Pontiac 2000 sunfire Automobile User Manual


 
2-20
Automatic Transaxle Operation
Your vehicle may be equipped with a three-speed
automatic transaxle or a four
-speed automatic transaxle.
The shift lever is located on the console between the seats.
There are six different positions for the shift lever on the
three-speed automatic and seven positions for the
four
-speed automatic transaxle. While PARK (P),
REVERSE (R) and NEUTRAL (N) operate identically
for both transaxles, the forward gear positions represent
different gearing and operation. See “Forward Gears
(3
-Speed)” or “Forward Gears (4-Speed)” later
in this section.
PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels.
It’s the best position to use when you start your engine
because your vehicle can’t move easily.
CAUTION:
It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle if the
shift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with the
parking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.
Don’t leave your 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 your
vehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairly
level ground, always set your parking brake and
move the shift lever to PARK (P).
See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index.
If you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer”
in the Index.