Automatic Transmission
The automatic transmission has a shift lever located on the console between the seats.
P (Park): This position locks the front wheels. It is the best position to use when starting the engine because the vehicle cannot move easily.
WARNING!
It is dangerous to get out of the
vehicle if the 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).
See Shifting Into Park. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before starting the engine.
The vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lock control system.
The regular brake must be fully applied first and then the shift lever button pressed before shifting from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN. If you cannot shift out of P (Park), ease pressure on the shift lever, then push the shift lever all the way into P (Park) as you maintain brake application. Then press the shift lever button and move the shift lever into another gear. See Shifting out of Park.
R (Reverse): Use this gear to back up.
Notice:
Shifting to R (Reverse)
while the vehicle is moving
forward could damage the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Shift to R (Reverse) only
after the vehicle is stopped.
To rock the vehicle back and forth to get out of snow, ice, or sand without damaging the transmission, see If the Vehicle Is Stuck.
N (Neutral): In this position, the engine does not connect with the wheels. To restart the engine when the vehicle is already moving, use N (Neutral) only. Also, use N (Neutral) when the vehicle is being towed.
WARNING!
Shifting into a drive gear while the
engine is running at high speed is
dangerous. Unless your foot is
firmly on the brake pedal, the
vehicle could move very rapidly.
You could lose control and hit people or objects. Do not shift into a drive gear while the engine is running at high speed.
Notice:
Shifting out of P (Park) or
N (Neutral) with the engine
running at high speed may
damage the transmission. The
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Be sure the
engine is not running at high
speed when shifting the vehicle.
D (Drive): This position is for normal driving. It provides the best fuel economy. If more power is needed for passing, and the vehicle is:
• Going less than 56 km/h (35 mph), push the accelerator pedal about halfway down.
• Going about 56 km/h (35 mph) or more, push the accelerator all the way down.
Notice:
If the vehicle seems to
accelerate slowly or not shift
gears when you go faster, and
you continue to drive the vehicle
that way, you could damage the
transmission. Have the vehicle
serviced right away. You can
drive in L (Low) when you are
driving less than 56 km/h (35 mph)
and D (Drive) for higher speeds
until then.
Manual Mode: This position is shown on the shift lever as a +/−.
It allows the driver to select the gears appropriate for current driving conditions. See Manual Mode for more information.
See also:
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp aim has been preset and should need no further adjustment. If the vehicle
is damaged in a crash, the headlamp aim may be affected. If adjustment to the headlamps
is necessary, see your de ...
Reporting Safety Defects toGeneral Motors
In addition to notifying NHTSA (or Transport
Canada) in a situation like this, we certainly hope
you will notify us.
Please call us at 1-800-521-7300, or write:
Buick Customer Assistance Cente ...
All Vehicles
WARNING!
You can be injured and the
vehicle could be damaged if you
try to do service work on a vehicle
without knowing enough about it.
• Be sure you have sufficient
knowledge, experience ...