Does anyone notice this?

ech0109@gmail.com · #1 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 01:18 AM

When you are in Park and then push the shift knob down it makes a huge "clunk" sound in the shifter ... not the transmission, but just at the base of the shift knob as if its almost stuck?

Everytime i do drop the shift from Park to reverse, or drive, it takes a bit of pressure and it sounds like something is about to break at the base. Its not smooth.

Anyone else having this issue?

s3av8r · #2 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 01:26 AM

I was going to say if it is in the transmission, then could be due to parking on an incline w/out using the parking brake. But, if it seems to be in the shifter mechanism itself then you should probably take it to the dealer for adjustment.

ech0109@gmail.com · #3 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 01:51 AM

So i take it everyone elses' is smooth when they shift downwards?

I live in FLorida. No inclines here.. just really big parking lots =)

006 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 02:01 AM

Mine does it too, but if you notice you have to pull the shifter towards you before you can take it out of park...I have found that there is a "sweet spot" somewhere in there that lets me shift out of park without that resistance. I can't do it every time, but on the times that have been smooth it's been in that "sweet spot". Not sure if that helps. Wondering if I should take it to the dealer to check it out or not. Doesn't really bother me that much though.

~006

5.7texan · #5 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 02:19 AM

hmmm i get that clunkin noise to but i have the habit of setting the parkin brake on before i shift into park and it wont click in... wonder if that is bad?

bigjokerinthebox66 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 03:11 AM

I get that clunk when I throw it in reverse on an incline and when I let off the brake when putting it in park. Here's what I dont understand, it's worse on the CM.

Maybe I should take it to the dealer

07DCwhiteSR5 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 03:20 AM

i get weird grinding noises when i shift into reverse from drive at about 40mph....JK. actually i dont have any noises in mine...at least not that ive noticed...

TheBlueDemon · #8 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 06:04 AM

have you tried pressing the break first and then putting it in gear? i'm thinking that this is a saftey feature to not allow the shifter to slip out of park/gear at random. just a thought!

VIP-01 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 06:40 AM

I always set my parking brake prior to taking my foot off the brake pedal when I park my truck. This puts the weight of the truck on the brakes and not the transmission. Plus, a huge tip is to put the tranny in reverse for a couple seconds instead of sliding the shifter all the way up to park. You'll feel the tranny go into reverse, then you can go to park. This will eliminate all the stress of the weight of the truck being placed in between park and reverse. Use your parking brake and let the truck shift into reverse prior to placing the shifter in park. This will prevent that clunking noise and any damage it will cause.

RPRacing · #10 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 08:42 AM

but what will the parking brake do that the foot brake will not do? As long as you fully engage the foot brake, you should be good to go. I havent noticed a clunking, but now i'll keep an ear out for it.

Targamond · #11 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 10:32 AM

*LMAO* at VIP-01!!! You need to break the stagnant mindset related to non-computerized vehicles (what your actions take into consideration). Computerized vehicles control the shift program and have parameters that remove the risk of an idiot driver damaging the tranny by abuse or stupidity. Ex - Try shifting into Reverse or Park while the truck in a forward motion.

Pressing the brake before shifting out of Park (as most vehicles require) gives me a nice smooth shift every time (07 TRD DC Limited 5.7L Standard Bed).

ech0109@gmail.com · #12 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 11:56 AM

well DUH i know to hold my brake down.

I dont use my parking break with the truck. I live in Florida and never have any inclines or declines to park on. I think i'll start doing that again and see whats up.

Its a brand new truck and regardless if I used my parking break or not, it prolle shouldnt make a huge clunk when i put it in reverse.

I just drive it like it should be driven and dont do anything crazy with it. But it still sticks out when it goes "CLUNK" whenever I'm going from park to reverse or whatnot.

Sanosuke · #13 (**permalink**) 03-19-2008, 12:31 PM

Its normal.. mine does it as well.

I just learn how to keep the brake down longer while shifting through the "gate" that keeps the shifter in P while you're out of the truck. I know this is just like the "P" gate on the dash shifter which keeps you from shifting out of "P" without using the brake.

Sanosuke!

VIP-01 · #14 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 09:03 AM

TARGAMOND, I'm not sure what you mean by "stagnant mindset related to non-computerized vehicles''. What I was talking about is the simple mechanics of the gears inside these transmissions and the stress put on them when the truck is put in and out of gear. I know automatic trannys are computer controlled but do not know what point you're trying to make with your reply. To me what you were saying is that the computer will provide a smooth shift out of park no matter what and that doesn't make sense if there's anykind of stress on the reverse gear.

Targamond · #15 (**permalink**) 03-20-2008, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VIP-01

TARGAMOND, I'm not sure what you mean by "stagnant mindset related to non-computerized vehicles''. What I was talking about is the simple mechanics of the gears inside these transmissions and the stress put on them when the truck is put in and out of gear. I know automatic trannys are computer controlled but do not know what point you're trying to make with your reply. To me what you were saying is that the computer will provide a smooth shift out of park no matter what and that doesn't make sense if there's anykind of stress on the reverse gear.

My apologies for that wording, as it speaks negatively toward you - not my intention.

The point I was making about the precise control via the ECM/ECU is there are no mechanical ties from the shifter to the gearbox (as on older vehicles) that creates gearbox stresses. Granted, anytime metal contacts metal there will be stress applied, but as long as the metal is contructed of the proper material, tolerances exacting, and quality assembly applied there should be little to no room for 'gearbox slop' = the gears engage smoothly in a fluid-filled bath (tranny oil). I am not sure of the timing sequence, but if you are simply pulling the electronically-controlled shifter from Park into a forward-motion gear, then Reverse has no play in the process. The Reverse gear is only engaged when you pause in that preset position.

*I failed to mention, the clutches within the A/T actually manage any transitional stressing forces associated with gear selection and the sort. Just as a fact - my mother's husband (not my dad) is an ASE Master Mechanic and intructor/dept head of an Automotive college, so I get some insight from him on things I would otherwise know nothing about.