Q: Transmission or transfer case grinding when shifting from park to drive/reverse. Truck jerks with it.

asked by on February 15, 2018

When shifting from park to drive/park to reverse either the transmission or transfer case makes a loud binding/grinding sound for about 4 seconds and causes the vehicle to jerk slightly. Vehicle drives and shifts perfectly through all hears. Only a problem when shifting from park to drive.. Checked u joints and Cvs both are fine. This issue started up due to me parking my truck on a steep decline. After When I shifted into drive and hit the gas the transmission didn't shift immediately and the engined rpm'd at 4000 then finally jumped into gear very hard. (If that helps) Have had problem ever since.

My car has 108000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is hard to shift Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Be sure the fluid level is correct. Low (or high) fluid will cause all kinds of transmission malfunctions. If the fluid level is OK, check the bottom of the transmission oil pan (inc. magnet, if installed) and the filter screen for metal particles. If you were parked on an incline, it’s possible that shifting out of park damaged the parking pawl but such wouldn’t necessarily explain the delayed shifting. If you are presently experiencing delayed movement (delayed shifting into drive), that is either a hydraulic control fault (valve body, passages, etc.) or is due to a fault in a clutch pack/clutch piston. External pressure tests can provide some clues. When you shift into drive, a specified pressure should be achieved at the test port on a pressure gauge (or viewable on a scan tool). The exact cause of what you are describing is only going to be determined in an on-site diagnostic, but if you find metal in the pan or suspended in the fluid (the grinding noise is not a good sign), the usual advice is to remove the transmission and refurbish it. If you request a transmission shift diagnostic, the responding certified mechanic will pinpoint the fault and explain your repair options. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic because we want you to make the most of your repair dollars and help you to get the best possible results.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Why Does the Air From My Air Conditioner Smell Bad?
Algae or Mold Growth The source of the smell (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-does-the-air-coming-through-my-ac-vents-smell-bad) from your vehicle's heating and air conditioning system is the result of mold and or algae growth around the evaporator and the evaporator drain. When the growth of mold and...
What does the amber Check Engine Light mean
The amber Check Engine Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. When this light illuminates, there is a problem with either the engine control system, the throttle control system, or the electronic automatic transmission control system. Your vehicle should...
Steering wheel makes noise in a 2006 Infiniti M35
A noise when turning the wheel can be caused by a wide variety of problems. I would recommend having the vehicle driven and inspected by a knowledgable technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to determine the exact cause of the...
Bad gas in car
It is possible that the gas has gone bad. When gas goes bad it can turn into a gooey mess. This will clog up your fuel system and cause you to not have fuel for the engine to run. The...
Car starts, but dies
If you read your owners manual there is a special procedure to follow after a battery is disconnected or replaced. It's needed to relearn the idle and throttle procedure. If the procedure is not done, then it may take a...
Car sporadically idle high & runs around 1500 RPMS
Hi there. The most common causes of this on your vehicle are either a bad idle control valve (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/idle-control-valve-replacement), a dirty or failing throttle body (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-body-replacement), or a vacuum leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/is-it-safe-to-drive-with-a-vacuum-leak). It is very common for the engine to have...
Wonky cruise control and rough idle on low gear D
Hello. P0770 (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0770-obd-ii-trouble-code-shift-solenoid-e-malfunction-by-logan-utsman) is the code for a lock up torque converter shift solenoid malfunction. The lock up torque converter shift solenoid controls the fluid pressure of the torque converter, and the rate and timing at which it locks up....
Check brake system
Hi There, This may suggest that your brake pads are worn and due to be replaced or that you have a leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-fluid-is-leaking-inspection) somewhere in your brake hydraulic system. The brake reservoir has a sensor inside that detects when the...
When I shift from drive to reverse or vice versa it makes a clunking noise. 1997 Land Rover Discovery
Hi there - the clunking noise you hear from shifting forward-to-reverse (or vv), is the result of a small amount of wear and loose motion in the driveline. This could be a worn u-joint (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-universal-joint-u-joint), differential gears, or splined coupling...

Related articles

2012 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Dodge Charger: Which One Should I Buy?
Technically these two vehicles have wildly different classifications: compact for the Ford Mustang and large car for the Dodge Charger. However, who would consider either one anything other than a muscle car? These cars are meant for speed, fun, and...
2012 Toyota Sienna vs. 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan: Which One Should I Buy?
The battle of the minivans: Toyota Sienna versus the Dodge Grand Caravan. Both of these comfy people-movers provide options galore, and the minivan is meant to get everyone where they need to go safely and quickly, at a reasonable cost...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Dog Trainer
If If you are a dog trainer, you expect a lot from your vehicle. You want a ride that is safe, roomy, and of course, dog friendly, since your training operation will often mean that you need to transport the...