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. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled. 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 .

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. 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 it is on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the automatic transmission shift lever to P (Park), or the manual transmission shift lever to Neutral.

Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move.

If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, see Shifting Into Park (Automatic Transmission) .

    See also:

    Ignition Transmission Lock Check
    While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF in each shift lever position. The ignition should turn to LOCK/OFF only when the shift lever is in P (Park). ...

    Using Voice Commands During a Planned Route
    Cancel Route 1. Push . System responds: “OnStar ready,” then a tone. Say “Cancel route.” System responds: “Would you like to cancel route directions to your destination?”. 2. Sa ...

    Outside Automatic Dimming Mirror
    If the vehicle has this feature, the driver side mirror adjusts for the glare of headlamps behind you. This feature is controlled by the on and off settings on the automatic dimming rearview mir ...