What is the reason for the clicking sound when shifting to P gear without the car being fully stopped?
2 Answers
The reason for the clicking sound when shifting to P gear without the car being fully stopped is a fault in the locking mechanism. Automatic gear shifting: Automatic transmission cars have protection and interlock mechanisms for gear shifting. If you accidentally shift from D gear to R gear or P gear while driving, it can be dangerous. However, you can freely switch between D gear and N gear, even while driving. Do not coast in neutral: Coasting in neutral with an automatic transmission car does not save fuel. Prolonged coasting in neutral can lead to insufficient oil pressure in the hydraulic lines of the automatic transmission, which not only increases friction and reduces lubrication but also damages the friction plates inside the automatic transmission.
I've been driving for a while and often encounter the issue where owners shift into P gear before the car comes to a complete stop, hearing a clicking sound. This is mainly because the parking pawl in the automatic transmission engages with the moving gear, producing a click when forcibly locked. The transmission is designed to shift into P gear only when the car is completely stationary. If the car is still moving, the pawl forcibly impacts the gear, leading to component wear or even deformation. I've seen many people think this is normal, but over time it can damage the transmission locking mechanism, resulting in costly repairs and affecting driving safety. Developing good habits is crucial. When parking, make sure the car is completely stopped, keep the brake pedal pressed, and then shift into P gear to avoid this issue, prolong the vehicle's lifespan, and save on repair costs.