Pontiac 2004 Grand Am - Manual (Page 100)

Shifting Out of Park (P)
If your vehicle has an automatic transaxle, it has an
automatic transaxle shift lock control system which locks
the shift lever in PARK when the ignition is in the
(OFF/OFF LOCK) position. In addition, you have to fully
apply your regular brakes before you can shift from
PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN (ON). See
Automatic Transaxle Operation on page 2-24.
If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on
the shift lever and push the shift lever all the way
into PARK (P) as you maintain brake application. Then
move the shift lever into the gear you want.
If you hold the brake pedal down but still can’t shift out
of PARK (P), try this:
1. Turn the ignition key to (OFF/ACCESSORY). There
is no shift interlock in this key position.
2. Apply and hold the brake until the end of Step 4.
3. Shift the transaxle to NEUTRAL (N).
4. Start the vehicle and then shift to the gear you
want.
5. Have the system fixed as soon as possible.
Parking Your Vehicle/Key Removal
Before leaving your manual transaxle model 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 OFF, remove the key and release the
clutch. See Manual Transaxle Operation on page 2-27.
2-32