What is the reason for the clicking sound when shifting to P gear without the car being fully stopped?

[LaCharles]

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.

[ORiley]

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.

[McJude]

The clicking sound indicates engaging the P gear before the car fully stops. This happens when the parking pawl forcibly engages with the gear while the vehicle is moving, creating noise and potentially damaging the transmission. I believe improper operation is the main cause, such as hastily shifting gears when parking on a slope. The potential risks are significant; ignoring them may dull or break the pawl, leading to increased transmission noise or even failure to engage gears. It's recommended to follow a step-by-step parking procedure: after stopping, shift to N gear, engage the handbrake to ensure the car doesn't move, then shift to P gear and turn off the engine. This way, the pawl avoids impact and remains safer. Maintaining good habits can prevent malfunctions, save on costly repairs, and ensure safe driving for both you and your car.

[DiJustin]

I recognized the clicking sound as the result of shifting into P gear while the car was moving. The transmission's locking pawl only engages when the vehicle comes to a complete stop; otherwise, it forcefully snaps into the gear, creating noise. Prolonged exposure to this can lead to cumulative wear. This stems from common mistakes, such as shifting gears without fully pressing the brake when parking. Failure to correct this may result in a loose gearshift lever or transmission damage. It is recommended to ensure the car is fully stopped before shifting into P gear to prevent impact on the gears.