Clunking Sound When Shifting From Park to Drive

[SullyJ]

I back my car park into my driveway which was a very mild incline (front of car would be slightly lower than rear). I place my foot on the brake pedal before shifting from "park" to "drive" but always hear a concerning "clunk". This never occurs on flat surfaces. I got the car at 12K miles as an inheritance and it has been doing this since I got it.
Could it possibly be engine mounts? Again, issue doesn't occur on flat surfaces.

 

[bbf2530]

I back my car park into my driveway which was a very mild incline (front of car would be slightly lower than rear). I place my foot on the brake pedal before shifting from "park" to "drive" but always hear a concerning "clunk". This never occurs on flat surfaces. I got the car at 12K miles as an inheritance and it has been doing this since I got it.
Could it possibly be engine mounts? Again, issue doesn't occur on flat surfaces.

Hi SullyJ. First, check the transmission fluid level and top off if needed.
How many miles on your Continental? If above 30,000, I would recommend you have the transmission fluid drained/flushed/replaced (if not performed previously). It does not need to be a “power flush”. Just a 1 for 1 flush replacement.

Those would be my initial recommendations. If the fluid level is good and/or a fluid replacement does not help, then a service visit may be necessary.

I’m sure others will also jump in to help, so keep us updated and good luck.

 

[batchman]

I have noticed the "park pawl" in my same-transmission 50k-mile car can give a concerning clunk with any load (incline). I use the parking brake every time before putting it in park, no more clunk.

GL,
- Jeff

 

[pboehmer]

You didn't mention if the car was AWD or not. Does the car also "clunk" when going from reverse to drive or vice-versa? It could be worn u-joints in your drive shaft. I realize that at 12k, this seems way too early for that kinda of wear, but if previous driver had a habit on going from reverse to drive without stopping, it could account for that kind of wear and tear.

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[Dwurz]

If I set the parking brake before putting the transmission in park, my cars will not clunk.
Conversely, when starting the car, I always take the transmission out of park before releasing the parking brake.

There is slack in all car drive trains. Putting the transmission in park on a grade allows the car to roll a bit until the parking pawl stops the car.

Setting the parking brake first locks the wheels and will not allow the car to roll against the parking brake pawl.

If I just press the foot brake pedal before setting the parking brake it will get that clunk.

Hope this info helps.

Richard
2020 Continental