Why is shifting from P to R gear very tight?
2 Answers
The reason why shifting from P to R gear is very tight is due to incorrect parking methods: Before the last parking and engine shutdown, because the engine was still running, when the owner shifted from D or R gear to P gear, they had to pass through R gear, which caused the gears to jam. Therefore, when the owner needs to move out of P gear again, it becomes very tight. Solutions for tight shifting from P to R gear: 1. Press the brake to stop, keep the brake pressed, shift from D to N gear, then engage the handbrake with the left foot, release the right foot brake, shift from D to P gear, turn off the engine, and exit the vehicle; 2. When driving, press the foot brake, start the engine, and shift gears to solve the issue. The correct method for parking an automatic transmission car is: 1. Press the brake to slow down and stop; 2. After stopping completely, shift into N gear; 3. Tighten the handbrake; 4. Release the foot brake and confirm the vehicle is stable; 5. Press the foot brake again, shift into P gear, and turn off the engine.
I'm a new driver who just got my license. When I was driving my friend's automatic car, I found it particularly difficult to shift from P to R. It took me several tries to figure it out. The main reason was that I didn't firmly press the brake pedal when parking, as automatic cars are designed to require the brake to be fully pressed before shifting to protect the transmission. Another possibility is that I was too impatient and tried to shift before the car came to a complete stop, causing the P gear to lock the transmission. There's also the issue of aging transmission fluid; dirty or low fluid levels can make shifting less smooth, just like a rusty bicycle chain. My suggestion is to always ensure the car is fully stopped and the brake is firmly pressed before shifting, and to regularly check the fluid level and clean around the gear lever. If the problem persists, it's best to have a professional check it out to prevent further damage.