I've got a 5AT and when shifting from Park to Drive on a slope (doesn't matter if it's uphill or downhill), it shifts *really* roughly and loudly. The car pysically shakes. I've got no problems when shifting on relatively flat ground.

Has anybody experienced this sort of behavior?
Does anybody know what might be wrong here?

 

are you using the ebrake? are u pulling it up high enough? it sounds like the car is resting on the tranny when its parked on the slope. try pulling the ebrake up next time before you shift the car into park. that way the ebrake is holding the car in place and not the tranny.

 

Yep - I do this on my wife's van ...

1) Come to a complete stop.
2) With foot brake applied shift to Neutral
3) Set e-brake fully
4) Release foot brake until car rocks to stop on e-brake
5) Shift to Park

Now when you shift back to drive or reverse no clunkage (and much better for your tranny). Works like a champ every time ...

 

If you saw how small the pin is that locks the transmission in place when you put it in park you would use the e-brake all the time. It is pretty easy to shear if you park on a steep hill without using the brake.

 

The strange thing is that I never had a problem with my Passat on slopes. And before that, I was in Chicago, so there aren't many slopes there. (I'm in hilly San Francisco now)

Thanks for all the responses, I will be sure to use my e-brake in these situations.