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.

Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. EngineWARNING

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 .

It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the automatic transmission shiftWARNING

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:

    Automatic Dimming Rearview Mirror
    The vehicle may have an automatic dimming inside rearview mirror with OnStar® and/or a compass display. Automatic dimming reduces the glare from the headlamps of the vehicle behind you. The dim ...

    Manual Mode
    Driver Shift Control (DSC) Notice: Driving with the engine at a high rpm without upshifting while using Driver Shift Control (DSC), could damage the vehicle. Always upshift when necessary while u ...

    Front Seat
    Front Seat To raise or lower the head restraint, press the release button located on the side of the head restraint and pull up or push the head restraint down and release the button. Pull ...