Buick Enclave: Running the Vehicle While Parked
It is generally better not to park with the engine running. A running engine can create safety risks if the vehicle is in an enclosed or poorly ventilated area, if the transmission is not fully secured in P (Park), or if the vehicle is left unattended. However, if you ever must keep the engine running while parked, it is important to understand the precautions that help protect occupants, people nearby, and the vehicle itself.
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 .
Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous because it has no color, odor, or taste. Do not run the engine inside a garage, workshop, building, enclosed parking area, or any location where fresh air is limited. Even if a door is open, exhaust gases can collect and move into the cabin or nearby enclosed spaces.
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. The shift lever should be fully in P (Park), the parking brake should be firmly set, and the vehicle should be checked before the driver leaves the seat. This is important on level ground and even more important on hills, driveways, ramps, or uneven surfaces.
See Shifting Into Park .
If parking on a hill and pulling a trailer, see Driving Characteristics and Towing Tips . Trailer weight can place extra force on the vehicle and may increase the need for careful parking procedures. When the Buick Enclave is parked with added load or towing equipment, always secure it deliberately before exiting.
