Why is shifting from P to R gear so tight?
2 Answers
There are two possible reasons. The first is that the car was parked on an uneven surface, and the gear was directly shifted to P before turning off the engine, and then the handbrake was applied. After the engine was turned off, the vehicle moved, causing the P gear to become overly engaged. The correct method should be: stop the car, shift to N gear, apply the handbrake, turn off the engine, and then shift to P gear. The second possibility is that if none of the above operations were problematic, it may be a transmission malfunction. Below are common transmission faults: 1. Oil leakage: Oil seeps from the transmission housing or oil pan, which could be due to aging seals causing poor sealing or manufacturing defects leading to porosity in the housing. 2. Engine stalling when shifting: The engine stalls when shifting to D or R gear, which might be caused by a faulty lock-up solenoid valve or a stuck lock-up control valve. 3. Gear lock-up: Incorrect input or output signals from the transmission or issues with components or wiring may cause this. Sometimes, communication problems between the transmission computer and other system computers can also lead to this issue. 4. No response when shifting: After shifting to D or R gear and releasing the brake, the vehicle does not move. This is often due to damage to the input shaft or reverse clutch, or a faulty D/R brake. 5. Abnormal noises: Unusual sounds from the transmission area while driving are usually caused by worn parts or improper installation of the transmission.
I've noticed that the issue of difficulty shifting from P to R gear is quite common, especially after encountering it several times over more than a decade of driving. This is usually because the car is parked on a slope, and the automatic transmission has an anti-roll lock. If you shift gears before the car comes to a complete stop, it can get stuck and become stiff. This might be related to rust or lack of lubrication in the linkage under the gear lever, and component wear over time can also worsen the situation. I recommend always pressing firmly on the brake, confirming that the dashboard shows the correct position, and then shifting gears slowly. If parked on a slope, try to engage the handbrake tightly to reduce pressure and avoid forcing the shift, which could damage the transmission. During regular maintenance, check the transmission fluid and replace it periodically to minimize issues. Small problems like this, if not addressed promptly, could lead to higher repair costs later. It's best to fix it early for peace of mind while driving.
