Running Your Engine While
You’re Parked
It’s better not to park with the engine running. But if
ever have to, here are some things to
know.
Idling the engine with the air system control
off
could allow dangerous exhaust into your vehicle
(see
the earlier Caution under “Engine Exhaust”).
Also, idling in a closed-in place can let deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) into your vehicle even if
the fan switch is
at
the highest setting. One place
this can happen is
a
garage. Exhaust
--
with
CO
--
can come in easily. NEVER park in
a
garage with the engine running.
Another closed-in place can be
a
blizzard. (See
“Blizzard” in the Index.)
It can be 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’ve 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).
If you have four-wheel drive and your transfer case is in
NEUTRAL
(N),
your vehicle will be free to roll, even
if
your shift lever
is
in PARK
(P).
So,
be sure the transfer
case
is
in a drive gear
--
not
in
NEUTRAL (N). Always
set
your parking brake. Follow the proper steps to be
sure your vehicle won’t move. See “Shifting Into
PARK (P)” in the Index.
If
you’re pulling a trailer, see “Towing
a
Trailer” in
the Index.
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