What causes a loud noise when shifting from P to R gear?
3 Answers
It is usually caused by a malfunction or blockage of the shift solenoid valve. Here are some precautions for gear shifting: Smoothness: After shifting into a new gear, release the clutch pedal promptly and smoothly. Accuracy: The coordination between the clutch pedal, accelerator pedal, and gear lever should be correct and harmonious, with precise positioning. Speed: The action should be quick to minimize the time spent shifting, reduce the loss of vehicle momentum, and lower fuel consumption. Timeliness: Master the appropriate timing for shifting—neither shifting up too early nor shifting down too late. Control speed before shifting: Shifting should be determined based on the vehicle speed. You can increase the speed before shifting up and decrease it before shifting down. It's important to note that when shifting down, to prevent mechanical wear, it's best to use the double-clutch method for downshifting.
I've been driving for years, and this issue is actually quite common. The loud clunking sound when shifting from P to R gear could be because your transmission gears aren't fully engaged, especially when parked on uneven ground or steep slopes where the vehicle's weight puts pressure on the drivetrain, making impact noises more likely. It might also happen if you don't press the brake pedal firmly enough during gear changes while the engine is still running at high speed, causing the input shaft to not completely stop, resulting in that jarring noise. Additionally, insufficient or aged transmission fluid leading to poor lubrication and increased friction can cause noises too - this requires immediate inspection. My advice: always park on level ground, ensure the brake is fully depressed before shifting gears, and regularly check transmission fluid and filters to avoid major repairs. If the noise becomes more frequent, have a mechanic inspect for gear or clutch wear. Paying attention to these details can save you significant money.
I also encountered this situation with my newly bought car. That time when I parked on a slope in front of my house, there was a sudden loud bang when shifting from P to R, which really startled me. Later I asked my friends, and they said it was mainly because the parking position was inclined, causing the transmission lock not to disengage, or maybe the handbrake wasn't tightened enough, allowing the car to roll slightly, resulting in a hard clash when shifting gears. Another possibility is that the automatic transmission mechanism is too old and loose, requiring some parts replacement, especially for older cars with over 100,000 kilometers. I've learned my lesson now - I always look for level ground when parking, make sure the car is completely stable before shifting gears, and have developed the habit of checking that the brake pedal is fully depressed. Although this kind of noise isn't always a major issue, ignoring it for too long could damage the transmission, which would be expensive to repair, so it's better to address it early.
