Hey all,

I wanted your opinion. My tranny always makes an audible clunk when shifting into R, I can also feel a knock. Doesn't matter when, cold or hot weather, morning, or after a long ride. My tranny was rebuilt about 1 year ago. I check my fluid regularly. My front and side mounts were changed in July and my rear just a few days ago. Also, I know it's not the mounts since it doesnt jump when stepping on the gas in R with brake on. My mounts are perfect, brand new. My transmission mounts have yet to be changed, but I honestly doubt one of them is the culprit.

I am leaning towards the transmission oil pressure switch, but on the other hand, I have another small issue where the transmission gives me a small nudge when driving very slow and shifting between the 3rd and 4th. That nudge, or small hiccup only is felt when driving super slow but fast enough for the tranny to switch gears.

I went to a mechanic that rebuilds all transmissions for the local acura dealer and he never mentionned the pressure switches, he said that jump between 3rd and 4th is probably caused by a linear valve solenoid. I also never mentionned to him my clunk problem in R so hes basing his diagnostic solely on the 3 to 4 jump.

What do you guys think, could it be 2 separate problems? or both problems cause by pressure switches, or valve solenoids?

Here is a video I just made:

 

Reverse clunk is normal, slight nudge also somewhat normal to an extent. Pressure switch + 3x3 ATF drain and fill can help a bit but at very low speeds if I force the car to switch gears it happens no matter what. As long as the nudge is not earth shattering, you're fine.

 

The R clunk was never an issue except when parked on a non-level ground. This started a few months back, i just never paid attention to it.

As for the nudge, it also started a few months after my tranny was rebuilt. Long story short, I'm suing the garage where they did my tranny because they were careless about many things, one being a ATF leak that lasted months and even after 4 follow ups, they were never able to fix the leak. By the time i sent them a formal notice of legal action and gave them one more chance to fix the leak, without success, I went to the dealer just in time to see how little oil was left. The subcontractor that rebuilds transmissions for Acura agreed that the leak jeopardized the thousands I put to rebuild the tranny, and eventually, in a premature manner, problems will arise. And then, the nudge and R clunk were born. So yes, even if I win my lawsuit, I still keep a close eye on the transmission and want to address the problems asap.

 

It's most likely your parking pawl in your transmission. It's a common problem on our cars. Mine does is too, even when I'm on level ground. Fortunately it's not too bad of a problem other than being annoying. The only way to fix it is to open up your transmission.

To help with the clunk and put less wear on your pawl, use your emergency brake whenever you park before shifting into P and after shifting from P when you leave.

If your transmission mounts are worn, they will exaggerate the problem. Since you've changed your engine mounts, I would suspect the transmission mounts to be a bit worn too. Also, since you've already changed your engine mounts they will already be taking care of most of the engine movement, so it might not be as obvious if the transmission ones are moving. To test the transmission mounts, I think rather than stepping on the gas you'll seem more movement from shifting through the gears. Watch each mount specifically when shifting.