Is the loud clicking sound when shifting to P gear a sign of damage?
2 Answers
Shifting to P gear with a loud clicking sound indicates damage. Engaging P gear while the vehicle is moving can cause minor issues like rapid gear wear or abnormal noises in the transmission, or severe problems such as damage or complete failure of the transmission and drivetrain components. An automatic transmission typically refers to a car's automatic gear-shifting mechanism, where the transmission control system automatically selects the appropriate gear based on engine speed and load during driving, replacing the driver's subjective judgment and manual shifting operations. Automatic transmissions use planetary gear mechanisms to change gears, automatically adjusting based on the degree of throttle pedal input and vehicle speed changes, allowing the driver to control the speed simply by operating the accelerator pedal.
When I used to drive an automatic transmission car, I often encountered a clicking sound when shifting into P mode. At first, I thought it was broken and was quite worried. Later, a veteran driver friend told me that this is mostly not a sign of damage, but a normal phenomenon. There is a parking lock mechanism inside the automatic transmission. When you press the button to shift into P mode, this mechanism locks the gears, producing a sound similar to the click of a door lock. The main reason is that the car hasn’t completely stopped or the brake isn’t fully pressed when you rush to shift gears, causing the gears to not fully engage and making that sound. If it happens every time, I suggest ensuring the wheels are completely still and pressing the brake all the way down before shifting next time. A few occasional occurrences are fine, but doing this frequently can accelerate component wear and may shorten the transmission’s lifespan in the long run. If the sound becomes louder or is accompanied by other unusual movements, such as difficulty shifting or car shaking, then it’s time to go to the repair shop to check the transmission fluid and internal components. Don’t take it lightly!
