What causes the abnormal noise when shifting to P gear?
2 Answers
The abnormal noise when shifting to P gear may be caused by the sound of gear engagement. Below is relevant information: Automatic transmission gear positions: P gear is the parking gear, used for long-term parking of the vehicle; R gear is the reverse gear, engaged when the vehicle is moving backward; N gear is the neutral gear, used when the vehicle is parked for a short time without turning off the engine; D gear is the drive gear; S gear is the sport mode, making the vehicle drive more sportily; L gear is the low gear. Automatic transmission: As the name suggests, an automatic transmission does not require the driver to manually shift gears. The vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission vehicles have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L.
I've been driving for over a decade and have also experienced strange noises when shifting to P gear. The first time it happened was when parking on a steep slope - a loud click startled me. Later I learned this is usually caused by wear in the transmission's locking mechanism or poor gear engagement, especially common in older vehicles. Improper operation can also trigger noises, like shifting to P before the car fully stops, or when automatic transmission fluid gets dirty and loses lubrication. My advice is to immediately check transmission fluid condition when hearing abnormal sounds, adding new fluid or replacing if necessary. Long-term neglect can turn minor issues into major repairs. Develop the habit of shifting gears only after the car fully stops - this protects the transmission. Regular maintenance helps detect problems early, saving significant trouble and expense, because safe driving is ultimately what matters most.