What Causes the Clicking Sound When Shifting Gears in an Automatic Transmission?
2 Answers
The reasons for the clicking sound when shifting gears in an automatic transmission are: 1. Issues with the generator gear; 2. Large valve clearance and poor lubrication when the engine is cold; 3. Transmission failure; 4. The car was not completely stopped when shifting gears. Precautions for shifting gears in an automatic transmission car: 1. Do not press the accelerator pedal when shifting gears; 2. Do not press the accelerator pedal hard after engaging a gear; 3. The vehicle can only be started in P or N gear; 4. The brake must be pressed to remove the gear lever from P gear; 5. Do not shift into N gear while driving to coast; 6. Do not push into P gear while the car is moving; 7. When changing the direction of travel, switching between D and R gears must be done after the vehicle has come to a complete stop; 8. Placing the gear in N while driving prevents the oil pump from supplying oil normally for lubrication, which can cause the temperature of internal transmission components to rise and lead to damage.
Every time I shift into automatic gear and hear a clicking sound, I figure it's mostly the gear locking mechanism at work, like the mechanical claw clicking into place when shifting from P to R gear, which is normal. However, if the sound is too loud or changes pitch, it might be due to internal gear wear, low transmission fluid, or rusted wiring causing noise. Long-term neglect can damage the clutch or even lead to breakdowns, so I regularly check fluid levels and shift feel to ensure no loose parts. I’ve developed the habit of coming to a complete stop before shifting to reduce impact damage. Older cars are more prone to such issues—if accompanied by shaking or difficulty shifting, it’s best to get it checked at a repair shop.