What is the reason for the loud noise when shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop?
2 Answers
The reason for the loud noise when shifting to P gear before the car comes to a complete stop is: the mechanical impact sound between the automatic transmission and the parking gear, which puts considerable pressure on the transmission's locking function. At this time, the transmission gears have not yet stopped working, and directly shifting into the parking gear can easily damage the gears. The car's gears are divided into: 1. P gear is the parking gear, also the starting gear; 2. R gear is the reverse gear; 3. N gear is the neutral gear; 4. D gear is the drive gear, also known as the forward gear; 5. L gear is the low-speed gear; 6. S gear is the sports mode. The correct parking steps are: 1. After the car comes to a complete stop, shift the gear to N gear; 2. After pulling up the handbrake, push the gear to P gear, and then you can turn off the engine.
I used to encounter this issue frequently while driving, and it was really annoying. Shifting into P gear before the car came to a complete stop would result in a loud 'bang' sound, which was quite unsettling. Essentially, this happens because the parking pawl inside the automatic transmission tries to lock the gear while the car is still moving, causing a harsh collision between the pawl and the gear—like forcing something into place, resulting in that loud noise. If this is done repeatedly, it could damage internal transmission components, such as the gear ring or drive shaft, leading to expensive repairs. I've developed a habit of braking firmly to a full stop and ensuring the car is completely stationary before shifting gears. This not only protects the transmission but also extends the vehicle's lifespan. Additionally, extra caution is needed when parking on slopes, as inertia makes this issue more likely to occur. In short, careful driving habits can save you from costly repairs down the road.
