What Causes the Abnormal Noise When Shifting to P Gear Before the Vehicle Comes to a Complete Stop?
2 Answers
There are several reasons for the abnormal noise when shifting to P gear before the vehicle comes to a complete stop: 1. Shifting gear before the vehicle stops completely: When parking, the vehicle should first come to a complete stop before shifting the gear lever from D gear to P gear. If the vehicle is shifted to P gear before stopping completely, the P gear lock hook inside the transmission will hit the gear, producing a clunking sound. This operation can cause wear or even breakage of the lock hook, and in severe cases, it may lead to transmission failure. 2. Incorrect operation sequence when parking on a slope: For automatic transmission models, the P gear relies on the lock hook to engage the gear and keep the vehicle stationary. When parking on a slope, the handbrake should be engaged first before shifting to P gear, allowing the handbrake to bear the vehicle's sliding force. If P gear is engaged before the handbrake, the sliding force of the vehicle will be entirely borne by the P gear lock hook, causing tension between the lock hook and the gear. In this case, shifting from P gear to other gears will produce a noise. 3. Malfunction in the gearshift mechanism: Many automatic transmission models with gear levers actually rely on mechanical structures for gear shifting. Over time or due to corrosion, the connecting parts of the gearshift mechanism can become loose or stuck, resulting in noise when shifting gears. 4. Wear and tear of transmission gears: The transmission is a precision component, and the gears are the most indicative of this. The meshing of transmission gears is extremely tight, leaving no room for any gaps. However, because of this tight meshing, wear and tear are inevitable. Over time, larger gaps will form between the gear teeth, causing noise when shifting gears.
I've encountered this situation before too, where I hastily shifted into P gear before the car had completely stopped, resulting in a series of clicking noises. This mainly happens because engaging P gear while the vehicle is still moving forces the parking lock mechanism to forcibly engage with the transmission gears, causing a hard metal-on-metal impact and noise. Repeatedly operating the vehicle this way can accelerate wear on the parking pawl and gears, and even damage internal transmission components, potentially leading to increased repair costs. I recommend developing the habit of firmly pressing the brake when parking, waiting until the vehicle speed drops to zero before shifting into P gear. This approach is both quieter and better for the vehicle. Additionally, it's important to regularly check the condition of the transmission fluid. If abnormal noises occur frequently, it's best to have a professional shop conduct a comprehensive inspection to prevent minor issues from turning into major problems. Safety comes first, so it's better to be patient with your operations.
