Running the Vehicle While Parked

It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

WARNING!
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has no fresh air ventilation. For more information, see Engine Exhaust.

WARNING!
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll. Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move. See Shifting Into Park.

If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

    See also:

    Engine Compartment Overview
    2.0 L L4 Engine A. Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . B. Engine Cover. C. Engine Oil Dipstick. See Engine Oil . D. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See Engine Oil . E. Transmission Fluid Cap and Dipstick. See Auto ...

    Driving at Night
    Night driving is more dangerous than day driving because some drivers are likely to be impaired—by alcohol or drugs, with night vision problems, or by fatigue. Night driving tips include: • ...

    StabiliTrak® System
    The vehicle has a vehicle stability enhancement system called StabiliTrak. It is an advanced computer controlled system that assists with directional control of the vehicle in difficult driving co ...