Chevrolet 2009 Colorado Automobile User Manual


 
Automatic Transmission Operation
The vehicle has a shift lever on the steering column.
It features an electronic shift position indicator within the
instrument cluster. This display is powered anytime
the shift lever is capable of being moved out of P (Park).
This means that if the ignition is turned off, but not in
LOCK/OFF, there will be a small current drain on
the battery which could discharge the battery over a
period of time. If you need to leave the key in the ignition
but not in LOCK/OFF for an extended period, it is
recommended that you disconnect the battery cable
from the battery to prevent discharging the battery.
There are several different positions for the shift lever.
P (Park): This position locks the rear wheels. It is
the best position to use when you start the engine
because the vehicle cannot move easily.
{ CAUTION:
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 (Automatic
Transmission) on page 2-32. If you are pulling a
trailer, see Towing a Trailer on page 4-47.
Make sure the shift lever is fully in P (Park) before
starting the engine. The vehicle has an automatic
transmission shift lock control system. You must
fully apply the brake pedal before you can shift
from P (Park) when the ignition key is in ON/RUN.
2-22