1998 Buick Riviera Owner's Manual

Automatic Transaxle OperationThere are several different positions for your shift lever.PARK (P): This position locks your front wheels. It’sthe best position to use when you start your enginebecause your vehicle can’t move easily.It is dangerous to get out of your vehicle ifshift lever is not fully in PARK (P) with theparking brake firmly set. Your vehicle can roll.Don’t leave your vehicle when the engine isrunning unless you have to. If you have left theengine running, the vehicle can move suddenly.You or others could be injured. To be sure yourvehicle won’t move, even when you’re on fairlylevel ground, always set your parking brake andmove the shift lever to PARK (P).See “Shifting Into PARK (P)” in the Index. Ifyou’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing a Trailer’’ inthe Index.Ensure the shift lever is fully in PARK (P) range beforestarting the engine. Your vehicle has a brake-transaxleshift interlock. You have to fully appZy your regularbrakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when theignition is in RUN.2-23