Your vehicle has an automatic transaxle shift lock control system. You have to fully apply your regular brakes before you can shift from PARK (P) when the ignition is in RUN. See Automatic Transaxle Operation .

If you cannot shift out of PARK (P), ease pressure on the shift lever -- push the shift lever all the way into PARK (P), as you maintain brake application. Then move the shift lever into the gear you wish. (Press the shift lever button before moving the shift lever).

If you ever hold the brake pedal down but still can't shift out of PARK (P), try this:

1. Turn the ignition to OFF. Remove the key from the ignition.
2. Carefully pry the shift-lock override cover from the floor-shift console.
3. Insert the end of your ignition key into the slot and press down firmly.
4. Apply brake and move the shift lever into the NEUTRAL (N) position.
5. While maintaining brake application, start vehicle and move shift lever into the desired gear position.
6. Have the vehicle fixed as soon as possible.

If you are parking on a hill and you don't shift your transaxle into PARK (P) properly, the weight of the vehicle may put too much force on the parking pawl in the transaxle. You may find it difficult to pull the shift lever out of PARK (P). This is called "torque lock."

To prevent torque lock, set the parking brake and then shift into PARK (P) properly before you leave the driver's seat. To find out how, see Shifting Into Park . When you are ready to drive, move the shift lever out of PARK (P) before you release the parking brake.

If torque lock does occur, you may need to have another vehicle push yours a little uphill to take some of the pressure from the parking pawl in the transaxle, so you can pull the shift lever out of PARK (P).

If for some reason the shifter is not released when you apply the brake, or if service or towing requires the car to be shifted out of Park (P) without running the engine, turn the ignition key to the ACCESSORY (ACC) position.

Apply the regular brakes and then shift to NEUTRAL (N). The vehicle may now be operated normally.