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:

    Compass Calibration
    The compass can be manually calibrated. Only calibrate the compass in a magnetically clean and safe location, such as an open parking lot, where driving the vehicle in circles is not a dange ...

    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
    Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This legal identifier is in the front corner of the instrument panel, on the left side of the vehicle. It can be seen through the windshield from outside ...

    Dinghy Towing
    Front-wheel—drive and all-wheel-drive vehicles may be dinghy towed from the front. These vehicles can also be towed by placing them on a platform trailer with all four wheels off of the ground. F ...