[asianlegend]

This last weekend, while every other SoCal person probably went to the SoCal Meet, I was up in San Jose taking my girl up to San Jose State for some exam. When I dropped her off, I put the car in park and about 15 seconds later, felt this large thump and noticed that the RPM gauge had dropped to the regular park position. I suspect that the car when I shifted into Park, it wasn't really in Park.

Does anyone have any clue of what could have been the problem? Is it some sort of adjustment that I need to do on the tranny?

The 15K drain and refill [no flush was done] was done at my 90K service (that 3K ago). The car works flawlessly even after that incident and before it. So, it was strange, because it hasn't happened since. Any worries?

 

[bigdad]

I wouldn't worry...the parking pawl probably just didn't mesh with the parking gear teeth...typically this doesn't happen, as even a slight movement of the main or countershaft will allow it to drop in and lock the car in Park. But circumstances were just right and it didn't immediately find the notch in the parking gear. There is spring tension on it and eventually the car rocked a bit as someone got in or out or moved around and that popped the pawl into place....nothing to get concerned about....probably will never happen again.

 

[asianlegend]

The strange thing was the only movement that could've triggered that was when I let go of the brake a bit, realized I moved, pressed it again, and thump the noise.

I've never had this problem in any other car with an automatic, so, that's why is surprised me so much. I was afraid, I'd be limping home to be back in time for Father's Day Dinner!

I wouldn't worry...the parking pawl probably just didn't mesh with the parking gear teeth...typically this doesn't happen, as even a slight movement of the main or countershaft will allow it to drop in and lock the car in Park. But circumstances were just right and it didn't immediately find the notch in the parking gear. There is spring tension on it and eventually the car rocked a bit as someone got in or out or moved around and that popped the pawl into place....nothing to get concerned about....probably will never happen again.

 

[bigdad]

that pretty much is all it would take to move it off the high point on the parking gear and pop into place....you're cool. Worry about something else, cause this aint nothin'.

 

[asianlegend]

okeedokee!