What causes the noise when shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop?
2 Answers
The reason for the noise when shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop is: friction between the parking gear and the parking pawl inside the transmission. Shifting to P gear before the car stops completely can cause the transmission to crack and wear out components. The P gear is the parking gear; it is engaged after the car stops to prevent movement. Precautions for automatic transmissions include: 1. Do not shift into P gear while driving; 2. After driving, the engine must be turned off and shifted into P gear before the key can be removed; 3. Do not shift into N gear to coast while driving; 4. When starting the vehicle in P or N gear, move the gear lever out of P gear while holding the brake, turn on the power, hold the brake, shift to N gear, and after ignition, shift to D gear to move forward directly; 5. When switching between N, D, and L gears, there is no need to press the shift button. When shifting from L gear to lower restricted gears, press the shift button, but shifting from lower to higher gears does not require pressing the shift button.
I've also encountered this situation while driving. If you shift into P gear before the car comes to a complete stop, it will make a clicking or creaking sound, mainly because the parking pawl in the transmission engages with the gear. When the car is still moving, the parking mechanism forcibly locks, causing mechanical collision noise. Over time, this can cause significant wear to the transmission and may lead to component damage. Now, I've developed the habit of waiting until the car is completely stopped, pausing for a second or two before shifting into P gear, which makes it much quieter. Paying more attention when parking and developing good habits can protect the car, extend the transmission's lifespan, and save you from repair troubles. Additionally, if this sound occurs frequently, it's advisable to check the transmission fluid or visit a repair shop for inspection. Early detection and treatment are key.