What to do when the gear shows R while actually in P?
3 Answers
If the gear shows R while actually in P, it is recommended to focus on checking the gear shift mechanism, as there may be an issue with the linkage or the gear position switch. Below is an extended explanation: 1. Explanation of gear position display error on the dashboard: If the gear is not shifted into P from another position, the vehicle's computer will assume there is a gear engaged, as the programmed starting positions are P or N. The vehicle cannot start in any other gear, and the key cannot be removed. 2. Disadvantages of gear position display on the dashboard: Having gear position indicators on the dashboard can be distracting, as the driver needs to check both the gear position and the dashboard.
I've encountered this situation too, where the car is clearly in P gear but the dashboard shows R gear. First, don't panic, try turning off the engine and restarting it. If the display is still abnormal, slowly switch gears back and forth a few times to give the sensors in the gear shift mechanism some buffer time. Last time, my friend's Magotan had the same issue, and after repeatedly shifting gears a few times, the display returned to normal. If the problem persists, it's likely an issue with the gear position sensor or the signal contact of the shift linkage. It's recommended to go to a professional repair shop as soon as possible to check the fault codes with a diagnostic computer. Don't try to disassemble the transmission parts yourself, as it's easy to damage the electronic system. The repair cost for such faults is probably a few hundred dollars.
When encountering this kind of gear display disorder, my first reaction is to check the shift mechanism. First, completely power off the vehicle for five minutes to reset the system, then get in the car and repeatedly operate the gear lever multiple times. If the display is still incorrect, there's a high probability that the micro switch inside the gear lever assembly is worn out—this little thing is responsible for transmitting gear signals to the ECU. I once fixed an old Camry with this exact issue; replacing the original sensor cost over 300 yuan. Also, pay attention to checking if the shift cable under the chassis is stuck. Once, after rain, my car had signal confusion due to a rusty cable. If you really can't figure it out, find a professional mechanic to read the transmission data stream with a decoder.
