Pontiac 2004 GTO - Manual (Page 86)

Shifting Out of Park (P)
Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock
control system. You must fully apply your regular brakes
before you can press the button on the shift lever to
shift from PARK (P) while the ignition is in ON.
See Automatic Transmission Operation on page 2-18.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure
on the shift lever by pushing it all the way into PARK (P)
while keeping the brake pedal down. Release the shift
lever button. Then move the shift lever out of PARK (P),
being sure to press the shift lever button.
Shift Lock Release
If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still cannot
shift out of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition to OFF and remove the key.
2. Unclip the console cap and remove the screw
slightly to the right of the front center.
3. Remove console cap to expose the yellow
release lever.
4. Push the release lever forward and press the button
on the shift lever to move lever out of park.
5. Replace the console cap.
6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal
Before leaving a manual transmission vehicle, fully press
the clutch pedal in, move the shift lever into
REVERSE (R), and firmly apply the parking brake. Once
the shift lever has been placed in REVERSE (R) with
the clutch pedal pressed in, you can turn the ignition key
to LOCK, remove the key, and release the clutch.
2-26