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:

    Service
    Never try to do your own service on eAssist components. You can be injured and the vehicle can be damaged if you try to do your own service work. Service and repair of these high voltage com ...

    Checking Coolant
    The vehicle must be on a level surface when checking the coolant level. The coolant level should be at or above the FULL COLD mark when the engine is cold. The coolant level should be above the ...

    Sunroof
    Sunroof On vehicles with a sunroof, the switch is located on the overhead console. The sunroof only operates when the ignition is in ON/RUN or ACC/ACCESSORY, or in Retained Accessory Power ( ...