Running the Vehicle While Parked

It is better not to park with the engine running. But if you ever have to, here are some things to know.

WARNING!
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed area with poor ventilation is dangerous. Engine exhaust may enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust contains Carbon Monoxide (CO) which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness and even death. Never run the engine in an enclosed area that has no fresh air ventilation.
For more information, see Engine Exhaust.

WARNING!
It can be dangerous to get out of the vehicle if the automatic transmission shift lever is not fully in P (Park) with the parking brake firmly set. The vehicle can roll.
Do not leave the 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 the vehicle will not move, even when you are on fairly level ground, always set the parking brake and move the shift lever to P (Park).

Follow the proper steps to be sure the vehicle will not move.

See Shifting Into Park.

If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips.

    See also:

    Instrument Panel Illumination Control
    (Instrument Panel Brightness): This feature controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights and is located next to the exterior lamps control. Push the knob to extend out and then it ca ...

    Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA)
    If available, the Side Blind Zone Alert system is a lane changing aid that assists drivers with avoiding crashes that occur with vehicles in the side blind zones. WARNING SBZA does not detect ...

    SERVICE PARKING ASSIST
    This message displays if there is a problem with the Ultrasonic Rear Parking Assist (URPA) system. Do not use this system to help you park. See Ultrasonic Parking Assist for more information. ...