake, hold the regular
brake pedal down with your right foot and push the
parking brake pedal down with your left foot.
If the ignition is on, the brake system warning light on
the instrument panel cluster should come on. If it
does not, you need to have your vehicle serviced.
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Steering Column Shift Lever
If your vehicle is equipped with a steering column shift
lever, use the following procedure to shift the vehicle
into PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) like this:
Pull the lever toward you.
Move the lever up as far as it will go.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.
4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
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Console Shift Lever
If your vehicle is equipped with a console shift lever,
use the following procedure to shift the vehicle into
PARK (P):
1. Hold the brake pedal down with your right foot.
2. Move the shift lever into PARK (P) by pushing the
lever all the way toward the front of your vehicle
and then to the left.
3. With your right foot still holding the brake pedal
down, set the parking brake.4. Turn the ignition key to OFF.
5. Remove the key and take it with you. If you can
leave your vehicle with the ignition key in your
hand, your vehicle is in PARK (P).
Leaving Your Vehicle With the Engine
Running
{CAUTION:
It can be dangerous to leave your vehicle with
the engine running. Your vehicle could move
suddenly if the shift lever is not fully in
PARK (P) with the parking brake rmly set.
And, if you leave the vehicle with the engine
running, it could overheat and even catch re.
You or others could be injured. Do not leave
your vehicle with the engine running.
If you have to leave your vehicle with the engine
running, be sure your vehicle is in PARK (P) and your
parking brake is rmly set before you leave it.
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