2001 Cadillac Catera Owners Manual - Files

Your vehicle has an automatic transmission shift lockcontrol system. You have to fully apply the regularbrakes before you can shift from PARK (P) whenthe ignition key is in ON. If you cannot shift out ofPARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push theshift lever all the way into PARK (P) as you maintainbrake application. Then move the shift lever into thegear you wish. See “Shifting Out of PARK (P)” inthis section.REVERSE (R): Use this gear to back up.To rock your vehicle back and forth to get out of snow,ice or sand without damaging the transmission, see“Stuck: In Sand, Mud, Ice or Snow” in the Index.NEUTRAL (N): The engine doesn’t connect withthe wheels when driving in NEUTRAL (N). UseNEUTRAL (N) to restart your vehicle when you’realready moving or when your vehicle is being towed.CAUTION:Shifting out of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) whileyour engine is “racing” (running at high speed) isdangerous. Unless your foot is firmly on thebrake pedal, your vehicle could move veryrapidly. You could lose control and hit people orobjects. Don’t shift out of PARK (P) orNEUTRAL (N) while your engine is racing.NOTICE:Damage to the transmission caused by shiftingout of PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N) with theengine racing isn’t covered by your warranty.2-26